The big athletic shoe companies are starting to sit up and take notice of the uptick in popularity of sneakers among females. Reebok joins the party with the Chi-Kaze (pronounced “she-kaze”), a female version of its Kamikaze III, launched earlier this year in collaboration with Swizz Beatz.  Available at Journey’s in December.

You’re looking at the grey colorway here and on the next page there are more angles of the same shoe, plus a black and pink version.

Isabel Marant’s highly-coveted sneakers in new colors for Spring 2012. Via Lofficiel.

Enjoy a look at the very covetable sneakers by the very talented and never color shy Eley Kishimoto.Enamored with the whole collection we had to feature the women’s and the men’s styles, looking  like a fabulous  vacation for your feet. Mucho mas on the flip via Highsnobette.

Once in a while, Nike comes through for the ladies. Here is a pair of Nike “Sherpa” Dunks in an oxen-brown colored high style. Obviously it’s the sheepskin that takes them over the top.  More looks from different angles on the next page. For purchase details visit Extrabutter.

A whole lot of goodness for a sneaker that we pretty much would live in this fall exclusively available at No. 6 London. Made  for the boys which totally breaks our hearts… #sneakerlove.

Le Coq Sportiff collaborates with Midget Parkour on a cute video, showing a pair of fingers laced up with fingers on a free running jaunt.

Now how in the heck did this Front magazine slip under my radar until now? Apparently it’s a rag dedicated to the streetwear generation and every issue features a hot babe, often decked out in kicks and brands like Supreme, Obey and that ilk.

We’re all for it, seems like a fun mag, but can’t help but deeply feel the irony given that the women’s streetwear movement is pretty much down to its last gasps. So many conversations we at HS have had with women frustrated by the lack of brands capable of creating compelling streetwear product for the ladies. It’s like this gaping chasm that never seems to be filled. And while it’s fun to watch the guys place dress up with gorgeous babes (talking to you, Ronnie Fieg!), darn, we sure do wish for more of a “female gaze” where this genre is concerned. Via Animal (yo Tabatha!)

More images of the smokin’ hot Kitty Lea on the next page.

In an era in which mega-brands and retailers seem to be growing more dominant than ever, designer Ce Ce Chin of shoe brand 80%20 has always been welcome fresh air. Starting as a llifestyle sneaker company in 2005 with her first retail customers lower-Manhattan boutiques, she’s continued to grow, evolve and remain distinct because of a future-seeing design aesthetic that combines edge with ease and packs all that punch at prices the Downtwon trendsetters who adore her can afford. Case in point, the “hidden wedge,” now a popular design element, but truth be told it was Chin’s first. That ability to offer a new design twist on a shoe (like for Spring the open-toe loafer #straightfire above)you can still wear all day is really what defines 80%20 and makes it special.

Chin was in touch with us recently to let us know about an event at the great Shoe Market in Brooklyn, on November10th (a glass of wine AND 15% off all Holiday 2011 80%20 styles), and we asked if she couldn’t answer some quick questions on trends and what she sees coming up for Spring 2012.  Here’s what she had to say:

Q: What’s been your overall most popular style for Autumn 2011?
Chin: We have a new style called the Rina (see image on next page), which is a bit like Chelsea boot, but has an 1.5-inch heel and a 2-inch hidden wedge inside.  We’re taking the hidden wedge concept further along…  It’s so concealed that some people don’t even realize it’s there!

 Q: It looks like we’re seeing the return of women wearing sneakers as a lifestyle item with celebs being spotted in brands like Supra and Isabel Marant sneakers. What’s your take on the trend and do you see your brand addressing it?

See Chin’s response on the next page, along with Holiday 2011 and Spring 2012 shoe images.

Adidas Originals Holiday 2011 collection is now in stores and it includes everything from the boots shown here to jackets and ski pants. On the next page, see individual item shots plus stylized shots.

A designer sneaker option that can go head to head with Isabel Marant’s sneakers–the Acne “‘Zander”are the hotness. Perfect for the urban landscape and versatile to the max. Available at oak.