Chunky, technical, custom, bespoke—a few words that describe the plethora of sneakers that dropped
. When we asked our Cov alums for their predictions in 2017, they were spot on
we’d see a lot of collaborations and technical designs in 2018. What
’
s in store for 2019? Will it be another big year for animal print? Will a new silhouette emerge that will flip the industry on its head? Crazier things have happened. We asked a few industry insiders to act as magic eight balls and predict what we
’
ll see in sneakerland this year.
Salehe Bembury
Senior Director of Sneakers & Men’s Footwear at Versace
“I think we are going to continue to see brands taking chances and pushing the envelope. Gone are the days where a brand wouldn’t create a silhouette because of brand ethos or DNA. I think we are going to continue to see attempts at, or successful executions of, innovative footwear in the fashion space. Expect the unexpected.”
Rox Brown
Stylist, Brand Consultant, & Creative Director
“The sneaker trend is shifting once again. 2018 was all about the designer, bulky dad sneaker. I think in 2019 sports brands are back on the main stage. It’s all about sleeker silhouettes this year, in my opinion.”
Mark Wilkins
Co-founder, Vrtigo & ZN Footwear; Host on Direct Message
“When it comes to Nike [and] Jordan, I’m loyal to the soil, straight-up. I believe it will be the year of the Air Jordan 4 silhouette in addition to what’s rumored. Maybe we can get the Mist Blue 4s, Black Cat 4s, Lightning and Thunder 4s, Tour Yellow 4s—just to name a few I’d like to see make a return. [I’m] excited to see what’s coming from Jordan.
“I also think Nike SBs are about to climb again. Got a feeling we will see something new from the Nike SB team and possibly a few fan favorites getting the retro treatment.
Cough Unkle Dunks cough Dinosaur Jr’s cough.
Overall, I see 2019 being a good year for all the sneaker lovers out there.
“As for my brand, ZN footwear, we have three new silhouettes releasing this year, with the Prototype 2 being one of them. Colors range from neon to earthy neutral tone palettes.”
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