A Look Back at the Best Women's Releases of the Year so Far

So far, 2021 has been a huge year for sneaker releases, in particular for women. Although there may still be some work to do in regards to inclusive sizing within the sneaker scene, this year has seen a turnaround in the number of women’s exclusive releases. The Sole Women’s team has been loving the selection of new colourways and high-heat pairs that we’ve been able to cop so far this year. From Dunks to Jordan 1s, we’ve rounded up the best women’s sneaker releases of 2021 so far, check them out below and let us know over on Instagram which one’s you’ve added to your collection.

Up first, we had to let the Air Jordan 1 take the top spot. The iconic silhouette has reigned supreme this year with a huge selection of colourways dropping every season, and even better, a good range of women’s-exclusive pairs. We’ve handpicked our top four Jordan 1s of 2021, let’s take a look.

We couldn’t mention AJ1’s without highlighting the Air Jordan 1 High UNC Blue. One of the most sought-after sneakers of the year so far and for a good reason. Painted in the iconic UNC Blue colour scheme and decked out in premium materials, this shoe really is a must-cop.

The Jordan 1 Low Wolf Grey has been one of the most-viewed sneakers of the year, bringing a focus to the low-top design that typically gets overshadowed by its high-top counterpart. This sneaker is giving us serious Dior vibes without the price tag and we’re here for it.

If colourful kicks are your thing then the Jordan 1 Mid Apricot has to be in your collection. Dressed in bright orange and pink hues, there’s no better shoe for the summer season and to add a pop of colour to your fits, putting a fruity twist on an old school classic.

Finally, finishing the Jordan 1 round-up with the Air Jordan 1 Mid Barely Rose, the prettiest of the pack with subtle pink overlays. We’re all for adding colour to your looks, but this shoe ticks every box with the legendary Swoosh standing out across the sidewalls.

The designer dupe that had every sneaker fan talking this year was the Air Jordan 4 Shimmer. This has to be one of the most talked-about pairs of the year, with early mock ups stirring some serious hype with a slight Off-White x Air Jordan 4 Sail vibe. The neutral-hued could take the top spot as one of our most-loved Js of 2021.

Aleali May continued to do it for the girls this year with the release of the Aleali May x Air Jordan 14. Decorated with the one-of-a-kind marble green detailing and premium suede upper that had everyone talking. It’s not only the sneaker we’ve been loving, but the matching nail sets shared across the ’gram.

Finally, to finish off the best women’s Jordans of 2021 we have the A Ma Maniere x Air Jordan 3. The luxury sneaker features design elements inspired by James Whitner’s mother, with handwritten notes on the inside of the heel tab. This sneaker is as premium as it gets, with tumbled leather across the upper and a quilted inner.

What a year it’s been for the Nike Dunk, with colourway after colourway selling out within minutes. The Swoosh brand has served us women a great selection of women’s-exclusive colourways so far this year with the likes of the Nike Dunk Low Green Glow and Orange Pearl Dunk. They’ve even created a whole new silhouette just for women, the Dunk Low Disrupt.

Up first and one of our favourite shoes of the year is the Nike Dunk High Football Grey. After first being unveiled at the end of last year, this is one sneaker that all the team had their eye on, with official images showing off just how pretty this pair was. The pastel overlays and colour block design make this shoe a must-have.

The Nike Dunk Low Disrupt Pearl White also caught many sneaker fans attention, with it being one of the most-wanted Dunks of 2021. The creamy colour scheme and contemporary design elevate the look of the sneaker, complete with a chunky midsole below foot.

Yoon Ambush continued her partnership with Nike with the release of not just one but four AMBUSH x Nike Dunk High colourways. The exaggerated proportions put a modern twist on the classic design , with an oversized Swoosh that extends over the heel, complete with AMBUSH branding.

Next up, the Nike Dunk Low Green Glow certainly caught our eye, with the vibrant green overlays that add a pop of colour to the fresh white upper. If you’re all about bringing your sneaker collection to life with colour then this is the shoe for you.

If you love adding a touch of colour but without going too wild, then the Nike Dunk Low Orange Pearl is sure to be a must-cop. The light pink overlays look cuter than ever on this iconic silhouette, with the white upper keeping the look light, bright and easy to style with anything.

And that rounds up our brief look back at the best women’s sneaker releases of 2021 so far. Which silhouettes have you been loving this year? Be sure to let us know over on Instagram and hit the links on this page to add any of these high-heat kicks to your collection. Stay tuned for more sneaker round-ups and style guides.