The year of 2018 has been nothing short of monumental for the world of sneakers.

The rejuvenation of Nike.

The mass production of Yeezys.

The popularity of dad shoes. 

However, amidst all of these hot headlines, there has been one underlying topic that very few have paid attention to. 

The rise of females in the sneaker community.

Never before have we’ve seen the streets of Sydney, in particular, flooded with females exchanging their heels for soles. 

And it's not what they wear. It's how they wear it; with confidence and pride. A few years ago, these were the females who would feel out of a place in a community who deemed sneakers only fit for guys to rock. But now, with females openly expressing their unique styles _______

How Did We Get Here?

Before we discuss what has been a groundbreaking movement, let’s take a look at how 2018 has taken us to where we are now.

Jordan "Season Of Her" 

It all started back in February with Jordan Brand unveiling their brand new women's collection of sneakers. Featuring a range of refined Air Jordan 1s as well as a Air Jordan 12, the "Season of Her" line showcased pastel tones with a mix of satin fabrics and suede. 

Source: Featuresneakerboutique.com

Air Jordan 1 Rebel 'Top 3'

Following the Jordan "Season of Her", the brand continued their shoutout to women in the sneaker community by releasing an unconventional Jordan 1 silhouette in a  “Top 3” colour combination. Featuring an asymmetrical lacing system with a midfoot zipper, the shoe had a strong appeal to females in the sneaker market.

OFF-WHITE x Nike "Queen"

On the back of the Jordan releases earlier in the year, Virgil Abloh decided to honour the greatness of Serena Williams and all women alike by releasing newly-designed iterations of the Air Max 97 and Blazer Mid SW. 

Source: Highsnobiety 

To further his support for heroines in the world, he then sent out pairs to the likes Beyoncé, Michelle Obama, Naomi Campbell, Anna Wintour, and Oprah Winfrey.

The Pinnacle 

Just a few months ago, Jordan Brand announced their very first collaboration with fashion and lifestyle magazine, Vogue.

And like the previous designs, it was well received. 

The collaboration features two shoes - the Air Jordan 1 High Zip AWOK and Air Jordan 3 SE AWOK.

AWOK stands for "Anna Wintour Okay" - a nod to Anna Wintour writes when she gives her approval for editorial or creative. 

Accented by a bold metallic zipper, the Air Jordan 1 boasts a clean red and sail colourway with an "Edited by Vogue” Nike Air tag and the AWOK signature on the sole and tongue.

Including an "Edited by Vogue” Nike Air tag and the AWOK signature on the back heal, the Air Jordan 3 is inspired by Wintour's signature suits and sunglasses which sees it featuring a tweedy, metallic upper. 

Yeah, but who is Anna Wintour? 

If you know women's fashion, you would know that Anna Wintour is a household name.

For those who don't know, Anna Wintour is the editor-in-chef of the US Vogue Magazine.

Holding a net worth of $35 million, she is nothing but a feminine force.

In fact, her nickname is 'Nuclear Wintour' and earlier in the year she made headlines for refusing to take off her sunglasses despite sitting next to the Queen during a London Fashion Week show - a reflection of her demanding and aloof personality.

With regards to the world of fashion, she 

That being said, is she what female sneakerheads need? 

At first, 

Looking at the two sneakers, 

 

What These Sneakers Mean To Women  

 

Moving Forward 

Whilst these sneakers are great in helping females cement their place in the sneaker community, there is still one small void left unfilled...

What is this void we speak of?  

Females are simply not getting what the guys have. 

They just want to be able to rock the same silhouettes and the same colourways that are made in the same quality. 

There's been a track record of brands such as Nike and Jordan Brand neglecting females on the production of smaller sizes in popular silhouettes such as the Jordan 1 Retro High Rust Pink. Looking at the colourway

Unfortunately however, brands such as Nike and Jordan have failed to be consistent with their production.

Take the Air Jordan 1 Shadows that released earlier this year as an example.

Jordan Brand

And as a result, they have to opt to 

More often than not, we get countless messages from females asking if we're getting more bae sizes in shoes that are notably popular among men. 

 

By Daniel PUSHAS