As we continue to get back into our groove from 2020, one things for certain and two things for sure - there’s no shortage of sneaker releases. While our access to some of the hottest releases continues to be a debatable topic of conversation, we are moving on as gracefully as possible to the next opportunity to cop some of the most coveted pairs. This year, there have been an abundance of sneakers hitting the e-shelves for women and men. We have been keeping a close radar on what brands are intentionally focused on in their design labs and beyond. All will play a part in more sneaker storytelling and the demand for versatility in what we like to call ‘SneakHER Culture’.

With that said, we are rounding up some of our favorite (and hottest) sneaker releases from 2021 thus far. We have listed some obvious popular picks, but also sprinkled in a sleeper or two. Sneaker lists are what you make them, however we are big proponents of wearing what you like regardless of the buzz around them. Let’s dive in, shall we?

15. Saysh One

Released: June 23, 2021

While the Saysh One rings in as the youngest shoe one this list (it was officially announced at the end of June and is now in its second pre-order round), it’s the story and the motivation behind this original design that make it one of our favorites so far this year. Created by 9-time Olympic medalist Allyson Felix, Saysh is a brand designed to “disrupt traditional athletic sponsorships” and prioritize Black maternal health while also providing more opportunities for women within the footwear and sports industries. After a tenuous split from longtime partner Nike after the brand failed to provide adequate support during her pregnancy, Felix brought in top-tier design talent (including former Nike innovator Tiffany Beers) to create Saysh.

The Saysh One is the first sneaker launched by the brand, was designed by Natalie Candrian, and specifically sculpted to fit the shape and form of the female foot. While the storytelling is impeccable, we also like this shoe because it’s aesthetically sound, arrives in three classic colorways, and rings in at a solid $150 price point.

14. Air Jordan 1 “University Blue”

Released: March 6, 2021

This classic made it’s return back in March and, if you’ve held it first hand, you know that it’s a sneaker worthy of the hype. From colorway to consistency, including premium materials, this AJ 1 was a pick up to be proud of.

13. Union x AJ 4 “Taupe Haze”

Released: June 20, 2021

We know, we know, we know. At this point, we’ve resonated ourselves to writing about Union releases as opposed to actually owning them. That said, the Union “Tent & Trail” pack was probably one of the harder releases to get this year (duh), yet, the “Taupe Haze” iteration remains on our mind thanks to a colorway and accents we’re obsessed with.

12. Jordan WMNS AJ 6 “Gold Hoops”

Released: July 1, 2021

You know we love a good pair of hoops, right? While we’re still trying to figure out where our personal tastes land on the shoelery trend, this AJ 6 “Gold Hoops” was initially a “maybe” — until we saw it on foot.

The premium materials combined with an all-white upper with gold accents and a barely rose hue on the panels and toe box, made this a stand out for us. While there’s no direct correlation to the 1991 Finals that inspired the 6, the women’s-exclusive was still a noteworthy release.

11. Reebok x Maison Margiela “Tabi”

Released: January 30, 2021

Not gonna lie, this one grew on us. Given the $300 price tag, we were initially on the fence. Add the atypical toe box and it was a hit or miss. Another on-foot gem, the Tabi lands on our list thanks to that toe box. The not-so-subtle, and incredibly significant, change to the original Reebok Classic made this an interesting head turner and one that was incredibly divisive on the opinion front. For us though, we love a good sneaker that pushes the reinvention of classic models. Mission accomplished.

10. Bricks x Woods x New Balance 57/40

Released: May 27, 2021

One thing we’ve consistently loved year after year is New Balance’s thoughtful brand collaboration strategy. For this 57/40, NB opted to keep creativity alive with their partnership with Black-owned South Central LA based brand, Bricks & Wood.

A sleeper for some, this refreshing take on the 57/40 silhouette reflected very well in both storytelling and design. We’re here for this one and more collabs with brands like Brick & Wood.

9. YEEZY 500 Enflame

Released: May 8, 2021

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: while we haven’t been on the Yeezy train in the past, we’re certainly liking what we’re seeing this year — enough to splurge on a pair or two, including this one.

8. WMNS Nike Dunk Low “Panda”

Released: March 10, 2021

In the massive wave of Dunk releases both last year and in 2021, the ladies have seen our fair share of WMNS exclusives. For us, versatility is one of the top factors when we talk sneaker buys and this Dunk is a classic that keeps on giving. From spring, through summer and fall, the “Panda” aka “Black/White” Dunk Low will get plenty of wear for its worth. If you missed out on all of the Dunks except for this one, count yourself blessed.

7. Nike x Sacai Vaporwaffle

Released: April 27, 2021

The Chitose Abe-helmed Sacai brand turned things up a notch for SS21, though, with a deconstructed Vaporwaffle that solidified it’s place thanks to two solid colorways. Following the four previous sacai x Nike VaporWaffle colorways (as well as the LDWaffle and Blazer Mid), the release of these in April made for an eye-catching AND multi-season sneaker. The “Sesame” and “Dark Iris” versions are slightly more fall-appropriate but remain favorites through this summer.

6. Nike Air Max 90 “Bacon”

Released: March 26, 2021

Air Max Day was an online affair this year with COVID-19 restrictions lingering, meaning more focus on the best Air Max retro that we’ve seen in recent years—this retro of the “Bacon” Air Max 90 from the now-shuttered New York City sneaker boutique Dave’s Quality Meat.

While retros on lists like this aren’t exactly doing anything daring or impressing us with new technology, releases like the “Bacon” Air Max 90 managed to be exciting upon its re-entry into the market this year as an iconic shoe with a solid story. It reminded us just how much sneakers have changed since the limited releases of 2005 and the Bacons initial debut. Decades later, this is still a solid shoe and the kind that new generations can also appreciate. We love a little bit of bacon.

5. Jordan WMNS MA-2 “Greatest Gift”

Released: March 19, 2021

Welcome to the top 5.

2020 was a year full of sock and Croc life for us so, post quarantine going-out-into-the-world shoes held a different significance in 2021. For us, the Jordan WMNS MA-2 was a sleeper that checked A LOT of boxes for us. While the “Greatest Gift” offering added a bit more appeal as it arrived right in time for Women’s History Month if we’re honest, it’s the feel of this silhouette for us — no matter the colorway. With a large Air Max unit incorporated in the heel and a slip-on easy fit, these have been a solid go-to for us all year (so far).

4. Jordan WMNS AJ 1 “Silver Toe”

Released: February 19, 2021

Never has there been such a solid influx of women’s exclusive Jordans. Within the last few years, the Jumpman has made good on their promises, expanding the aforementioned with very strong releases including this Air Jordan 1 “Silver Toe.”

Due mostly to its simplicity, the “Silver Toe” has remained solid in our rotation for the last 6 months. In terms of design, the colorway strikes a good balance between new and old, tweaking offerings like the “Bred Toe” with layers of silver metallic. Add the secondary metallic laces and you’ve got an AJ 1 that you can easily dress up, dress down, or rock with pretty much anything. You know we love a versatile baby.

3. Salehe Bembury x New Balance 2002R “Water Be The Guide”

Released: June 25, 2021

Is it way too early to cast these as top 3? We don’t think so. Is one of our favorite shoes of 2021 (so far) the same as one of our favorite shoes of 2020? No, it’s not deja vu — it’s just Salehe Bembury and New Balance running it back to perfection.

Salehe’s 2002R “Peace Be the Journey” was legit on my list of “things that got away” so much that I entertained a ridiculous resell price, now for “Water Be the Guide” this silhouette remains the same, yet, an entirely different story emerges. Inspired by the tones of Arizona’s Havasu Falls, not a single inch of space is wasted or taken for granted on this shoe and we can tell that Salehe added elements key to his own story. Add that Salehe himself tried to give as many people a chance to cop as possible, opening up his own mailing list to help people secure pairs, this drop lands right it should be on our list.

2. Jordan x Aleali May AJ 1 “Califia”

Released: April 26, 2021

Aleali May is fast becoming the heir-apparent at Jordan Brand and we’re living for it. After 5 releases, she hasn’t truly hit a wrong step yet and the “Califia” is yet another indication that she’s working towards a signature of her own.

If you haven’t gotten the hint, storytelling is key for us. Aleali’s focus was not only on women’s empowerment throughout the design process but, amplifying the stories of Black Queens — literally. The inspiration for the name is Califia, the Black queen who influenced the naming of Aleali’s home state of California. The homage continued with the rollout and an honoring of her drill team coach, Shanora Holloway, who imparted key elements of mentorship that, frankly, all of us need.

Long story short, the “Califia” continues Aleali’s history of deconstruction, utilizing top-tier materials, and telling new stories on classic silhouettes through color and key elements. We stan.

1. WMNS A Ma Maniere x AJ 3

Released: April 28, 2021

Very rarely do sneakers join the “shoe of the year” conversation before they even release but, the A Ma Maniére x Air Jordan 3 has it all and then some. It’s a premium, high-quality version of one of the best Jordans in an elegant colorway. It’s a product of one of the best stores (and one of the few Black owned boutiques) currently in brick and mortar, and it represents the vision of the store’s founder, James Whitner. But, for us, beyond the overall aesthetics, it’s also been one of the more accessible hyped sneakers of the year, thanks to solid intention on the part of James and his staff.

Serving as a thank-you note of sorts to his mother, the collaboration uses the first Jordan model Whitner owned growing up and recrafts it with a “raised by women” ethos in mind. The sneaker was released exclusively in ladies’ sizing, although a run up to size 16 meant (mostly) everyone could wear them. To cap the story off, A Ma Maniére released a “Raised by Women” video celebrating the role of women in Black families.

The leather and suede cuts on the shoe are among the nicest you’ll find on an Air Jordan 3, but it’s the intricate (and at times, hidden) details that make it truly special. The lining is draped in a quilted satin and the colors are neutral, mixing shades of grey with an amethyst-inspired mauve and cream. Bend back the TPU heel tabs and you’ll find two messages in Whitner’s mother’s own handwriting, and the lace aglets read “work harder,” a phrase inspired by a Whitaker Group mantra.

Still, it takes more than a great design and meaningful story to make the sneaker of the year (so far). What tied everything together was the sneaker’s rollout.  From the beginning, Whitner was adamant that he wanted the shoe to end up in the hands of people who really wanted it. With a raffle release specifically for women (ladies registered and were able to pay in-store for their sizes) and and additional SNKRS drop it’s safe to say he and his team succeeded. The collaboration had multiple releases in decently high quantities, and avoided the storied “backdoor” issues we’ve seen make massive waves this year. And, while it’s impossible to please everyone, A Ma Maniere showed the sneaker world that it is possible to elevate Black women, create solid releases for both men and women, and put shoes in the hands of real people. You’ll find no complaints from us.