25 Cool Sneakers That Earn the Hype

Tastemakers like Dorsey’s Meg Strachan own Onitsuka’s sneakers in multiples. You’ll follow her lead after your first outfit wearing them, thanks to their durable tread and inventive striped design.

Sizes: 4–9.5

Like Julia Fox and quiet quitting, Adidas Sambas were absolutely everywhere in 2022. Their sudden comeback has a staying power longtime fans can vouch for, starting with those signature three-stripes. Prefer even the most popular sneakers with an IYKYK edge? Hard-to-find pairs from collaborations with Wales Bonner and Gucci reinterpret the same design with updated colors and special materials.

Sizes: 4.5–15

Customer review: "Comfortable shoe. Love how simple the Samba OG Shoe design is. Don't want anything flashy but these look great."

If you're the type who wears sneakers more than any other shoe, why not indulge in the most decadent chunky sneaker? This Chanel pair's patchwork cleverly nods to the houses's signature tweed.

Sizes: Upon request

Lee of StockX says the New Balance 530 silhouette, first released in 1992, is a perfect example of footwear's obsession with all things retro right now. This is one of the few color combos where several sizes are still available, but if you want to follow in the most avid shoppers' footsteps, "We’ve seen the classic white and navy colorway do particularly well—it’s one of the top three best-selling New Balance sneakers on StockX right now," Lee tells us.

Sizes: 6–15.5

Nike and Jacquemus were the pairing the sneaker world didn't know it wanted...and then absolutely needed. The first drops in 2022 sold out almost instantly. Still, I tracked down the reimagined Halara sneaker—designer Simon Porte Jacquemus's favorite Nike silhouette—with ribbon trim and a gold-tone swoosh on Farfetch.

Sizes: 8–14

You'll feel like you're walking on air in these tall Chloé sneakers. But the uppers are the real draw: They riff on the brand's best knitwear with intricate contrast stitching in ten different combinations.

Sizes: 5–12

The team behind Veja's sneakers put years of research and testing into creating leather sneakers with a lower environmental impact. They're not just a thoughtfully produced shoe; the design is also versatile enough to wear daily (which I'm known to do).

Sizes: EU35–EU43

Customer review: "These are comfy and the mint logo is perfect for spring and summer! The contrasting sole is a nice color and easy to clean."

Creative director and costume designer June Ambrose is doing some of her most exciting work at Puma, including releasing these sneakers as part of her latest "Keeping Score" collection. The line turns athletic staples into power dressing moments—and you'll walk a little taller every time you slip on this colorful pair.

Sizes: 5.5–11

Tretorn’s sneakers have lasted me miles (and miles) of walks around my city and the ones I’ve visited for work. The textured soles are also a lifesaver on rainy days when grippy shoes are a must. They’re a little country club tennis with a pleated skirt and a slouchy sweater; a little ‘90s retro revival with a single-pleat pant and a button-down.

Sizes: 6–11

Here’s another sneaker that’s been known and loved for decades, for good reason. First, they’ve been a court-to-street mainstay since they were introduced by Reebok in the 80s. Second, the modern versions have weather-proof outers and more than 30 colors to choose between.

Sizes: 7–14.5

Customer review: "Old school classic, the best of and a perfect fit. Will be getting another pair soon."

Sneakers wallpapered in an envy-inducing motif? Say less. This Gucci pair may look casual relative to a shiny Jackie bag or an off-the-runway dress, but the craftsmanship is more than exceptional.

Sizes: 4–12

From Rihanna to Gigi Hadid, celebrities love these understated skate shoes for leisurely walks and errand runs. They're an oldie but a goodie: Vans has had them in circulation since 1977. In the now, you can find them in 24 colors with an option to customize.

Sizes: 5–17.5

Customer review: "I've had a pair of these for ~8 years. They are by far the most durable pair of shoes I have ever owned. My pair is ready for retirement and I will definitely be ordering another any day! I absolutely love these shoes. They're simple, durable and I always feel like a bad-*** wearing them."

At a time when brands are backing away from logos in favor of "quiet luxury," these sneakers caught my eye because of their logo. Loewe's cursive L is so artfully applied to this satin-suede shoe, it hardly looks like a loud brand signifier.

Sizes: IT35–IT41

A few brands have tried to imitate Simone Rocha’s distinctive sneakers, but they can’t compete with the original. The mega platform sole, pointe-shoe inspired straps, and curved arches bring more drama than Swan Lake’s second act; they’re ballet-adjacent, but they predate any talk of “balletcore.”

Sizes: 36IT–41IT

Nike’s Air Force Ones are as much of a cultural touchstone as they are an everyday sneaker with endless styling potential. Dedicated fans, like model Adut Akech, buy a new pair at least once per year. "It's just such a clean, classic shoe that goes with anything and everything," she told BAZAAR.

Sizes: 5–12

Customer review: "I'm not a huge sneaker person so I was a bit worried these wouldn't be my style but I love them. They are very clean looking and are super versatile. You can wear them with literally anything. They are also super comfortable and you can definitely wear them all day. I like the height of the heel but I wish they were a bit more narrow. Overall, I recommend!"

A little distressed, a little sparkly: These sneakers are the best of two very different aesthetics. They also have the slightest platform, so your baggy jeans and oversized trousers gently skim the ground.

Sizes: 5–10

Customer review: "I think the deciding factor is they have a hidden wedge so they add an inch. Comfortable, well-made and add a little interest to an outfit. "

At the same time that New Balance’s archival styles have made a comeback, it’s invited an impressive group of collaborators to reinvent its classic sneakers. (A sample: Miu Miu, Staud, Ganni, the list goes on.) Most sell out before editors can test them, but this recent drop with NYC darling Aimé Leon Dore is still in stock. Whether you’re a regular at Aimé Leon Dore’s downtown store-slash-cafe or you’re only just getting acquainted with the label, these pumped up sneakers with a reimagined logo and suede detailing will take any outfit with a menswear trouser to another level.

Sizes: 6.5–13

The time and place for twinkle toes is all the time, if Roger Vivier has anything to do with it. These white leather sneakers have all the walkability of a far more casual sneaker, plus a sparkly buckle embellishment. Designate them your "going-out" sneakers.

Sizes: IT34.5–IT42

"Nike Dunks continue to rank among the best-selling sneakers on StockX," Lee says. "This style has become one of the most recognizable sneakers, and it has really cemented itself as a wardrobe staple for Gen Z and millennial consumers."

It's not fading away anytime soon, Lee adds. "With a wide range of women’s exclusive colorways released over the last year and more on the way, this sneaker will remain a top pick in 2023."

Sizes: 5–12

Pay homage to one of sporting's most iconic races with an equally notable pair of sneakers. Prada first combined luxury and performance footwear in 1999 with its inaugural America's Cup sneaker; nearly 30 years later, it's re-issuing the sailing world's most covetable sneaker with the same materials (leather and breathable mesh) plus a commemorative tag highlighting the original collection.

Sizes: 5–11