7 Best Sneakers in 2023
Finding the best sneaker that would fit your style and budget can be downright grueling considering the thousands of choices. But don’t worry. We have reviewed over 100 stylish sneakers to narrow down your options.
Whether you’re looking for an iconic silhouette, a sleek tennis sneaker, or a chunky dad shoe, we’ve got our top picks in five different categories to let you choose.
And if you’d like to know how to be smart about mixing comfort and style in your next sneaker, scroll down to the guide below.
How we test sneakers
Since we value what the users say, we pick the top 10 best sneakers based on the reviews collected from the users themselves (minus spam). Using a scoring system called the CoreScore, we’ve also calculated and rated each shoe from 1-100.
Best sneakers overall
What makes it the best?
Pros
- A classic silhouette deserving of any wardrobe
- Easy to wear in
- Super comfortable
- Fits true to size
- Incredibly breathable thanks to the all-canvas upper
- Clean aesthetics
- Very durable outsole
- Brakes well on the board
Cons
- Not very durable in comparison to other modern skate shoes
- Collect stains easily
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Best retro sneakers
What makes it the best?
Pros
- Incredibly durable
- Fits true to size
- Grippy as anything
- Technical shoe for responsive skating
- Surprisingly weatherproof
- Classic silhouette
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Takes a long time to break it
- Narrow in the toe box
- The big tongue isn't for everyone
- Not very breathable
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Best tennis-inspired sneakers
What makes it the best?
Pros
- Classic silhouette
- Numerous colorways and collaborations
- Easy to style
- Durable
- Weatherproof
Cons
- Runs large
- Lack of support
- Takes some time to wear in
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Best classic sneakers
What makes it the best?
Pros
- Classic silhouette that works with any wardrobe
- Fits true to size
- Breathable
- Durable
- Comfortable when broken in
- Padded collar for ankle support
- An easy silhouette even for a hi-top
Cons
- Takes time to put on
- Can take time to wear in
- Not good in wet weather
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Best sneakers for summer
What makes it the best?
Pros
- Ideal price point
- Comfortable in-shoe feel
- Durable construction
- Easy to clean
- Lightweight
- Water-resistant
- Surprisingly breathable
- OK for sockless wear
Cons
- Lacks modern inner shanks for support
- Slightly loose fit
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Best low top sneakers
What makes it the best?
Pros
- Good all-season sneaker
- Good for sockless wear
- An identifiable piece of fashion history
- Fits true to size
- Near indestructible
- Lightweight
- Feels as athletic as it looks
- Great even for winter
Cons
- Takes some time to wear in
- Attaches to stains easily
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Best breathable sneakers
What makes it the best?
Pros
- Elastic sock-liner fits like a glove
- Durable material
- Flexible, easy to wear in
- Well-cushioned
- Flashy Air Max unit
- Versatile colorways
Cons
- Futuristic style is a miss
- Hard to clean
- Not breathable
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Comparison of the 7 best sneakers
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Choose sneakers based on your style
Unless you have wads of cash to splurge on a new set of wardrobe, then buying a shoe style that matches your current collection of clothes is more practical.
Whatever your reasons are for getting a new pair of sneakers, remember to be confident with who you are and what you like. The best sneakers for you would basically reflect YOU and your style.
Low-top, mid-top, or high-top?
When it comes to sneaker styles, there is a chock-full of options available. But before you go through each one, you’ll have to pick between these three basic styles or cuts.
Check out the most popular sneaker styles
Sneaker trends and styles come and go but there are a couple that has lasted through the ages. One sneaker model can also radiate a variety of styles. Here are the most common and popular styles you’ll find in the market.
See our collection of classics and retros, chunky and dad shoes, minimalist sneakers, dressy shoes, sporty silhouettes, wedges and platforms, and trail-ready sneakerboots.
Get a sneaker for your lifestyle
It’s always a great idea (especially for people on the go) to get an all-rounder kick - a shoe that can be worn from work to play. The good thing is that sneakers have an athletic DNA.
Many of the most in-demand men’s or women’s sneakers took roots from athletic shoes. So, whatever activity you’re into, there’s a sporty sneaker that’s capable of meeting at least the minimum requirements of the task.
See our selection of skate shoes and running-, hiking-, basketball-, football-, training-inspired kicks.
Materials matter
Are you looking for a shoe that’s breathable, plush, or durable? Consider the materials that make up the model and you’ll find what you’re searching for.
|
Common Materials Used |
Key Benefits |
Could-be-betters |
|
|
Upper |
Leather (Full-grain, Suede, Nubuck) |
+ Durable + Stable and supportive + Comfortable overtime (a customized fit is achieved as it molds to the shape of the foot) + Abrasion-resistant + Easier to clean |
- Longer break-in time - Heavier on the feet - Less breathable |
|
Textile (Knit, Canvas, Mesh) |
+ Breathable + Lightweight + Cheaper + Feels soft on the get-go |
- Less durable - Limited support and stability - Tends to absorb water |
|
|
Midsole |
EVA |
+ Provides mild impact absorption + Flexible + Lightweight |
- Less supportive - Compresses over time |
|
PU |
+ Hardwearing + Supportive |
- Longer break-in period - Heavier |
The best sneakers are always comfy
Try to forget about sneaker hypes. Popularity does not equate to comfort. And, when it comes to the best sneakers - comfort trumps everything. If it’s not comfortable, you could end up becoming a fashion victim with a pricey sneaker accumulating dust in the shoe rack.
It’s no secret that you need to find a shoe that fits right to achieve comfort. Just follow these 6 simple steps and you’re good to go.
Mind your budget
True, budget isn’t a problem for the filthy rich. If you can buy designer sneakers without second-guessing, then go ahead. But, for average Joes and Janes, a shoe’s price tag is at the heart of their sneaker-buying decision.
Thankfully, there are reputable brands that sell sneakers for cheap. This includes Vans, Keds, and Converse. Even globally known brands like Adidas provide affordable options. Adidas’ NEO collection is a lineup worth checking out for their cheap yet quality kicks.
