7 Best Cheap Sneakers in 2023
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Why trust us
Gone are the days when sneaker fans had to spend lavishly to look up-to-date. Scoring a pair of dope sneakers without squandering is much easier than most think. This is why we’ve put together a user-friendly guide to help you pick the best sneakers on the market.
We've sifted through 1000+ cheap sneakers and got some solid options from the bigwigs Nike and Adidas, while Reebok and Vans models also came up to snuff.
How we test sneakers
- To avoid biased feedback, we used our money to purchase these cheap sneakers.
- For authentic results, we subjected them to a whole slew of tests and comparisons.
- We meticulously gathered reviews from the actual users of these kicks.
The results from tests and reviews help us rank shoes using CoreScore. Ranging from 1 to 100, this scoring system will give you an abstract of how the shoe went for the majority — the greater the score, the better overall performance.
Best cheap sneakers overall
Vans Old Skool
93
Superb!
What makes it the best?
Vans Old Skools have soared from subculture staple to mainstream fame repeatedly over the years. It’s easy to see why. With a classic, versatile silhouette, brand recognition, and a comfortable, breathable upper, who could resist having a pair in their wardrobe? While the canvas/rubber construction might not be the most durable and can collect stains easily, the Vans Old Skool still looks amazing when beaten and worn.
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
Today's best price
Unisex
Any color
More colors
Sun and Ski
$31
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$33
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$70
Finish Line
Free shipping & returns
$70
Journeys
$80
Best retro cheap sneakers
Adidas Busenitz
91
Great!
What makes it the best?
The Adidas Busenitz has been around for a while. It stands on its own against modern skate shoes because of its durability and versatility. More than anything it's a really clean-looking sneaker that works just as well on a night out as it does in a skatepark. It helps that the shoe is easy to clean, sturdy, and has loads of cushioning to keep you comfy and supported.
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
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
More colors
Amazon
Free shipping
$50
Stadium Goods
$55
Adidas
Free shipping and returns
$85
Zappos
Best cheap tennis sneakers
Adidas Stan Smith
93
Superb!
What makes it the best?
The Adidas Stan Smith is a legendary sneaker with a claim to fame as the original white tennis shoe for the masses. Culture has respected that for the last 50 years the Stan Smith is still as relevant today as it was when the man was winning trophies. It's fair to say that with its robust design and sleek looks, it's probably going to last another 50.
Pros
- Classic silhouette
- Numerous colorways and collaborations
- Easy to style
- Durable
- Weatherproof
Cons
- Runs large
- Lack of support
- Takes some time to wear in
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
More colors
Amazon
$23
Adidas
Free shipping and returns
$50
Stadium Goods
$50
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$51
Journeys
$100
Finish Line
Free shipping & returns
$100
Best cheap high top sneakers
Vans SK8-Hi
92
Great!
What makes it the best?
The Vans Sk8-Hi is the original subculture sneaker. Built as a super-padded skate shoe it was soon adopted by the punk rock scene for its large space on which to customize. Today it's not just a piece of history but a versatile and easy-going silhouette that works with almost any outfit. Not only that but it's strong enough to last years of use and abuse.
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
Today's best price
Unisex
Any color
More colors
Sun and Ski
$36
Amazon
Free shipping
$38
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$43
Backcountry
Free shipping
$52
Finish Line
Free shipping & returns
$55
Footshop
$80
Best classic cheap sneakers
Reebok Club C 85
92
Great!
What makes it the best?
The Reebok Club C85 is a piece of history. Made to fit in with the cleanest, upper-class circles the sneaker world took hold of the Club C85 and hasn't let go. From skaters to rappers, this sneaker has gone the distance and continues to do so, comfortable, durable, and stylish it's all you need.
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
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$31
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$68
Stadium Goods
$69
Champs Sports
$70
Footshop
$71
Journeys
$75
Best cheap sneakers for summer
Vans Authentic
90
Great!
What makes it the best?
There's so much that's already been said about the Vans Authentic. It's a shoe that began an entire movement in the California skate culture. Since then, through Vans' stubborn connection to its roots, you wear pretty much the same shoe as people did nearly 60 years ago. That's because it's a silhouette that works with any wardrobe and construction that's built to last.
Pros
- Eternal silhouette
- Fits true to size
- Durable canvas upper
- Breathable
- Easy to slip on and off
- Perfect lifestyle shoe
Cons
- Could use some more padding
- Vans' canvas shoes always attract stains
- Not a great year-round sneaker
Today's best price
Unisex
Any color
More colors
Sun and Ski
$26
Stadium Goods
$26
Amazon
Free shipping
$30
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$33
Eastern Mountain Sports
$48
Champs Sports
$60
Best cheap low-top sneakers
Vans Era
90
Great!
What makes it the best?
The Vans Era is a part of skate and sneaker history. The first shoe to be specifically designed for skating, it features a padded collar for ankle support. The silhouette is an instant classic that pairs well with tons of outfits, the Vans Era will work well either clean or roughed up around the edges. It's been around for decades and will probably stand the test of time for more to come.
Pros
- A classic silhouette that works with any wardrobe
- Fits true to size
- Durable canvas construction
- Padded collar
- Breathable
- Comfortable once worn in
- Still a supportive skate shoe
- Part of sneaker history
Cons
- Takes time to break in
- Not suitable for winter wear
- Hard to clean stains out
Today's best price
Unisex
Any color
More colors
Amazon
Free shipping
$46
Champs Sports
$50
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$56
Running Warehouse
Comparison of the 7 best cheap sneakers
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