The HYPEBAE Best: The Top 6 Sneakers of 2019 According to Our Editors
From the sacai x Nike LDWaffle Daybreak to the Dior B23.
As 2019 draws to a close, the HYPEBAE editors are looking back on some of the buzziest sneaker releases of the year. Over the past 12 months, we saw a number of memorable collaborations including the coveted sacai x Nike LDWaffle Daybreak silhouette and the JW Anderson x Converse Run Star Hike sneaker. Other Fashion Month favorites this year included Dior‘s logo-covered B23 high-tops and COMME des GARÇONS‘ jewelry-adorned Nike Shox TL.
Ahead, we round up the top six sneakers that stood out from the crowd in 2019.
While you are here, check out the rest of The HYPEBAE Best 2019.
sacai x Nike LDWaffle Daybreak “Varsity Blue/Varsity Red”
Nike
Revealed on the runway during sacai‘s Spring/Summer 2019 collection at Paris Fashion Week Men’s, the sacai x Nike LDWaffle Daybreak was one of the most sought-after sneaker collaborations of the year. Chitose Abe incorporated her signature deconstruction in asymmetry and colorblocking aesthetic into the design, and gave the shoe an unconventional look by combining the Swoosh brand’s Daybreak and Waffle silhouettes into one.
The LDWaffle Daybreak released in a variety of colorways including a green and orange combination, a black and white iteration, an all-white version and the customer-favorite “Varsity Blue/Varsity Red.” This collaborative pair was quickly sold out when it dropped, but you can still find it on StockX’s website where prices start at $548 USD. The upcoming “White” colorway is slated to drop sometime in Spring 2020.
Dior B23 High-Top “Dior Oblique”
Dior
Earlier this year, sneakerheads and Dior fans alike instantly copped the fashion house’s B23 sneaker when it hit the shelves. Originally debuted at Paris Fashion Week Men’s for Dior Men’s SS19 presentation, the monogrammed silhouette arrives in an “Oblique” pattern available in both white and black. Crafted with the finest calfskin material, the pair sports a translucent upper with Dior’s signature logo print underneath.
Dior’s B23 high-top sneaker in “Dior Oblique” and “Black Oblique” retail for $1,100 USD online and in-stores at Dior.
Aimé Leon Dore x New Balance 990
Aimé Leon Dore
In November, New York-based lifestyle and streetwear brand Aimé Leon Dore teamed up with New Balance for a rework of the 990v2 and 990v5 silhouettes. As part of Aimé Leon Dore’s Fall/Winter 2019 collection, the 990v2 features a colorful combination of yellow and grey hues that contrast against neutral off-white shades, while the 990v5 features uppers in rich green and navy blue tones. Both versions sport tiny Aimé Leon Dore-branded tags below the ankle.
The two pairs are currently sold out and can only be purchased on StockX where prices start at $175 USD for the 990v5 and $235 USD for the 990v2.
MISBHV x Reebok Daytona DMX “White/Grey”
Misbhv
MISBHV gave Reebok‘s classic Daytona DMX silhouette a futuristic makeover. Unveiled at the Polish fashion label’s SS19 presentation, the collaborative sneaker arrives features reflective overlays along with a semi-translucent upper. Its white and grey colorway gives it a sleek and modern look while still paying homage to the original design. The shoe also includes a drawstring cord lace and a zipper closure running from the tongue to the toe.
The MISBHV x Reebok Daytona DMX in “White/Grey” retails for €300 EUR (approximately $333 USD) and is available at MISBHV’s website.
COMME des GARÇONS x Nike Shox TL
Eddie Lee/Hypebae
Revealed at Paris Fashion Week SS19, the Rei Kawakubo-designed COMME des GARÇONS x Nike Shox TL comes in both black and white, and features a metal chain that wraps around the mid-section. The unique sneaker jewelry reads “COMME des GARÇONS” in gold for the black pair, and silver for the white. Thanks to its statement-making look, the shoe was a hit among street style enthusiasts during New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2020.
Both colorways can be found on StockX starting at $549 USD.
JW Anderson x Converse Run Star Hike
Ssense
Long-time collaborators Converse and JW Anderson conceptualized the Run Star Hike sneaker at the beginning of 2019. Featuring a clean, sleek look, the high-top is designed with an off-white, round rubber cap toe, tonal lacing system and a rubberized logo patch. Along with its Chuck Taylor All Star upper, the pair sees an elevated platform sole with gum and blue detailing.
The JW Anderson x Converse Run Star Hike is available at SSENSE and retails for $140 USD.
