1098 best sneakers
Based on reviews from 2,461,734 users. Learn how our rankings work or see our guide to sneakers. Updated Dec 2019.
Based on reviews from 2,461,734 users. Learn how our rankings work or see our guide to sneakers. Updated Dec 2019.
The hunt for the best sneaker around can be daunting. Beginner sneakerheads and sneaker-savvy people alike go through the same dilemma. To help with the search, RunRepeat has come up with a comprehensive list of top-rated kicks in the market to date.
Taking a step further, RunRepeat also saw it fit to provide a detailed, unbiased overview of each product, thus, enabling consumers to make a sound, informed decision.
The popularity of sneakers does not show any signs of abating. Worn by all genders, most especially men, regardless of age, it has left its imprint on a variety of cultures. Its iconic status has even led it to establish its own subculture. Here is how it began in a nutshell:
Many of the most in-demand and popular men’s or women’s sneakers took its roots from athletic shoes. Despite its sporty origins, performance in many models has taken a backseat. Some, however, still equipped with the basic components a sports footwear requires, can still double up as a trainer.
Sneakers that borrowed the design elements of a specific sports shoe typically share the same structure.
These sneakers have successfully crossed over to the lifestyle section because of cult following, historical significance, or sheer popularity that the people simply want to get a pair. From their sporty origins, they are now a staple of basically every sneaker closet.
Also known as “GR,” these sneakers are readily available and can be obtained effortlessly. Typically, released in generous numbers, consumers can find these displayed in malls and sneaker boutiques.
These products’ designs are usually influenced by the design of sought-after sneakers as well as athletic shoes but with a casual flair.
It's common for brands to update standard models with high-quality materials while keeping its original silhouette intact. These iterations are priced a bit higher than the regular editions. To top it off, it boasts better comfort and durability.
As the name suggests, these refer to sneakers sold in selected retailers and manufactured in limited numbers. Hard to obtain, getting a pair would mean long queues as well as sleepless nights in front of computer screens.
Hyperstrike and Quickstrike or “QS” versions of Nike sneakers are among the limited edition models that pop up in stores quickly and in few quantities.
These models are usually created to celebrate a specific event or to pay homage to a particular person, team, etc. Some models, however, are tagged as a Special Edition or “SE” due to its notable popularity or because of its sought-after colorway.
A sneaker’s design is remarkably altered with a simple change of its cut or top. Consumers’ varying taste in style has resulted in brands revising a shoe’s profile in usually three different ways, namely:
The most famous among the three, its collar lies just below the ankle. Many prefer these over the other cuts since it provides enhanced freedom of motion. It is also perceived as the most versatile as it can be paired with a wide array of sporty and casual clothing.
These are distinguished by their collar which extends over the ankle. Known for providing additional ankle support, this style has invaded basketball courts in the past years. When it comes to aesthetics, its edgy look is regarded as stylish. Although attractive, some think this type lacks versatility.
The least popular among all three, these have a collar that extends no higher than the ankle. These types of footwear frequently feature a strap that helps keep the foot in place. Looking a bit similar with the high-tops, many consumers get the two interchanged.
Style is intensely personal and sometimes the biggest factor in choosing a sneaker. Whether one’s style is understated or a bit flamboyant, colorways and design can decisively affect a sneaker fan’s choice.
There are simply no shortage of options where colorways and design go as sneakers across all brands use a motley assortment of color combos and design.
Time or the season plays a major role in the selection of sneakers. The time of the year can clearly have an effect in getting a new pair as everyone would still want to look good in a shoe that offers the right functionality or utility.
A hands-down factor in looking for the next pair is the material the sneaker is made of. Since comfort, style, and even functionality play by the rules dictated by the material used, knowing what makes the sneaker hum is essentially important.
The market is flooded with a multitude of materials that fit perfectly to the styling and functional needs of the buyer. Here are some of them:
The sneaker’s design has transformed remarkably throughout the years. New designs and never-before-seen colorways are introduced every so often as a result of consumers’ ever-changing needs and demands, shoe designers’ endless creativity and the boundless emergence of new technologies.
In spite of all the developments, some classic silhouettes remain in circulation for its timeless design. Fans’ excitement and sneakerheads’ curiosity are roused with every updated release of these vintage shoes. The past is clearly a huge part of how sneakers are produced and made available to the public.
A model that flaunts a new silhouette is called an “OG.” Depending on how it is accepted by the masses, the new model can instigate the rise of a new collection. Many of the vintage-inspired shoes today got their looks from a model launched years ago. Modern tech has also allowed brands to develop never-before-seen designs.
Usually, OGs are released ten years after the launch of its initial model. Some brands, however, introduces an “OG” edition, which carries the original’s colorway, a few years after the original model gets released.
This type refers to sneakers that were launched back in the days and are re-released due to an increase in demand. Most of the time, these are released five years after the unveiling of the OG silhouette.
Normally donned in the shoe’s original colorway, these versions are made with more premium materials. Slight tweaks in the design can also be expected. Some models, though, are dressed in new colorways.
Classic sneakers have been given a new life and new models have been conceived with the help of pro athletes, artists, musicians, top-tier shops and the like. Suddenly turning into designers, models named after these iconic figures are commonly hyped up and released in limited numbers with a slightly higher price.
There are some, though, that become crowd favorites, are produced in large quantities and maintain a reasonable price tag.
Recently, brands have entered the world of high-fashion and have partnered with renowned fashion designers like Yohji Yamamoto, Stella McCartney, Raf Simons, Kanye West and Rick Owens.
These collaborations have turned seemingly regular sneakers into luxe items in an instant. These team-ups have also produced a couple of new models usually priced from $200 or above.
Nowadays, sneakers, also known as tackies, kicks, and trainers, can be seen on the foot of the majority of people. Its global presence is outstanding. So, how did this shoe attain so much popularity?
History would reveal how much this inexpensive object has been the focus of public attention. Both functional and aesthetically pleasing, it has caught the attention of seasoned athletes, not to mention the popular culture.
The craze started in the 1970s when kicks with brightly-colored hues were introduced. Formerly used only in the track or on the court, the shoes became an appealing streetwear option.
Its prominence intensified with the growth of the hip-hop community. Sneakers became a subject of songs sang by famous artists like Run DMC and Nelly.
In the year 1985, sneakers also became a topic of debate and a symbol of youthful rebellion as Michael Jordan wore the controversial $65 Air Jordan despite it being banned by the NBA. It was and is still is embraced by the alternative culture for its authenticity.
Like a blank canvas, it has also been used as a tool for cultural expression by many designers, artists and celebrities.
Currently, sneaker industry is among the largest markets. Having a $75 billion market price and growing by over 40% in 2004, Transparency Market Research revealed that a significant increase in revenue is expected by the year 2020.
Primarily worn for tennis when it first appeared, sneakers have evolved in numerous ways. Its design, quality and comfort enhanced with all the technological advancements developed throughout the years. One discovery led to another making the shoe production process progress in unimaginable ways.
A practice perceived as a sustainable innovation for its ability to dramatically speed up the design process while significantly reducing waste, this tech allowed brands to create shoes made with a one-piece knit upper. Regardless of what brand’s call it, the knitted construction boasts lightweight feel and superior breathability.
Later on, the same tech was used to create a midsole. Molded according to the shape of the foot and tailored to meet an individual’s specific cushioning needs, it promises to offer a stable yet barefoot-like feel and a natural ride.
From Puma’s Disc Blaze to Nike’s recently launched HyperAdapt and Flyease, brands are undeniably pushing their limits to come up with new ways of improving the shoe’s fit, which in turn helps consumers make their life easier. Now, wearers can say goodbye to the tiresome task of tying shoelaces.
Lifestyle shoes have been known for their comfort. Tech these days have allowed brands to provide wearers plush comfort not only around the foot but also underfoot. With the creation of the Nike Air-Sole, the Adidas Boost and the Asics Gel cushioning, modern footwear now boasts overall comfort plus superior impact protection. Vintage kicks are also updated with the same tech.
A great way to boost style points, this reflective material, also considered as a lifesaver, became known in the mid ‘60s. Applied on orange jackets used by engineers, it was later on utilized on high visibility casual clothing and then on sneakers. To date, other kinds of tech like Xeno have been developed to improve the shoe’s visibility.
Sneakers are comfortable, versatile, and easy to wear. Because of these features, it is inevitable for our well-loved pairs to require care and proper cleaning. Washing or cleaning your sneakers is easy, sure - but it can be tricky. Proper cleaning is crucial to maintaining the quality and aesthetics of your sneakers since one wrong move could quickly destroy their material, colors, or overall construction.
Below are some practical tips to keep in mind:
Sneakers should fit comfortably on foot – not too tight nor too loose. Sneaker models across brands, and even within the same brand, vary in size both in length and width. This means that not because you are a size, say, 10 in one brand would mean that the same size in another brand would give the same exact fit.
One way to know if your sneakers fit correctly is through the finger test. When wearing your sneaker, you should be able to insert your index finger comfortably between your heel and the shoe's heel part. If you are able to wiggle around your finger, then it means that your pair fits too big. On the other hand, if you can't even place your finger in between your heel and the shoe's heel, then it implies that your pair is too small or tight.
Also, when you feel pressure or squeezing on the sides of your feet, it means that you have to size up.
Sneakers naturally stretch out over time, especially when being worn regularly. However, there are alternative ways to speed up this process. Here are some useful hacks:
Sneakers are called as such because of how quiet their rubber soles are compared to other kinds of shoes with leather soles. Back in the day, it was the perfect shoe to “sneak” around without being noticed by other people. Although initially known as “plimsolls” and otherwise referred to as “trainers,” “athletic shoe,” “kicks,” or "beaters" among others, the name sneakers stuck and widelybeing used up to this day.
Here are some of the basic lacing techniques for sneakers:
For more detailed lacing techniques and knots, see our Top 10 Running Shoe Lacing Techniques here.
As pointed out above, style is personal and varies from one person to another. Fashion knows no rules, but a right pair of sneakers could make or break your entire outfit. Below are some basic tips to wear sneakers.
How are men’s sneakers different from women’s sneakers?
Men’s sneakers primarily differ from women’s sneakers in overall shape and width. Because of this, they have different sizing systems. Sneakers made in men's sizing are generally broader and bigger in size while those made in women’s sizing are made with wide forefoot but narrow heel area.
Often, brands release sneaker models that are unisex in style but only available in men’s sizing. In such cases, the ladies should get a pair that is 1.5 to 2 sizes down their usual size as an approximate women's to men's sizing equivalent.
What are the different widths available for sneakers?
Although most sneaker brands only offer standard width sizes for most of their sneaker models, some brands like New Balance, Ecco, Sperry, Under Armour, Asics, Nike, and Adidas also have sneaker releases in various widths. Below are the size equivalents for each varying width sizes:
These sneakers have dominated the fashion scene in recent years since Adidas strategically relaunched the iconic Stan Smith in 2014, and it seems like that they are not going anywhere else anytime soon. Men and women alike adopt the trend primarily because of its versatility and no-fail style. All-white sneakers offer minimal yet stylish aesthetics that matches a wide variety of outfits.
Otherwise referred to as "chunky sneakers" or "ugly sneakers," dad sneakers typically exhibits chunky or thick soles and overall look that reflects the retro ‘80s or ‘90s era. Some of the most popular dad sneakers include the Adidas Yeezy Wave Runner 700, Balenciaga Triple S, Gucci Rhyton, and New Balance 990.
Typically offered for the ladies, platform sneakers exhibit elevated soles of at least 1” high for extra height and edgy look. Some of the most popular sneakers that follow this trend are the Puma Fenty Creepers, Keds Triple, Vans Platform Slip-On, and more.
Unlike white sneakers, metallic sneakers are more adventurous and playful. These sneakers ditch the typical plain leather, mesh, or suede upper for metallic, satin, or even glittered material. The new façade of these kicks instantly gives a statement, but wearing them with the right outfit could be crucial.
Like with any commodity, prices of sneakers vary depending on the brand, materials and technologies used, or availability. Most of the time, basic sneakers or those released in greater quantities and available across several retailers are budget-friendly or affordable. These are usually called General Releases.
Limited-edition sneakers or those that released in limited quantities, on the other hand, are typically priced higher than usual because of their exclusivity. These shoes are also often products of unique collaborations between brands and designers, celebrities, or artists, which add value to their overall package.
Same goes with Premium Editions. These sneakers are also more expensive than regular models primarily because they utilize premium materials. The increase in price, however, equates to better quality and craftsmanship.
Another category of expensive lifestyle shoes is called luxury sneakers. Made and designed by renowned fashion designers and luxury fashion brands such as Gucci and Balenciaga, among others, these shoes are also known to exhibit premium materials and quality.