It’s a simple fact that good shoes—more specifically cool sneakers—can make or break an outfit. After all, these give your ensembles an edge of cool in the most casual way (and they often make a statement in the process). If you are like me, someone who typically opts for the best boots or ballet flats over sneakers, taking your first step in this world may seem daunting. However, the more time I’ve spent in it, the more I have realized; no matter your personal aesthetic or lifestyle, there is bound to be a silhouette or colorway that speaks to you.
Of course, it doesn’t hurt to do a little research on the best sneakers before you become a full-blown sneakerhead. To find out which styles have reigned supreme throughout 2022 and which exciting styles are coming hot off the press, we spoke with experts Ross Yip, co-Founder and COO of Kicks Crew and Cynthia Lee, the VP of merchandising at StockX to see what they had to say. As individuals working at brands focused on the latest sneaker styles in the streetwear game, there’s no doubt they know what’s up. Scroll on to see what our experts had to say along with some of my personal favorites for the best sneakers fo 2023.
The All-Purpose Sneaker
Salomon
Salomon XT-6
| Sizes Available |
US (M) 4-13 |
| Color |
White |
The Underrated Sneaker
Asics
Asics Gel Kayano 14
| Sizes Available |
US (M) 4.5-11.5 |
| Color |
Birch |
The Feeling Pink Sneaker
New Balance
Joe Freshgoods Performance Art
| Sizes Available |
US 5-10 |
| Color |
Pink |
The Jacquemus Sneaker
Nike
Nike Humara LX Jacquemus
| Sizes Available |
US 5-16.5 |
| Color |
Brown |
The Everyday Sneaker
New Balance
New Balance 550
| Sizes Available |
US (M) 4-11 |
| Color |
Green |
The Fluorescent Sneaker
Nike
Nike Air Force 1 Low SP Ambush
| Sizes Available |
US (M) 5-15 |
| Color |
Blue |
The #1 Seller
Nike
WMNS Air Jordan 1 Mid
| Sizes Available |
US 5-12 |
| Color |
Grey |
The Dad Sneaker
New Balance
New Balance 530
| Sizes Available |
US (M) 4-12 |
| Color |
Grey |
| Sizes Available |
US 5-12 |
| Color |
Panda |
The Y2K Sneaker
A Bathing Ape
Bape Sta JJJJound
| Sizes Available |
US (M) 5-16 |
| Color |
White Navy |
The It-Girl Sneaker
Adidas
Black White Gum
| Sizes Available |
US (M) 3.5-18 |
| Color |
Black |
The Metallic Sneaker
Onitsuka Tiger
Mexico 66
| Sizes Available |
US 5.5-15.5 |
| Colors |
Silver, Gold |
The Running Sneaker
Hoka
Project Clifton
| Sizes Available |
US 5-15 |
| Color |
Black, Blanc de Blanc, Butterfly, Blue |
The Military-Inspired Sneaker
Maison Margiela
Replica Sneakers
| Sizes Available |
EU 35-41 |
| Color |
White |
The Downtown Sneaker
Adidas x Wales Bonner
Adidas Samba x Wales Bonner
| Sizes Available |
US (M) 4-16 |
| Color |
Red |
The Luxury Sneaker
Lanvin
Leather Curb Sneakers
| Sizes Available |
EU 35-42 |
| Color |
Red, Green, Yellow |
The Artist’s Sneaker
Marni x Veja
V-10 VEJA X MARNI
| Sizes Available |
US 4-10 |
| Color |
Black |
The Hiking Sneaker
Camper
CRCLR GORE-TEX
| Sizes Available |
US 6-16 |
| Color |
Beige |
The Ripple Effect Sneaker
Nike
Comme Des Garçons Homme Plus Foam Posite Sneakers
| Sizes Available |
US (M) 5-9.5 |
| Color |
White |
The Tie-Dye Sneaker
Acne Studios
Sprayed Low Top Sneakers
| Sizes Available |
EU 35-41 |
| Color |
White |
The Gorp-Core Sneaker
Reebok
Reebok x Nicole McLaughlin Club C Geo Mid Shoes
| Sizes Available |
EU 35-41 |
| Color |
Beige |
The ’What are those?’ Sneaker
Maison Mihara Yasuhiro
Maison Mihara Yasuhiro Low Top Trainers
| Sizes Available |
36-45 |
| Color |
Black |
The Ultimate Grip Sneaker
New Balance
RC30
| Sizes Available |
US 5.5-18.5 |
| Color |
Orange, White, Green, Red |
The Hype Sneaker
Raf Simons
Cylon-21 Lace-Up Sneakers
| Sizes Available |
EU 36-46 |
| Color |
Beige |
The Warm Weather Sneaker
Nike
Nike Air Rift Breathe Women’s Shoes
| Sizes Available |
US 5-12 |
| Color |
Black |
Emma Sutich
Fashion Assistant – Freelance
Emma is a Freelance Fashion Assistant at ELLE Magazine.
