Having gone from shoes you could only wear at the gym to perfectly acceptable red carpet footwear options [1], there is no denying that sneakers are having a moment. In fact, chunky trainers have become so popular [2] within the fashion world that more and more designers are partnering with sneaker brands, working together on chic designs and releasing new pieces at lightning speed. And while it might have been overwhelming at times, 2019 truly has been a particularly good year for sneaker collaborations.
Over the past few months, all these new drops might have forced us to make more space in our shoe closets, but between Victoria Beckham's stylish Fall/Winter collection with Reebok [3], Reformation's fresh take on New Balance sneakers [4], and the nostalgia-inducing K-Swiss x Clueless collaboration [5], there's no way we could have resisted. After all, if you've been tuning into street style, then you'll know that not only do sneakers go with pretty much everything — your favourite dresses included [6] — they can also make or break an outfit.
So, if you're on the lookout for a new pair of sneakers, get a closer look at 2019's best collaborations and shop them for yourself before it's too late. They're so damn good, you'll be asking yourself what you've been waiting for all this time.
Puma x Barbie
Back in April, Puma released these Barbie sneakers [8] that somehow felt more sporty than girlie, and it was love at first sight.
Puma x Barbie Nova Sneaker
Puma x Barbie Nova Sneaker [9] ($100)
K-Swiss x Clueless
California-based shoe brand K-Swiss made us feel like we'd boarded a time machine when it released its limited-edition Clueless capsule collection [10].
K-Swiss x Clueless Classic VN T
K-Swiss x Clueless Classic VN T [11] ($80)
K-Swiss x Clueless Classic VN T
K-Swiss x Clueless Classic VN T [12] ($80)
Reebok x Victoria Beckham
After a first line of athleisure that included everything from sports bras to sock sneakers, Victoria Beckham and Reebok released the Fall/Winter 2019 collection [13], which is just as fabulous and includes 2 pairs of neutral-coloured sneakers.
Reebok x VB Bolton Sock Low Shoes [14] ($250)
Reebok x VB Bolton Sock Low Shoes
Reebok x VB Bolton Sock Low Shoes [15] ($250)
Reformation x New Balance
This Fall, Reformation teamed up with New Balance [16] to create five sneakers that will go with absolutely everything in your closet.
New Balance X Reformation X90 Sneakers
New Balance X Reformation X90 Sneakers [17] ($100)
New Balance X Reformation X90 Sneakers
New Balance X Reformation X90 Sneakers [18] ($100)
New Balance X Reformation X90 Sneakers
New Balance X Reformation X90 Sneakers [19] ($100)
New Balance X Reformation 997W Sneakers
New Balance X Reformation 997W Sneakers [20] ($110)
New Balance X Reformation 574 Sneakers
New Balance X Reformation 574 Sneakers [21] ($80)
Nike x Swarovski
A few months ago, Nike let Swarovski reimagine its classic Air VaporMax Flyknit 2 [22] — and the result is everything we could have ever wanted. For the very first time, Nike used classic hand-beading techniques to apply 1,000 Swarovski crystals to the sneakers.
Nike Air VaporMax 2 Swarovski Crystal-Embellished Flyknit Sneakers
Nike Air VaporMax 2 Swarovski Crystal-Embellished Flyknit Sneakers [23] ($500)
Adidas x Arizona Iced Tea
In September, Adidas once again teamed up with Arizona Iced Tea [24] to design a colourful footwear collection inspired by Arizona's four most popular drink flavours: Green Tea with Ginseng and Honey, Lemon, Mucho Mango, and Watermelon.
Adidas x Arizona Continental Vulc Originals Sneakers
Adidas x Arizona Continental Vulc Originals Sneakers [25] ($65)
Adidas x Arizona Continental Vulc Originals Sneakers
Adidas x Arizona Continental Vulc Originals Sneakers [26] ($65)
Adidas x Arizona Continental Vulc Originals Sneakers
Adidas x Arizona Continental Vulc Originals Sneakers [27] ($65)
Adidas x Arizona Continental Vulc Originals Sneakers
Adidas x Arizona Continental Vulc Originals Sneakers [28] ($65)
Adidas x Arizona Continental Vulc Youth Originals Sneakers
Adidas x Arizona Continental Vulc Youth Originals Sneakers [29] ($55)
Adidas x Arizona Continental Vulc Youth Originals Sneakers
Adidas x Arizona Continental Vulc Youth Originals Sneakers [30] ($55)
Vans x Vivienne Westwood
This year, Vans teamed up with British punk fashion house Vivienne Westwood [31] for a capsule collection of sneakers. Titled "Anglomania," the six-piece collection features Vivienne Westwood's archived prints from the '90s, which have been reinterpreted onto Vans' classic shoe designs.
Vans x Vivienne Westwood SK8-HI Platform Pirate Strap Shoes
Vans x Vivienne Westwood SK8-HI Platform Pirate Strap Shoes [32] ($120)
Vans x Vivienne Westwood SK8-HI Shoes
Vans x Vivienne Westwood SK8-HI Shoes [33] ($130)
Vans x Vivienne Westwood Old School Shoes
Vans x Vivienne Westwood Old School Shoes [34] ($80)
Vans x Vivienne Westwood Classic Slip-On Shoes
Vans x Vivienne Westwood Classic Slip-On Shoes [35] ($70)
Vans x Vivienne Westwood Authentic Shoes
Vans x Vivienne Westwood Authentic Shoes [36] ($70)
Keds x Kate Spade New York Triple Kick Confetti
Over the Summer, Keds and Kate Spade New York came back for another collaboration with the Triple Kick Confetti Sneakers [37]. Covered in confetti sequins and made with a one-inch platform, the shoes were made for anyone looking to make a statement.
Keds x Kate Spade New York Triple Kick Confetti [38] ($80, originally $110)
Missoni x Adidas
In April, Adidas partnered with Italian fashion house Missoni on a limited-edition range of sneakers and apparel [39]. The stylish collection included three unisex Ultraboost sneakers, all in Missoni's signature kaleidoscopic patterns.
Adidas x Missoni Ultraboost Clima Sneaker
Adidas x Missoni Ultraboost Clima Sneaker [40] ($250)
Adidas x Missoni Ultraboost Clima Sneaker
Adidas x Missoni Ultraboost Clima Sneaker [41] ($250)
Adidas x Missoni Ultraboost Clima Sneaker
Adidas x Missoni Ultraboost Clima Sneaker [42] ($250)
Opening Ceremony x Vans
This Fall, Opening Ceremony and Vans launched the Snakeskin Pack, a '90s-inspired unisex sneaker capsule collection that features four colorways of the classic Lampin sneaker.
Opening Ceremony x Vans OC Snake Lampin Sneaker
Opening Ceremony x Vans OC Snake Lampin Sneaker [43] ($75)
Opening Ceremony x Vans OC Snake Lampin Sneaker
Opening Ceremony x Vans OC Snake Lampin Sneaker [44] ($75)
Opening Ceremony x Vans OC Snake Lampin Sneaker
Opening Ceremony x Vans OC Snake Lampin Sneaker [45] ($75)
Opening Ceremony x Vans OC Snake Lampin Sneaker
Opening Ceremony x Vans OC Snake Lampin Sneaker [46] ($75)