As another year comes to a close, I thought it would be fun to take a look at something that takes up A LOT of my money: My sneaker collection. And more specifically, how it has grown this year. I had many, many sneaker pickups of 2021. A little more than I even realized haha. Am I shocked? Not really. Will I chill out in 2022? Probs not. So, here we are! It’s not my fault that so much fire is constantly being released. Here’s all the sneaks I added to my shoe wall this year, including Jordans, Yeezys, Pumas, Reeboks, Converse, and more.
My Sneaker Pickups of 2021
Yeezy 500 “Soft Vision”
These sneakers released in November of 2019 and retailed for $200. I had them saved literally since the day they dropped and kept hoping the price would go down. Instead, it kept increasing. So earlier this year I finally went for it and dropped over $700 on them, making them the most expensive sneakers in my collection. It still hurts a little, but I do love them!
Aleali May “Califia” Jordan 1 High Zoom
Designed by the iconic Aleali May, these released in April of 2021 and retailed for $140. I love supporting women sneaker designers, so I had to have them. They’re def one of my favorite 2021 releases.
Jordan OG Coconut Milk
This pair released in May of 2021 and retailed for $190. I love how the orange and black details resemble a basketball up close and this silhouette is super comfortable.
Air Force 1 Low Reveal “Fauna Brown Vanilla”
With Air Force 1s having a major moment right now, I wanted to grab another pair. I love how unique these ones are. I’ve been waiting for a good time to wear them, so I haven’t actually done the “reveal” yet. They released in May 2021 and retailed for $110.
Aleali May “Fortune” Jordan 14 Retro
Another dope pair designed by Aleali May. I’ve wanted 14s for years and finally snagged some! I LOVE this colorway. These released in August of 2021 and retailed for $190.
Nike Dunk High 1985 “Black Acid Wash”
I haven’t owned a pair of Dunks in years so I thought it was time when I came across this design. They released in September of 2021 and retailed for $130.
“Candy Land” Reebok Question Mid
Candy Land is my favorite childhood game, so I def bought these because of the nostalgia factor. They released in March 2021 and retailed for $100.
Converse Run Star Motion
I love these super chunky, wavy platform Converse sneakers. They’re such a statement! And they are very comfy. They come in black or white and retail for $120.
DomoINK “NY Dreams”
I found these Jean-Michel Basquiat-inspired sneakers at DomoINK, a small Black woman-owned business. The brand was founded by Domonique Brown and the products feature her original artwork. These unisex sneakers retail for $85.
“Change The World” Jordan 9 Retro
I picked these up when I visited Urban Necessities in Las Vegas. Unfortunately, I thought they came in GS sizes and they actually came in women’s sizes, so they don’t fit. The store doesn’t allow you to try on shoes or do returns so I was just stuck with them. But, I still really love them so I plan to sell them and rebuy them in the correct size. This shoe released in March of 2021 and retailed for $190.
“Arctic Punch” Jordan 8 Retro
This is a pair I saw in store and just loved the soft colorway. Plus, Jordan 8s are pretty comfortable. They released May 2021 and retailed for $140.
Photo cred: Karya Schanilec / @karyaschanilec
Ivy Park x Adidas “Icy Park Super Sleek 72”
I’ve clearly had a thing for platforms this year. This Ivy Park pickup is super clean. I love the way it looks on. And, I mean, it is Beyoncé-approved. I would probably where them every week if they weren’t a little heavy. These released in February 2021 for $145.
Puma Suede “International Women’s Day“
This pretty purple suede Puma was gifted to me from the brand for International Women’s Day. The limited release reads “Girl Power” on one of the lace charms and was promoted by Lauren London. They released in April 2021 for $70.
“Alternate Bel-Air” Jordan 5 Retro
These actually released back in August 2020. Since I was never able to cop the original Bel-Air 5s, I really wanted these. I found them in a store when I was shopping in Harlem and obviously had to add them to the collection. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is one of my favorite sitcoms of all time and I love the ’90s flair.
Steve Madden Maxima Baby Blue Multi
We love a sparkle moment and these Steve Maddens are IT. There are a lot of colors to choose from, but this icy blue really stood out to me. I also got the matching belt bag. They retail for $99.95.
Puma x Bratz Mayze Sneakers
As I mentioned, I’m a sucker for nostalgia. So this Bratz x Puma collab was no exception. The colors and details are so adorable! They released in August 2021 and retail for $80.
Air Barrage Low “White Volt”
These released in November 2020 and I picked them up while doing some in-person shopping. Another chunky platform sneaker. They are incredibly comfy and look so cute with jeans or leggings.
Puma Suede x Lauren London “Forever Stronger”
This classic Puma sneaker was part of Lauren London’s capsule collection, inspired by her personal story, the loss of rapper Nipsey Hussle, and her hometown of Los Angeles. It says “Forever Stronger” in a gothic font on the side of the shoe. These were gifted to me by the brand. They released in June 2021 and retailed for $80.
Nike Air Huarache Run Prm Txt “Cool Grey Metallic Armory Navy”
This was another in-store find. I used to have gray Huaraches and I love how comfortable and versatile they are. I wanted to replace my old ones and I didn’t have any navy shoes, so I went with these. Just make sure you size up like two full sizes if you get some!
Which sneaker pickups of 2021 are your favorite?
