As 2019 enters its final months, a new year is waiting right around the corner to take its place. And since we’re all preparing to jump into 2020, I say that we should go feet first — with style. Anyone with an eye for fashion knows that the key to a great outfit starts with the feet. Even though 2019 has seen a lot of awesome sneakers so far, sneakerheads are expecting to see a lot more within the next two months.
When it comes to shoes, I could go on for days. I could easily compile a list of probably a hundred or more, but for the sake of this article, I decided to go with five of my favorites for the remainder of 2019. Let’s end 2019 on a high note and hit the ground running in 2020. Actually, walk. Don’t run — you definitely won’t want to scuff these sneakers.
1. Star Wars x Adidas Pro Next 2019
Whether you side with the light side or the dark side, the force will be strong with you once you slip into the Star Wars x Adidas Pro Next 2019. With “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” slated to debut in theaters later in December, make sure you attend the premiere in style.
Set to be released on Nov. 1, this new shoe has designs for both sides of the “Star Wars” universe. Both the light side and dark side-themed sneakers symbolize characters from the iconic franchise. The dark side sets of shoes emphasize red and black colors and also include logos of iconic characters such as Darth Vader and Kylo Ren. Conversely, the side dedicated to the Rebel Alliance uses white and silver tones and incorporates the logos of C-3P0, Yoda, Obi-Wan Kenobi and others. No matter which side you choose, show your love for the “Star Wars” franchise with these historic Adidas sneakers.
2. Nike Air Force 1 “What The LA”
The start of the NBA season for both the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers began on Oct. 22. Since both of the teams reside in LA, there was no need to travel, and the game, of course, took place at the Staples Center. To celebrate this special occasion, Nike decided to celebrate the city’s sports dynasty at LA Live. There is where the Air Force 1 “What the LA” made its first appearance, and the iconic shoe is getting a makeover like never before.
The AF1 “What The LA” is a tribute to all of the sports teams that have ever called Los Angeles home. The shoe is crafted with different materials for various sections of every panel of the shoe, all of which pay tribute to an LA-based team. Even though the AF1 has an official release date of Nov. 1, this one-of-a-kind shoe is only available in the LA area, which means it might be difficult to snag a pair of these vibrantly colored kicks. But, if you live in the City of Angels, make sure you represent your love for your teams and city with these awesome Air Forces.
3. Olivia Kim x Air Jordan 4
Sorry fellas, but this shoe is just for the ladies.
For those who don’t know, Olivia Kim — who is Nordstrom’s vice president of creative projects — has been working on a collaboration. Teaming up with the creators at Nike and Jordan, Kim is taking the ever-popular Jordan Retro 4 and bestowing the shoe with a makeover. Originally released in 1989, the Air Jordan 4 was the first Jordan shoe that was released on the global market; since its unveiling, the Retro 4 has undergone numerous designs. However, none of those transformations originated from the mind of Olivia Kim.
Now, Kim is taking the Jordan 4 and combining it with Michael Jordan’s childhood nickname, the “Black Cat.” At first glance, the collaboration appears to be an all-black Retro 4 and nothing else. But with a closer look, you quickly realize that the upper panels of the shoe are made of fur, hence the “Black Cat” nickname. Put simply, the Kim x Jordan collab makes for a minimalistic, but unique pair of sneakers.
Nike is hosting a lowkey release of the shoe on Halloween, but you can cop a pair of these ferocious Jordan 4s on Nov. 8.
4. Air Jordan 1 High Zoom
The Air Jordan 1 hit the ground running in 1985, and it is safe to say that it’s one of the most popular shoes that Jordan and Nike ever created. Since ‘85, the Jordan 1 has experienced countless makeovers, and the Air Jordan 1 High Zoom R2T is the newest incarnation of the classic. As part of the “Fearless” collection, the High Zoom is set to be released on Dec. 7. Notably, this new shoe will feature Nike’s Zoom Air cushioning technology.
As an impressive addition to an already outstanding shoe, Nike’s Zoom Air cushioning will give the new Jordan the feeling of stepping on clouds — it’s seriously that comfy. Visually, the translucent sole provides the High Zoom with an edge, but the sole isn’t the only part of this shoe that allows it to stand out considering that the colorway of the new Jordan is also distinctive. Unlike other sneakers, the High Zoom R2T will also change colors as the light hits it.
My consensus? You definitely will not want to miss out on this Jordan 1.
5. Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 v2 Yecheil
For those of you who do not speak Hebrew, Yecheil translates to “May God Live” or “God Shall Live.” Considering that Kanye’s new album is titled “Jesus is King,” the religious theme seems to fit perfectly. No shoe list can be completed without mentioning Kanye’s ever-popular Yeezy shoe. And I must say: This is probably my favorite Yeezy Boost yet.
Black Primeknit seems to provide the base color for this new Yeezy, and it appears to be blended with sections of white and red. I think the new color is a breath of fresh air compared to some of the other Boost 350 v2s. If you’re not a sneakerhead, then you should know that Yeezy’s sell out very quickly, so act fast.
The Yeezy Yecheil is set to be released on Dec.15.
