Key Players

Nike unveils a capsule sneaker collection just for women—created by a cadre of all-female designers.

- Veronique Hyland

The desire for a cool pair of kicks isn’t gender exclusive, contrary to what male-dominated sneaker culture might lead you to believe. Yet female sneaker heads traditionally haven’t had as many options as men do. Nike is on a mission to change all that: Last year, the brand tapped the International Girl Crew—a group of designers and influencers that includes model Paloma Elsesser and WAH Nails founder Sharmadean Reid—to reen vision the company’s retro Cortez style. The shoe went on sale in August and was available in three color options.