As women who love sneakers (obvi), we're always on the lookout for like-minded ladies (and fellas) who share our sneaker enthusiasm. A variety of likes, shares, DMs, a YouTube interview, and various "Girlll, you cute! #SneakHerStyle" comments later, we've built a nice little kick community that is so supportive and always bringing amazing heat.

So, in honor of the 4th of July holiday, we thought it would be cool to do something a little bit different. While we're always here for 4th of July sale posts, those can get a little redundant and aren't nearly as personal as getting a peak inside someone's carefully curated collection. We tapped a few members of our sneaker tribe (4 guys and 4 girls - one being me because this idea came up a bit last minute and it gives me an excuse to shout my beloved Cortez to the mountain tops, again. LOL!) to compile a list of the 8 sneakers we salute. The reasons are varied, but the sentiment remains the same: there are some shoes that just deserve a significant amount of shine and an extra salute.

Get into a variety of sole-picks from Jordan Brand to Puma, courtesy of 7 (not including me) of our favorite souls. See what I did there?

Ladies first...

1. Nike Flyknit Racer

Sneaker Fam: Katherine Johnsen (@beachykj)

As the first Nike flyknit-based sneaker released, the flyknit racer is one of my all-time favorite silhouettes. I originally saw a photo of the Orcas years ago and was chasing the colorway ever since. Designed for running and made for the track, the racers should be in everyone's rotation. One of the coolest parts of them is that they produce 60% less waste than cut and sew shoes. A staple in the "off track" times, Nike is still releasing new color ways in the racer to this day (but it's been a few years since the Orcas have made a comeback).

Shop Katherine's Pick!

2. Puma Suede

Sneaker Fam: Ashly Rodriguez ((@actually_ashly)

When I'm in my closet trying to figure out what shoe to pair with my outfit, I always seem to go for my Puma Suedes. They're a classic staple sneaker for me. I love the simplicity of the shoe and the variety of colors they come in.

Shop Ashly's Pick!

3. Nike Air Max 97 “Silver Bullet”

Sneaker Fam: Evelynn Escobar-Thomas ((@evemeetswest))

Since getting the AM 97 Silver Bullets they've been in constant rotation. You can dress them up or down and they still look good. They're seriously the shoe that goes with everything and for that, I salute!

Shop Eve's Pick!

4. Nike Classic Cortez

Sneaker Fam: Chan-Lo ((@callherchanlo))

To know me is to know how much I love the Nike Cortez. Plain and simple, it's one of the only shoes that I'll buy in several colorways and will keep on ice for a rainy day. That said, as we celebrate the 45th anniversary of the OG Cortez crafted by Bill Bowerman himself, I thought it fitting to honor it with a salute. With a lasting appeal that has, and remains, a classic among sneaker enthusiasts, the Classic Cortez is one that will never leave my collection.

Shop My Pick!

For the Fellas...

1. Air Jordan 3 Retro “Black Cement”

Sneaker Fam: Kev ((@buckeyecitysole)

I salute the Jordan 3 Black Cement because it was the shoe that kept Jordan with Nike and allowed the culture to develop to what it is today. I salute the BC3 because it's a direct passport to my youth growing up watching MJ fight to beat the meanest toughest teams.

Shop Kev's Pick!

2. Air Jordan 1 Retro “Bred”

Sneaker Fam: Marcus ((@polosnjays))

The Jordan 1 is where my love of sneakers started. It was one of the first shoes that came out in various colors and, in my opinion, it looks good with anything. No matter how old and beat it is, it maintains its look, it's value, and is the most retro'd Jordan model. After 3's and 11's, this is my favorite silhouette.

Shop Marcus' Pick!

3. Nike Classic Cortez

Sneaker Fam: Jamaal Stanton ((@maallymall)

So, while I typically am a Jordan/Nike Basketball collector, I can't help but develop an affinity for the NIKE Cortez. Originally named the Aztec for the 69 Olympics in Mexico, the Blue Ribbon developed Onitsuka Tiger was forced to change the name by Adidas, who had their own plans to release an "Azteca Gold" running shoe. The Cortez is born. Blue Ribbon would later go on to form NIKE in 1972. Unsure of the name; unsure of the logo, owner Phil Knight, pushed through with his vision and the Cortez would be their staple. Fast forward to the present and NIKE is the leader in footwear. The Cortez is the genesis. It encapsulates all that is NIKE's history and for that I salute!

Shop Maal's pick!

4. Air Jordan 8 Retr0 “Aqua”

Sneaker Fam: Daniel Lister @oneleggedlister

The Jordan Aqua 8 is the one shoe that changed my life, and I immediately felt differently. I was all of a sudden...cool. I became an All-star. After the Army, sneakers have given me a family, a new platoon, a brother and sisterhood. Without it, i don't know where I'd be.

Are there any sneakers you salute? Let us know in the comments or hit us up on IG @CNKDaily! Now, as we get ready for a 4th of July filled with BBQ and pool fun, we salute the men and women who have and continue to fight on the battlefields, the streets, in protest, and with their words to create a better nation and freedom for everyone. Thank you for your service. SALUTE!