7 Best Sneakers in 2023

Sheena
Sheena on
7 Best Sneakers in 2023
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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

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
Full review of Vans Old Skool

Today's best price

Unisex
Any color
Grey (VN0A4U3BX1K)
Navy / White (VD3HNVY)
BLACK (VN000D3HY281)
Sharp Green/True White (VN0A4BV5V9K)
Aura Shift (VN0A4U3BWGQ)
Red (VN0A38G15U7)
(vans) true-white (VN0A3WKT9M9)
Grey (VN0A4U3BWVK)
More colors

Best retro 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
Full review of Adidas Busenitz

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Black (EG2478)
Collegiate Burgundy/Clear Blue/White (DB3124)
Bliss/Shadow Navy/Scarlet (GY6899)
Black (G48060)
White (H03346)
Savannah/Yellow Tint/Cloud Whi (EF8465)
Core Black/Grey One/Gold Metallic (GX9746)
Core Black/Carbon/Gold Metallic (HQ2027)
More colors

Best tennis-inspired 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
Full review of Adidas Stan Smith

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Black (FU9614)
Cloud White / Cloud White / Green (M20324)
White (FX5501)
Gold (FW5364)
Black (M20327)
Ftwwht/shopnk/rayblu (FY9021)
Black (FV5939)
Gray (GX4446)
More colors

Best classic 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
Full review of Vans SK8-Hi

Today's best price

Unisex
Any color
Brown (VN0A32QG9GE)
Brown/white (VN0A5JMJ8EE)
(Vans) Pewter/Black (VN0A5KRH90M)
Navy (VN000D5INVY)
Parisian night/true white (VN0A5JMJ4W6)
Green/White (VN0A7Q5NYQW)
Black/true white (VN0007NSBMX)
White/multi (VN0A32QG9YI)
More colors

Best sneakers for summer

Reebok Club C 85
92
Great!

What makes it the best?

The Reebok Club C85 is a piece of history. The sneaker world took hold of the Club C85 and hasn't let go, as it fits in with the cleanest, upper-class circles of kicks. 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
Full review of Reebok Club C 85

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Men
Women
Any color
Core Black Pure Grey 8 Vector Red (LWV95)
Chalk/Vector Blue/Vector Red (MAQ73)
Black (AR0454)
Chalk / alabaster / glen green (GZ4945)
White (AR0456)
White (AR0455)
Green/Brown (GZ1871)
Chalk/Chalk/Semi Classic Teal (LYT49)
beige (FX1379)

Best low top sneakers

Nike Air Max 97
91
Great!

What makes it the best?

What else can be said about the Nike Air Max 97 that hasn't been said before, the shoe has literally had books written about it. It's an athletic, versatile, and comfy sneaker that looks incredible in so many colorways. There's a reason it's been one of Nike's most popular sneakers for decades. Like others in its family, this is a silhouette that will stay relevant for years to come and work with most wardrobes.

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
Full review of Nike Air Max 97

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
001 black/white-court purple (CU4890001)
Black/Lime Glow-white (DM8126001)
Metallic Silver Chlorine Blue (DQ9131001)
Pink (DZ5327600)
White/laser blue/washed teal/s (DQ7644100)
Black/blue/grey/white (921826011)
White/grey/yellow (DQ8961100)
Black/University Blue (DQ3955001)
More colors

Best breathable sneakers

What makes it the best?

The Nike Air Max 2090 is a sneaker that was born to be great. As a predecessor of the original Air Max 90 there's plenty of comfort in there to get excited about. Maybe the sneaker's biggest downfall is that it's up against the incredibly designed Air Max shoes that are also being released at the moment.

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
Full review of Nike Air Max 2090

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Black/Wolf Grey-Anthracite-White (CW7306001)
White White Wolf Grey Pure Platinum Reflective Silver (BV9977100)
White/black/pure platinum/gree (CV8835100)
Obsidian, White, Iron Grey, Black (DH4093400)
White/Black-Pure Platinum-Bright Crimson (CT7698100)
White/Volt/Black/Cool Grey (CZ7555100)
Vast Grey Vapor Green (CT1091001)
101 white/chile red/deep royal blu (CT1091101)
More colors

Comparison of the 7 best sneakers

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Best
CoreScore
Users rating
Best price
Ranking
Popularity
# of colorways

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.

Rating based on top.png

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.

most popular sneaker styles 2 copy.png

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.

Sneaker types with athletic origins 2 copy.png

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.

Author
Sheena
Sheena

Sheena is a wordsmith turned sneaker addict. Her sneaker fixation intensified as her passion for writing grew. A hands-on mom of two sweet yet spunky kids (plus three dogs and two cats), she finds solitude in leafing through shoe catalogs to find the next "it" sneaker. Scrutinizing hugely popular and underrated kicks is her favorite pastime.