With 2019 officially coming to a close, it’s time to reflect on some of the most notable sneaker releases that took place this past year.
Some of the big hits were led by Travis Scott and Virgil Abloh’s collaborations for Nike and Jordan Brand along with Kanye West’s fan-favorite Adidas Yeezy line, which is currently demanding high resell prices in the secondary market.
Starting with Scott, the mega rap star’s partnership with Nike/Jordan Brand kicked off in 2017 with a limited release of a special Air Force 1 Low, which not only resonated with sneaker fans but as well as fans of his music. This year, Scott’s collaborative efforts were put on full display with two Air Jordan 1s, Air Jordan 6, as well as a new Air Force 1 Low inspired by his hometown city of Houston.
Similarly to Scott, designer Virgil Abloh started his ongoing partnership with both Nike and Jordan Brand in 2017 with the release of the multi sneaker collection known as “The Ten.” Since then, any collaborative release regarding his Off-White label has demanded high resell prices including this year’s Off-White x Nike Air Max 90 as well as the commemorative “MCA” Off-White x Nike Air Force 1 Low.
Watch on FN
One of the more interesting collaborations of 2019 includes fashion label Sacai’s Nike LDWaffle that features the theme of hybridization with the LDV and Waffle running styles merged into a new silhouette, which is also currently in high demand on the resell market right now.
For Adidas, Kanye West is finally releasing a new model in its signature Yeezy line known as the Yeezy Boost 380. The shoe was originally rumored to be the third version of the popular Yeezy Boost 350 thanks to the similarities in design. Like many of the previous Adidas Yeezy release, expect the styles to sell out quickly.
Other notable styles include the innovative Nike Adapt BB basketball sneakers featuring power-lacing technology, as well as K-Pop star G-Dragon’s Nike Air Force 1 Low collab, and the highly anticipated return of the Air Jordan 11 “Bred.”
Below, we have compiled a list of the most notable sneaker releases of the year along with the sites where you can purchase the kicks right now.
11. Nike Adapt BB
The future of footwear is here. Last January, Nike unveiled the Adapt BB — a first-of-its-kind power-lacing basketball shoe that creates a truly custom fit with just a tap on your smartphone.
10. G-Dragon x Nike Air Force 1 ‘Para-noise’
K-pop star G-Dragon’s fashion label Peaceminusone has teamed up with Nike to create a new interpretation of the Air Force 1 Low that appears to be a simple black and white execution, but when worn, the top layer of the upper reveals G-Dragon’s artwork.
9. Air Jordan 11 Retro ‘Bred’
While the official release won’t go down for a few more weeks, the Air Jordan 11 “Bred” is officially set to make a comeback in December. Michael Jordan debuted the kicks during the ’96 NBA postseason that eventually led to him capturing his fourth title while earning MVP honors. This a must-cop sneaker for any Jordan fan.
8. Off-White x Nike Air Max 90 ‘Desert Ore’
Virgil Abloh reimagines the classic Nike Air Max 90 with a new “Desert Ore” colorway that features an exposed foam ankle collar, tongue and heel tab while an eye-catching orange Swoosh caps off the look.
7. Adidas Yeezy Boost 380 ‘Alien’
After months of anticipation, Adidas has officially released the newest Yeezy Boost 380 model in the “Alien” colorway exclusively on Yeezy Supply this weekend. As expected, pairs sold out in an instant but you can still cop right now on StockX.
6. Travis Scott x Nike Air Force 1 Low ‘Cactus Jack’
One of the few Travis Scott collaborations on the list includes this Nike Air Force 1 Low that pays homage to his hometown of Houston, Texas.
5. Travis Scott x Air Jordan 6 Retro
Travis Scott x Air Jordan 6
4. Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Low
One of two iterations of Travis Scott’s Air Jordan 1 collaboration included a low-top version most recognizable for its reverse Swoosh branding on the lateral side.
3. Off-White x Nike Air Force 1 Low ‘MCA’
Virgil Abloh celebrated the opening of his “Figures of Speech” art exhibit at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago by releasing a limited run of the “MCA” Nike Air Force 1 Low. It’s designed with a tonal University Blue makeup complete with signature details including a red hangtag.
2. Sacai x Nike LDWaffle
After making its debut at Sacai’s fall 2019 runway show at Paris Fashion Week, fans finally got a chance to cop the Sacai x LDWaffle sneakers.
1. Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 High
Rounding out the best sneakers that released this year is Travis Scott’s Air Jordan 1 High collaboration. It features an earth-tone color palette with a large reverse Swoosh on the sides serving as a “cherry-on-top” to the overall look.
All products featured have been independently selected and curated by our editorial team. If you buy something through the links included on our site, FN may earn a commission.
Want more?
Nike’s 2019 Black Friday Sale Means Big Savings — Here’s What You Need to Know
