7 Best Knit Sneakers, 100+ Shoes Tested in 2023
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Get that soft, stretchy, and adaptive fit with any of these best knit sneakers. These are the perfect kicks for your upcoming adventures during the warmer months. From giant brands like Nike and Adidas to Balenciaga and Keds, just to name a few, there are tons of really great designs in this category that are worth your investment.
Sneakers made of knit fabric material provide wearers with that sock-like feel and remarkable breathability. While knit-made shoes are generally designed for summer days, there are sneakers in this catalog that come with the GORE-TEX technology, which makes them perfect for colder days as well.
With over 150 pairs in the selection, picking the perfect shoe can feel daunting. No worries. Our team of sneakerheads provides you this primer on the best-rated (and not so highly-rated ones) 100+ knit sneakers. Enjoy browsing our top picks below.
Table of contents How we test sneakersBest overallBest NikeBest AdidasBest retroBest PUMABest valueMost popularComparison
Overview
How we test sneakers
We test hundreds of sneakers every year. To identify great quality designs, we bring all the knit shoes to the RunRepeat shoe lab where we do a series of mechanical tests. We weigh all the models, measure the softness or firmness of each, and perform actual wear-tests in the street.
To give you an idea of our selection process, we do the following:
- Spend hours of research about each sneaker and days of wear-tests engaging in various activities. We invest our own funds for the tests to ensure complete freedom and objectivity when writing our reviews.
- Evaluate the style, fit, quality of the knit material, cushioning system, break-in period, weight, support, flexibility, traction, durability, and other features. We also consider the sneakers’ price range, performance, and actual worth in the real world.
- Gather additional data from checking out forums and hundreds of customer reviews.
In the end, we publish our top rankings of all the knit sneakers in the database. We also show on the CoreScore the overall rating of each model.
Best knit sneakers overall
Nike Air Max 270
Nike
$108
Stadium Goods
$110
Champs Sports
Free shipping & returns
$120
ASOS
Free shipping & returns
$120
Corescore
Pros
- Lightweight
- Instantly comfortable
- True to size
- Durable
- Can be worn without socks
- Flexible
- Super breathable
- Sleek modern looks
- Crazy number of colorways
Cons
- Heel height might need adjusting to
- Not the best for standing all day
What makes it the best overall?
Air Max 270 is a sleek, sporty, lightweight lifestyle shoe. With a huge 32mm heel height it's definitely a head-turner. Ultimately, this is a durable shoe that fits in perfectly with the times and at a fair price.
Best Nike knit sneakers
Corescore
Pros
- Breathable
- Unique
- Innovative
- Sustainable
- Lightweight
- Responsive
- Snug fit
Cons
- Pricey
- Stiff heel rubber
What makes it the best Nike?
As part of the brand’s Move to Zero initiative, it releases a new collection of recycling trash. However, eco-construction will only matter if it is wearable. Thankfully, sneakerheads take Nike Space Hippie 04 a success in terms of being a fashionable eco-friendly sneaker. Despite being a product of reused waste, the sneaker does not lack comfort and function.
Best Adidas knit sneakers
Corescore
Pros
- Bold design
- Premium quality
- Exclusive
- Unique style
- Easy to style
- Secured fit
- Well-made
Cons
- Heavy
- Pricey
What makes it the best Adidas?
The Pharrell Williams x Adidas Human Race NMD TR is a premium shoe that has that enviable combination of exclusivity, comfort, quality, and style. Take the shoe walking or hiking because the trail outsole is grippy enough for many kinds of activities, and the versatile design can be paired with any outfit. The shoe can be pricey, but it’s worth every cent spent.
Best retro knit sneakers
Adidas Ultraboost Supernova DNA
Amazon
Free shipping
$57
Adidas
Free shipping and returns
$57
Zappos
Running Warehouse
Corescore
Pros
- Boost-powered
- A go-to sneaker
- Perfect for walks and jogs
- Supportive
- Ideal for long wear
- Incredibly comfortable
- Classic silhouette
- Banger design
Cons
- Slightly tight
- High price point
What makes it the best retro?
Just a piece of advice, prepare your nostalgic memories to be awakened, as this sneaker brought lots of sentimentality to sneaker fans. Don’t fret, though! Adidas Ultraboost Supernova DNA is equipped with modern tech that provides extraordinary comfort. Its plushy and supportive interior allows sneakerheads to go the distance without any aches and pains.
Best PUMA knit sneakers
PUMA Electron Street
Amazon
Free shipping
$30
Shoebacca
$45
Finish Line
Free shipping & returns
$65
Zappos
Corescore
Pros
- Great in the summer heat
- Ultra lightweight
- Shock-absorbing sole
- Soft well-padded collar
- Clean and sleek design
- Very affordable
- Functionally versatile
Cons
- Various durability concerns
- Not for wide feet
What makes it the best PUMA?
PUMA Electron Street is a summer-ready, all-rounder kick you can toss from work to play. Having a buttery soft and airy upper makes it among the comfiest from PUMA. If you’re up for cheap running sneakers that’ll get you covered for most of your activities, you might find this among your top choices.
Best value
Adidas X_PLR
Shoebacca
$30
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$35
Karmaloop
Free shipping and exchange
$65
Champs Sports
$65
Corescore
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Excellent craftsmanship
- Versatile design
- Comfy platform
- Appealing modern look
- Well-ventilated
- Easy to put on
Cons
- Not for wet surfaces
- Flimsy laces
What makes it the best value?
Dubbed by some sites as the ‘poor man’s NMD,’ the X_PLR shoe from Adidas Originals is appreciated by most buyers as it is well-crafted despite its wallet-friendly price. Also, wearers are delighted that the shoe's design takes less time to pair with various active and casual wear. But apart from style, it also delivers a pleasant underfoot feel that adds to the value of this shoe.
Most popular knit sneakers
New Balance XC72
Joes New Balance Outlet
$60
ASOS
Free shipping & returns
$60
Champs Sports
Free shipping & returns
$90
Footshop
$98
Corescore
Pros
- Unique aesthetic
- Superb comfort
- Excellent quality
- Grippy
- Eye-catching hues
- Great for all-day wear
- Reliable lockdown
- Perfect finish
Cons
- Not for wide feet
- Rubs on heel
What makes it the most popular?
Apart from ticking all the boxes of excellent modern sneakers, the XC72 makes sure that you also stay fly style-wise. It is an updated spin on the 70s model called the UXC72V1. Its squared forefoot and rear midsole, along with the vertical split design, give off a retro-future look that will surely amp up any ensemble.
