Yahoo Lifestyle The One Sneaker Style Everyone Will Be Wearing This Year
- 1/26
The One Sneaker Style Everyone Will Be Wearing This Year
Is there a fashion community that’s more passionate, more devout, more opinionated than sneakerheads? Researching and testing the best cool sneakers, I fell down a rabbit hole dug by thorough reviews, territorial debates, and a whole lot of hype-mongering. When certain aficionados find a pair of sneakers they love, be it the resurgent Adidas Samba or the classic Air Force 1s, they want everyone to know (and shop accordingly).
I understand the enthusiasm. Sneakers are one of fashion's few universal items: Almost everyone owns them, and almost every brand releases their own version. Between athletic powerhouses like Nike, Puma, and Reebok, plus designers like Chanel and Gucci getting into the sneaker game, shoe dogs have enough options to fill a basketball court. Then, a lot of opinions to go with them.
When you get down to it, cool sneakers come in all sorts of rises, color combinations, and levels of support. Some are running shoes and walking shoes with fits calibrated for getting active; others are homages to sport that are purely for casual styling. As a recreational runner and fashion editor, my definition of the best cool sneakers always involves a cushioned sole and sleek shape I can wear jogging in the park or to work. In more exacting footwear circles, sneakers with vintage DNA are having a moment. "Retro runners will be very big in 2023," says Cynthia Lee, vice president of merchandising at StockX. "Running shoes from the 90s and 2000s have been reintroduced with fresh new colorways and collaborations, and people are wearing them as everyday shoes."
Lee name-checks New Balance and Nike as labels where vintage styles are gaining momentum, but they're just the beginning. From modern chunky sneakers to highly coveted designer collaborations, scroll on for the 25 best cool sneakers that live up to their hype.
Edward Berthelot - Getty Images - 2/26
Nike Dunk Low Retro White Black Panda (2021) (W)
Nike
stockx.com
$169.00
"Nike Dunks continue to rank among the best-selling sneakers on StockX," Lee says. "This style has become one of the most recognizable sneakers, and it has really cemented itself as a wardrobe staple for Gen Z and millennial consumers."
It's not fading away anytime soon, Lee adds. "With a wide range of women’s exclusive colorways released over the last year and more on the way, this sneaker will remain a top pick in 2023."
Sizes: 5–12
stockx.com - 3/26
x JUNE AMBROSE Keeping Score Prevail Women's Sneakers
Puma
puma.com
$110.00
Creative director and costume designer June Ambrose is doing some of her most exciting work at Puma, including releasing these sneakers as part of her latest "Keeping Score" collection. The line turns athletic staples into power dressing moments—and you'll walk a little taller every time you slip on this colorful pair.
Sizes: 5.5–11
Puma - 4/26
America’s Cup Original Sneakers
Prada
prada.com
$925.00
Pay homage to one of sporting's most iconic races with an equally notable pair of sneakers. Prada first combined luxury and performance footwear in 1999 with its inaugural America's Cup sneaker; nearly 30 years later, it's re-issuing the sailing world's most covetable sneaker with the same materials (leather and breathable mesh) plus a commemorative tag highlighting the original collection.
Sizes: 5–11
Prada - 5/26
Nama Mixed Media Platform Sneakers
Chloé
saksfifthavenue.com
$795.00
You'll feel like you're walking on air in these tall Chloé sneakers. But the uppers are the real draw: They riff on the brand's best knitwear with intricate contrast stitching in ten different combinations.
Sizes: 5–12
Saks Fifth Avenue - 6/26
Original Achilles Sneaker
Common Projects
nordstrom.com
$465.00
Simple leather sneakers are eternal. This no-nonsense pair by Common Projects is the leader of the pack, with creamy leather and a supportive sole. Reviewers on several sites say they own multiple pairs in different colors—they're that good.
Sizes: 5–12
Customer review: "This is my 6th pair of Common Projects. Couldn’t pass up this color. I bought my first pair from Net-A-Porter 10 years ago. They fit like a glove, the craftsmanship is impeccable. These are a true investment and will never go out of style. Chic, comfortable from day one, and will last a lifetime. A must have in anyones closet."
Nordstrom - 7/26
x Jacquemus Air Humara LX Sneakers
Nike
farfetch.com
$315.00
Nike and Jacquemus were the pairing the sneaker world didn't know it wanted...and then absolutely needed. The first drops in 2022 sold out almost instantly. Still, I tracked down the reimagined Halara sneaker—designer Simon Porte Jacquemus's favorite Nike silhouette—with ribbon trim and a gold-tone swoosh on Farfetch.
Sizes: 8–14
Farfetch - 8/26
Screener GG Sneaker
Gucci
gucci.com
$950.00
Sneakers wallpapered in an envy-inducing motif? Say less. This Gucci pair may look casual relative to a shiny Jackie bag or an off-the-runway dress, but the craftsmanship is more than exceptional.
Sizes: 4–12
Gucci - 9/26
Campo Sneakers
Veja
shopbop.com
$175.00
The team behind Veja's sneakers put years of research and testing into creating leather sneakers with a lower environmental impact. They're not just a thoughtfully produced shoe; the design is also versatile enough to wear daily (which I'm known to do).
Sizes: EU35–EU43
Customer review: "These are comfy and the mint logo is perfect for spring and summer! The contrasting sole is a nice color and easy to clean."
Shopbop - 10/26
Sneakers Fabric & Suede Calfskin Multicolor
Chanel
chanel.com
If you're the type who wears sneakers more than any other shoe, why not indulge in the most decadent chunky sneaker? This Chanel pair's patchwork cleverly nods to the houses's signature tweed.
Sizes: Upon request
Chanel - 11/26
MR530
New Balance
newbalance.com
$99.99
Lee of StockX says the New Balance 530 silhouette, first released in 1992, is a perfect example of footwear's obsession with all things retro right now. This is one of the few color combos where several sizes are still available, but if you want to follow in the most avid shoppers' footsteps, "We’ve seen the classic white and navy colorway do particularly well—it’s one of the top three best-selling New Balance sneakers on StockX right now," Lee tells us.
Sizes: 6–15.5
New Balance - 12/26
Old Skool Shoe
Vans
vans.com
$70.00
From Rihanna to Gigi Hadid, celebrities love these understated skate shoes for leisurely walks and errand runs. They're an oldie but a goodie: Vans has had them in circulation since 1977. In the now, you can find them in 24 colors with an option to customize.
Sizes: 5–17.5
Customer review: "I've had a pair of these for ~8 years. They are by far the most durable pair of shoes I have ever owned. My pair is ready for retirement and I will definitely be ordering another any day! I absolutely love these shoes. They're simple, durable and I always feel like a bad-*** wearing them."
Vans - 13/26
Flow Logo-Appliquéd Sneakers
Loewe
net-a-porter.com
$690.00
At a time when brands are backing away from logos in favor of "quiet luxury," these sneakers caught my eye because of their logo. Loewe's cursive L is so artfully applied to this satin-suede shoe, it hardly looks like a loud brand signifier.
Sizes: IT35–IT41
Net-a-Porter - 14/26
Beaded Criss-Cross Strap Trek Ballerina Sneakers
Simone Rocha
farfetch.com
$995.00
A few brands have tried to imitate Simone Rocha’s distinctive sneakers, but they can’t compete with the original. The mega platform sole, pointe-shoe inspired straps, and curved arches bring more drama than Swan Lake’s second act; they’re ballet-adjacent, but they predate any talk of “balletcore.”
Sizes: 36IT–41IT
Farfetch - 15/26
Rawlins 2.0 Sneakers
Tretorn
saksfifthavenue.com
$85.00
Tretorn’s sneakers have lasted me miles (and miles) of walks around my city and the ones I’ve visited for work. The textured soles are also a lifesaver on rainy days when grippy shoes are a must. They’re a little country club tennis with a pleated skirt and a slouchy sweater; a little ‘90s retro revival with a single-pleat pant and a button-down.
Sizes: 6–11
Saks Fifth Avenue - 16/26
New York Sneakers
Onitsuka Tiger
shopbop.com
$85.00
Tastemakers like Dorsey’s Meg Strachan own Onitsuka’s sneakers in multiples. You’ll follow her lead after your first outfit wearing them, thanks to their durable tread and inventive striped design.
Sizes: 4–9.5
Shopbop - 17/26
Red Chuck 70 Hearts Sneakers
Converse
ssense.com
$100.00
Heart eyes incoming. Chuck Taylors are the definitive high-top sneaker, and the sweet embroidery along the back seam looks like a whimsical doodle you might have scribbled on your shoes mid-daydream.
Sizes: 5–10.5
SSENSE - 18/26
Samba OG Shoes
adidas
adidas.com
$90.00
Like Julia Fox and quiet quitting, Adidas Sambas were absolutely everywhere in 2022. Their sudden comeback has a staying power longtime fans can vouch for, starting with those signature three-stripes. Prefer even the most popular sneakers with an IYKYK edge? Hard-to-find pairs from collaborations with Wales Bonner and Gucci reinterpret the same design with updated colors and special materials.
Sizes: 4.5–15
Customer review: "Comfortable shoe. Love how simple the Samba OG Shoe design is. Don't want anything flashy but these look great."
Adidas - 19/26
Clifton 8 Sneakers
HOKA ONE ONE
amazon.com
$168.97
Hoka makes some of the best running shoes with extra cushioning and support, as anyone who's trained for a 5k knows. The Clifton, one of its best-rated sneakers, is also your most comfortable in to the chunky sneaker trend for times when you're not training. You can choose from a wide range of bright color combinations and more subdued neutrals; personally, I spend all summer in a pair of white Hokas with a revolving rack of flowy dresses.
Sizes: 6–11
Customer review: "Worth the money. Fit is better than any other workout shoe. Ultimate shoe comfort. If on the fence go for it."
Amazon - 20/26
Cloudgo Running Shoe
On
nordstrom.com
$149.99
The name can’t adequately prepare you for the bounce and lightweight feel of these On Running sneakers. They’re cushioned to a degree athletes of all levels can appreciate. With a fit this easygoing, you’ll be tempted to wear them beyond the gym or the track often.
Sizes: 5–11
Customer review: "I always buy the same rotation of running shoes and wanted to try something different. This sneaker is light, fluffy and feels great running outside or on the treadmill. It does run a tad on the small side - but I stick with my usual 8.5 and it's comfortable. Would consider sizing up depending on how you like a sneaker to fit. Will buy again!!"
Nordstrom - 21/26
Green Platform Slip-On Sneakers
MM6 Maison Margiela
ssense.com
$510.00
Slip into something more comfortable with this chunky sneaker. Slide-on styles are the most casual of any already laid-back footwear category, but MM6’s possess extra attitude to match their sky-high platform.
Sizes: IT35–IT41
SSENSE - 22/26
Air Force 1 '07 Next Nature Women's Shoes
Nike
nike.com
$95.00
Nike’s Air Force Ones are as much of a cultural touchstone as they are an everyday sneaker with endless styling potential. Dedicated fans, like model Adut Akech, buy a new pair at least once per year. "It's just such a clean, classic shoe that goes with anything and everything," she told BAZAAR.
Sizes: 5–12
Customer review: "I'm not a huge sneaker person so I was a bit worried these wouldn't be my style but I love them. They are very clean looking and are super versatile. You can wear them with literally anything. They are also super comfortable and you can definitely wear them all day. I like the height of the heel but I wish they were a bit more narrow. Overall, I recommend!"
Nike - 23/26
Super-Star Glitter Low Top Sneaker
Golden Goose
nordstrom.com
$600.00
A little distressed, a little sparkly: These sneakers are the best of two very different aesthetics. They also have the slightest platform, so your baggy jeans and oversized trousers gently skim the ground.
Sizes: 5–10
Customer review: "I think the deciding factor is they have a hidden wedge so they add an inch. Comfortable, well-made and add a little interest to an outfit. "
Nordstrom - 24/26
x Aimé Leon Dore 550 Sneakers
New Balance
farfetch.com
$199.00
At the same time that New Balance’s archival styles have made a comeback, it’s invited an impressive group of collaborators to reinvent its classic sneakers. (A sample: Miu Miu, Staud, Ganni, the list goes on.) Most sell out before editors can test them, but this recent drop with NYC darling Aimé Leon Dore is still in stock. Whether you’re a regular at Aimé Leon Dore’s downtown store-slash-cafe or you’re only just getting acquainted with the label, these pumped up sneakers with a reimagined logo and suede detailing will take any outfit with a menswear trouser to another level.
Sizes: 6.5–13
Farfetch - 25/26
Classic Leather Shoes
Reebok
reebok.com
$84.97
Here’s another sneaker that’s been known and loved for decades, for good reason. First, they’ve been a court-to-street mainstay since they were introduced by Reebok in the 80s. Second, the modern versions have weather-proof outers and more than 30 colors to choose between.
Sizes: 7–14.5
Customer review: "Old school classic, the best of and a perfect fit. Will be getting another pair soon."
Reebok - 26/26
Viv Skate Sneakers
Roger Vivier
net-a-porter.com
$1395.00
The time and place for twinkle toes is all the time, if Roger Vivier has anything to do with it. These white leather sneakers have all the walkability of a far more casual sneaker, plus a sparkly buckle embellishment. Designate them your "going-out" sneakers.
Sizes: IT34.5–IT42
Net-a-Porter
