9 Women Who Rewrote Sneaker Collab History
For decades, sneaker collaborations were dominated by male athletes, rappers, and designers. But over the last twenty years, women have been steadily claiming space and redefining what a sneaker collaboration looks like. From fashion houses to streetwear icons, these women have created some of the most memorable kicks to date.
Vashtie Kola: The First Lady of Jordan
In 2010, Vashtie Kola made history as the first woman to design her own Air Jordan with the release of the Air Jordan 2. The lavender sneaker, dubbed “Downtown’s Sweetheart,” wasn’t just about the sneaker—it was about representation. She showed women could take center stage in a space long dominated by men.
Rihanna: PUMA’s Game Changer
When Rihanna linked with PUMA as Creative Director in 2014, things shifted overnight. Her Fenty Creeper became an instant hit, winning Shoe of the Year in 2016 and selling out repeatedly. Rihanna didn’t just collaborate she reshaped the brand’s entire identity, setting a blueprint for other celebrity-led sneaker lines.
Yoon Ahn: Luxury Meets Street
As the creative force behind AMBUSH, Yoon Ahn brought her avant-garde touch to Nike. Her Nike Dunk High “Cosmic Fuchsia” turned heads. But her first collab with the brand was a futuristic Nike Air Max 180. Yoon’s ability to blend high-fashion aesthetics with sportswear practicality has kept her collabs at the center of sneaker culture.
Aleali May: A Voice for the Community
Aleali May is the only woman to release unisex Air Jordans, and her projects—like the satin “Shadow” Jordan 1 and the colorful “Court Lux” pack—have become instant grails. She bridges streetwear, high fashion, and personal storytelling, always infusing her collabs with nods to her LA roots.
Phoebe Philo: Minimalism Reimagined
While she isn’t often framed as a “sneaker collaborator” in the streetwear sense, Phoebe Philo’s work at Céline brought luxury sneakers to the front row. Her sleek, minimal leather trainers redefined what a designer sneaker could look like and made high-end sneakers a runway staple.
Stella McCartney: Sustainability Meets Performance
Stella McCartney’s long-running partnership with adidas has been groundbreaking. From performance-ready running shoes to fashion-forward Ultraboosts, she’s fused sustainability with sleek design, showing that eco-consciousness and style can go hand in hand.
Melody Ehsani: Bold & Fearless
Melody Ehsani’s Jordan collabs—like her Air Jordan 1 Mid with mismatched colors and jewelry-inspired details—brought fearless personality to the brand. As the first woman to design a women’s Jordan OG, she carved out a lane for bold, unapologetic storytelling through sneakers.
Sarah Andelman (Colette): Parisian Playfulness
In 2008, Sarah Andelman and the legendary Parisian boutique Colette put their stamp on the ASICS Gel-Lyte III. With Colette’s signature aesthetic the sneaker stood out as both chic and fun, reflecting the boutique’s eye for mixing high fashion and streetwear. It remains one of the most beloved boutique collabs, proving that women-led creativity could shift sneaker culture globally.
Chitose Abe (sacai): Layered Innovation
Chitose Abe’s Nike LDWaffle in 2019 rewrote the rules of sneaker design. Doubling up on swooshes, tongues, and midsoles, Abe brought her signature hybrid aesthetic to life, fusing retro running DNA with avant-garde fashion. The LDWaffle instantly became a grail and cemented sacai’s place as a global force.
