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The 19 Hottest Sneakers to Buy Right Now, According to Your Favorite Influencers

Headshot of Nerisha PenroseBy Nerisha Penrose
Street Style - Paris Fashion Week - Menswear F/W 2019-2020 : Day Six
Edward Berthelot

Whoever thinks the idea of “love at first sight” only refers to romantic encounters, probably hasn't walked past a sneaker store and locked eyes with a particular shoe (or scrolled through the GOAT app because...technology). Sneakers have the power to leave you and the individuals you pass every day entranced. What the youths like to call “sauce,” “heat” or, dear I say it, “drip,” is what keeps you falling in love with shoes over and over again.

With the halfway point of the year inching closer, it's a great time to reflect on all the "heat" brands have released since the beginning of the year—from the refreshed staples to high-fashion collaborations and nostalgic silhouettes that remind us of all of our teen angst. And who better to breakdown the year's hottest drops than the stylish ladies of Instagram who make these sneakers look even better? Ahead, 16 women on the hottest sneaker releases of the year.

1
Jennifer Abey

Converse x Ambush high-top sneakers

x Ambush high-top sneakers
1
Jennifer Abey

Converse x Ambush high-top sneakers

$1,092 at Farfetch
Credit: Courtesy

"What's better than having sneakers and boots at the same time? With the high platform, I can wear them day and night—no need for heels when you have a cute outfit and platform sneakers. It pairs well with jeans and a blazer for night out with. But what I love most about them is the big structure and the off white color."

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2
Brittany Sky

air Air Fear Of God 1 'Sail'

Air Fear Of God 1 'Sail'
2
Brittany Sky

air Air Fear Of God 1 'Sail'

Credit: Courtesy

"The Fear of God 1s are very near and dear to me because it’s an original design and not a rework. Jerry [Lorenzo] did a phenomenal job making a sleek, futuristic, and fashion forward shoe. Also, I appreciate the fact that it's almost like a sneaker boot and not many girls have these."

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3
Anisa Dash

air Wmns Air Jordan 1 Retro High 'Satin Black Toe'

Wmns Air Jordan 1 Retro High 'Satin Black Toe'
3
Anisa Dash

air Wmns Air Jordan 1 Retro High 'Satin Black Toe'

Now 19% Off
Credit: Courtesy

"Everyone should have a pair of 1s in their rotation. The Satin Black Toe 1s are special because they're a women’s exclusive and adds a feminine touch an already classic black toe colorway." 

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4
Alyssa Lee

Nike Air Force 1 Low Utility 'Volt'

Air Force 1 Low Utility 'Volt'
4
Alyssa Lee

Nike Air Force 1 Low Utility 'Volt'

Now 44% Off
Credit: Courtesy of the subject/Courtesy

"Neon colors have been huge lately, but personally, I  have always been a fan. I wanted a shoe to match with the neon pieces I have in my wardrobe and when I saw these, I knew they’d be perfect. I absolutely love the buckle detail that replaces the laces because it makes it super easy to slip on and off. Nike also adds to the utility/tactical trend that has been quite popular in streetwear along with Alyx and A-Cold-Wall*."

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5
Jess Lawrence

Nike Air Max 720 Sneaker

Air Max 720 Sneaker
5
Jess Lawrence

Nike Air Max 720 Sneaker

Credit: Courtesy of the subject/Courtesy

"I love this sneaker silhouette because of the design and the fact that it's sustainable (more than 75 percent of the materials are made of recycled production waste). It comes in all kinds of different colorways, which drop all the time, and it’s the tallest Air Max to date, which suits the chunky trainer trend which I adore."

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6
Faith Lewis

Buffalo London Classic High Top Sneakers

Classic High Top Sneakers
6
Faith Lewis

Buffalo London Classic High Top Sneakers

Now 30% Off
Credit: Courtesy of the subject/Courtesy

"Buffalo Londons have to be my favorite sneaker of the year, if not my favorite sneakers of all time! They’re iconic, casual, comfy, and a nice subtle flex! Everyone wants a pair."

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7
Stefney V

Gucci Women's Rhyton Leather Logo Sneakers

Women's Rhyton Leather Logo Sneakers
7
Stefney V

Gucci Women's Rhyton Leather Logo Sneakers

Credit: Courtesy of the subject/Courtesy

"The Gucci Rhyton's are now my everyday shoe. They're a subtle flex because the shape is a chunkier version of a '90s dad sneaker and I also love the beige color. Plus, it looks worn and vintage."

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8
Shamaira Atkinson

Adidas x Yeezy Boost 700 V2 sneakers

Adidas x Yeezy Boost 700 V2 sneakers
8
Shamaira Atkinson

Adidas x Yeezy Boost 700 V2 sneakers

Credit: Courtesy of the subject/Courtesy

"The Yeezy Static’s are the ultimate dad shoe and are perfect for everyday wear. I love how innovative they look and it coordinates with my retro style perfectly. Versatility is key in my wardrobe and these sneakers hit the nail on the head."

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9
Clodia Mensah

Adidas x Yeezy 500 Salt Sneakers

Adidas x Yeezy 500 Salt Sneakers
9
Clodia Mensah

Adidas x Yeezy 500 Salt Sneakers

Credit: Courtesy of the subject/Courtesy

"To me the Yeezy 500 is a very versatile shoe because it combines old and new school. I think it's one of the best sneakers in the game because you can wear the shoe with almost everything." 

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10
Siobhan Bell

Nike LD Waffle Sacai Green Multi

Nike LD Waffle Sacai Green Multi
10
Siobhan Bell

Nike LD Waffle Sacai Green Multi

Credit: Courtesy of the subject/Courtesy

"I saw this sneaker previewed in the Sacai SS19 show and fell in love and couldn’t wait for the release! The style of Sacai combined with the ‘Nike tick’ adds that extra drip."  

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11
Elle Banes Sanchez

Nike Air Jordan 1 Retro High Pine Green

Air Jordan 1 Retro High Pine Green
11
Elle Banes Sanchez

Nike Air Jordan 1 Retro High Pine Green

Now 42% Off
Credit: Courtesy of the subject/Courtesy

"The Pine Green 1s are comfortable and great to style with pieces, especially cozy, baggy outfits. I love the different colorways you can choose from and I love that you can customize them." 

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12
Danielle Leguillou

Nike Men's Shoe Nike Air Max Tailwind IV

Men's Shoe Nike Air Max Tailwind IV
12
Danielle Leguillou

Nike Men's Shoe Nike Air Max Tailwind IV

Now 46% Off
Credit: Courtesy of the subject/Courtesy

"The Air Max Tailwind dropped 20 years ago and they finally came back out again this year. I absolutely love me a classic pair of sneakers so I was so happy because I would finally be able to get a pair."

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13
Stefney V

Nike Women's Shoe Nike Air Force 1 '07

Women's Shoe Nike Air Force 1 '07
13
Stefney V

Nike Women's Shoe Nike Air Force 1 '07

Credit: Courtesy of the subject/Courtesy

"These classics are a staple piece in my shoe collection, I love all the different colors that they come in and they literally go with every outfit."

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14
Eva Apio

Jordan Air Jordan 1 High OG NRG

Air Jordan 1 High OG NRG
14
Eva Apio

Jordan Air Jordan 1 High OG NRG

Credit: Courtesy of the subject/Courtesy

"Aleali May being the first woman to design a Jordan 1 that came in both men's and women's sizing was a great accomplishment for women in design. It also shows how footwear has become more accessible across gender because it’s no longer just about giving girls the pink version of a shoe. Now, we get to shape what is cool."

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15
Alyssa Lee

Eytys Black Angel Sneakers

Black Angel Sneakers
15
Alyssa Lee

Eytys Black Angel Sneakers

Credit: Courtesy of the subject/Courtesy

"These are the first pair of black sneakers I’ve ever owned and I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve worn them. I love the chunky sole of the Angel sneakers and it’s very representative of the chunky sneaker trend that’s been going around. As I mostly wear wide pants, when I pair them with the Eytys it makes for a really cool silhouette. Even though I find them extremely comfy, a few friends have commented on how heavy they are but that’s great because now they can double as a defense weapon."

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16
Franziska Dorothea

Cat Intruder Pastels

Intruder Pastels
16
Franziska Dorothea

Cat Intruder Pastels

Credit: Courtesy of the subject/Courtesy

"Oh my God, a sneaker that’s not from Nike?? But yes the Intruder is one of my favorites. Since I’m a '90s girl, I was excited to see that Cat Footwear made a comeback. The shoe is comfortable, chunky and I really like the workwear design. Since I’ve been obsessed with baby blue this spring, of course had to get the blue fog colorway."

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17
Vicky Logan

Jordan Air Jordan 1 High OG NRG

Air Jordan 1 High OG NRG
17
Vicky Logan

Jordan Air Jordan 1 High OG NRG

Credit: Courtesy of the subject/Courtesy

"I’ve worn them so many times and they go with everything. They’re super cute." 

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18
Maria Beltre

Nike LD Waffle Sacai Blue Multi

Nike LD Waffle Sacai Blue Multi
18
Maria Beltre

Nike LD Waffle Sacai Blue Multi

Credit: Courtesy of the subject/Courtesy

"My fave drop this year has to be the Nike x Sacai collaboration that’s releasing May 30th. They’re the perfect summer kicks: they’re colorful, and they look super cozy. You can dress them anyway you want really and that’s what I love about them."

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19
Jess Lawrence

Adidas Women's Originals Nite Jogger Running Sneakers

Adidas Women's Originals Nite Jogger Running Sneakers
19
Jess Lawrence

Adidas Women's Originals Nite Jogger Running Sneakers

Credit: Courtesy of the subject/Courtesy

"I’m a big fan of an old sneaker style reinvented and the Adidas Nite Jogger is exactly that. It’s based on a model from the '80s and has the same reflective stripes it was famous for. It’s a super lightweight shoe so feels comfortable all day but still bangs on trend. It’s really affordable too which gives it a big yes from me."

Headshot of Nerisha Penrose
Nerisha Penrose
Beauty Commerce Editor

Nerisha is the beauty commerce editor at ELLE.com, covering all things beauty (and fashion and music). She has a penchant for sneakers and nude lip glosses, and spends way too much time re-watching 90s sitcoms.

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