7 Best Sneakers in 2023

With no stone left unturned, we concluded that the Vans Old Skool is the best sneaker. Outshining other kicks with its enduring historical silhouette, the Old Skool remains a fashion icon for both OG sneakerheads and the new generation. After rigorous testing and research, we found that this sneaker is a blank canvas—literally and metaphorically—boasting three-season versatility, remarkably durable soles, and an exceptionally comfortable upper.

Based on our firsthand experience, we confirm that these kicks feel as good as they look. The interior is incredibly soft right from the get-go. The canvas construction allows for breathability, keeping our feet fresh even after a full day of wear. Even without socks, the kicks feel so breezy. 

Additionally, we appreciate the supportive and grippy soles, which hold up well during long walks on various surfaces. We skated in them for days, and the soles showed no signs of wear, showcasing excellent traction even after pounding the pavements. The Old Skool truly lives up to its reputation as a legend!

Unfortunately, during our laboratory testing, the sneakers failed the stain test. When we applied colored dye to the toebox, we discovered that the material readily absorbed the colors but proved extremely difficult to remove. For this reason, we do not recommend the Old Skool to individuals who prefer stain-resistant and wash-friendly sneakers.

Undoubtedly, the Adidas Stan Smith reigns supreme as the pinnacle of all tennis-inspired sneakers, boasting unrivaled longevity and legacy. Its classic minimalist low-cut design, crafted with a premium leather upper, ensures exceptional durability and breathability—making it a fan favorite both on and off the court. Our thorough lab testing and personal experiences wearing the sneakers in various settings solidified their reputation for unmatched versatility and performance, affirming the Stan Smith as the definitive tennis sneaker to this day.

As we strolled through town sporting the Stan Smith, we discovered that the leather upper provides surprising breathability. The perforations on the side panels facilitate ventilation, ensuring a fresh foot feel during extended hours of play and walks. We also noticed that the sneaker stayed clean and unscratched even after several days of pounding the pavement.

To further assess durability, we intentionally scuffed the leather using a metallic brush attached to a Dremel drill. Impressively, the Stan Smith withstood the abrasions with no signs of wear and tear, solidifying its status as a timeless tennis-inspired sneaker.

However, it is worth noting that Stan Smith tends to have a wide fit. Therefore, we do not recommend them for individuals with narrow feet.

After endless hours of lab testing and rocking around town, we found that the Adidas Busenitz's iconic retro-inspired oversized tongue and caramel bottoms made it outshine all other retro sneakers. But what sealed the deal was the skating sneaker's impeccable comfort and durability, solidifying its stance as an enduring frontrunner for the years to come.

With the abundance of retro sneakers today, it was no easy task to identify the best. Yet, the Busenitz immediately caught our attention with its eye-catching 90s-themed exaggerated tongue. From there, our gaze traveled along the sleek design, leading us to the intricately stitched toebox and ultimately to the appealing gum soles. With all these elements, the Busenitz epitomizes the essence of a true retro sneaker.

Furthermore, we discovered that the Busenitz retains its skateboarding heritage through its indestructible upper. In the lab, we subjected the panels to rigorous scratching using a power drill fitted with a wire brush. To our amazement, there were no signs of wear and tear, as this sneaker handled the abrasions with the utmost resilience. The cherry on top: they also exhibit water-tightness. We deliberately poured water onto the sneaker, and the suede effectively kept the interior dry.

When we took these sneakers for a stroll along city streets, we were treated to divine comfort—once they were properly broken in. Unfortunately, it should be noted that these kicks require a considerable amount of time to break in, making them less suitable for individuals seeking immediate comfort in their sneakers.

For summer getaways, the sneaker that completely earned our admiration is the PUMA RS-X. With super air-accommodating vent holes and an incredibly comfortable midsole, this kick just made our warm-weather saunters more relaxing and pleasurable than ever. 

We injected smoke into the inner compartment of the PUMA RS-X and lots of it came out. This result ratified the fantastic foot airflow we felt during our walks under the heat. Our microscope also pointed to its breathability as it exhibited large mesh holes. 

This sneaker is so fun to use in strolls because it is lavish in cushioning. We measured the heel and forefoot stack heights, and our caliper got us values of 39.9 mm and 22.7 mm, respectively. To put it simply, it is thicker than the averages by 38.5% and 27.8%. We stuck our durometer to the midsole and it showed a softness of 15.6 HA. This equates to a whole day of walking with pure comfort.

Looking at the PUMA RS-X, we expected a heavy build. Moving into our lab, our scale evinced our assumption. The sneaker is 16.05 oz (455g), which is 12.3% heavier than the others. Stick to lighter pairs if you need something that is not burdening on the foot.

After rigorous lab and field testing, we have determined that the Nike Air Max 95 is the ultimate cold-season trainer. Featuring ample padding and a secure lacing system that comfortably embraces the feet, the AM95 provides the necessary warmth during frigid temperatures. Its well-constructed layered upper also exhibits impressive water resistance.

We hit the road with the kicks and they felt like a warm embrace for the feet, making them perfect for night outs and winter OOTDs. Additionally, the grippy recycled rubber outsole provides reliable traction, even on wet surfaces.

However, the sneakers are heavy, which is why we advise individuals seeking a lightweight winter/fall option to explore alternative choices.

Upon conducting a series of tests and evaluations, we decided that the sneaker with the best value is Reebok Club C 85. This sneaker is a huge steal because it is not only 22% cheaper than the average cost of sneakers but it offers a lot more than what we could imagine for a $90 kick!

One area in which Reebok Club C 85 really shines is sturdiness. In our lab, pressing our power drill with a wire brush attachment to its upper led only to some dust fallouts and nothing more. We found that even during skate sessions, its leather holds up great.

We also streamed water over the Reebok Club C 85, and we were amazed when not a drop could seep through the leather, except of course through the ventilation holes. From there, we pretty much predicted that the sneaker could also repel stains, and we were right! We used colored chalk and colored liquid to mark the upper, but cleaning it afterward was such an easy task.

As for comfort, we discovered that this sneaker is incredible for long wear. However, we think it is important to note that Reebok Club C 85 doesn’t have a supportive element underfoot, like a shank. If having a shank is a non-negotiable for you, we recommend seeking other, more supportive pairs.

The Nike Air Max 270 is undoubtedly the most popular sneaker due to its reputation as a pioneer in Nike’s exposed air bubble design and being the first Air Max sneaker to be a 100% lifestyle model. To this day, it is available in an extensive range of over 190 colorways.

Curious to see if the hype was worth it, we took the sneaker out for a walk around town. We were pleasantly surprised that the kicks are insanely comfortable and breathable. They feel great even without socks too!

We then tested the sneaker's durability by scratching it with a metallic brush attached to a power drill. The mesh and knit materials took the beating like pros, with only minimal fraying. With top-notch comfort and durability, the Air Max 270 is definitely worth the hype it's getting.

Ironically, the tall heel height takes time to get used to, nearly causing us to go over our ankles. Walking in them for the first time is quite uncomfy. For this reason, those who want to skip the adjustment period should look elsewhere.