🗣️This Week on CNK: Is adidas invited to the cookout?

…AND WE STAND ON THAT.

Today, I’m not ashamed to say I threw on some tie-dye Crocs that don’t match anything and dived into the sneakerverse happenings. We are so glad that you’re here with us, community is everything.

A refresh on our newsletter is how we plan to connect you with more sneaker culture news, what we’re checking for (and what we aren’t), and sneakHER style. For all our new subscribers, a timely reminder below.

This is where sneakers merge with cool girl, you-CAN-sit-with us energy. All of that comes with a service-first mindset + sharing information + a team of people who genuinely care A LOT. If you’re here for people first and product second, you’ve come to the right place.

If you’re feeling it, feel free to share and care.

🛒 Le’ Struggle continues.

While we were surprised at some sneaker silhouettes sitting on e-shelves, we still feel the sting of frustration as it relates to accessibility. We really had our eyes set on this WMNS Nike Vomero ‘Black and Blue Gaze’, but we were met with an all too common fate. If you rock on the smaller/larger women’s sizing chart, you still have a chance to purchase.

This week, New Balance has our hearts and our budgets with the upcoming NB 9060. It’s something about a pop of color that sets off our love for warmer temperatures + more sneakHER style moments.

Now that we’ve shared our e-carts, it’s time to jump into some joy on the news front.

🌱 Sometimes, it just takes a S.E.E.D.

Full circle moments are uniquely special and give a glimpse into how we can all design for the future based on our passions and our talents. Have you ever heard “That’s not a real job” or “That doesn’t exist in your career path”? It is a blessing to be able to witness traditional barriers to entry being broken everyday.

Black women are being highlighted for what we already know, however everyone else may be catching up. The fact is that the talent has always been there, but the accessibility created challenges. We aren’t just talking about sneaker launches. We are specifically noting women entering into the footwear design space. Programs like the adidas School for Experiential Education in Design are paving the pathways for women to succeed.

Check out how Kimberly Shane, Cheresse Thornhill-Goldson, Ashley Comeaux, Precious Hannah-King, and Eliya Jackson are changing the game through impact + paying it forward.

Link to read more here

✨ “We can only be what we see.”

Pensole Lewis College of Business & Design founder and president D'Wayne Edwards has understood the mission and the assignment for years. He has intentionally put in the work to build better avenues for the next generation of Black and brown talent in the footwear industry.

To further that mission, Pensole Lewis College of Business & Design has partnered with Foot Locker to open their first Footwear Creation Stu/deo.

This creative studio aims to bridge the learning experience through immersive design workshops and more. We believe this is the future for creatives and entrepreneurs alike. Find out more on how Foot Locker was their perfect match for partnership + how the spark of conversation will be the positive change we need to see for years to come.

Link to read more here

We are not only inspired by the sneaker stories above, but hopeful for the next surge of amazing creators and beyond.

Check out more items that fell onto our radar recently.

🗞 Have a favorite Heist movie? Take that and make it sneakers. You’ll have the latest vibe for a very sophisticated Nike theft ring. Tap in to read more.

🗞 Kyrie Irving took to his custom built basketball court at Sneaker Politics in Texas, to promote the launch of his shoe, the KAI 1. Tap in to read more.

🔥 A Hot List

Our CNK Hot List is a weekly mini round-up of sneakers we’re paying attention to. Does anything stand out to you this week?

Link to read more here

🗣 Your voice matters.

We want to connect with our community on a deeper level, past the surface of social media. The only way we can do that is by understanding your feedback and thoughts related to our beloved sneaker space.

As women, we have a very intentional perspective. We like to wear our sneakers and we do have a strong buying power in the market. We are not only rockin’ our favorite pairs for ourselves, but we also buy for our families and friends. It feels like tradition even in our oversaturated market that can, at times, seem like it’s only for likes/shares/comments.

As we depart, please let us know how we can support you or amplify your work! Hit that reply so we can share!

Stay laced up. See y’all next week.