Designer sneakers have evolved from being just another footwear release to becoming an essential canvas for self-expression and style experimentation for some of the best minds and artists in the industry.
They made their way from fashion week runways to the streets, asserting their dominance in the footwear landscape with an undeniable cool. Allow me a little disclaimer for this article; these aren't your average sneakers, they're loud sartorial statements designed to elevate your sneaker game to a whole new level.
With the overlaps and merging between luxury brands and streetwear brands, designer sneakers have become cult objects and collector's items that transcend trends and time. Take the Balenciaga Triple S for example, the chunky dad sneaker that went from raising eyebrows to raising the bar for what's trending. Its unabashedly audacious design and oversized sole are like a fashion mic drop.
Let's not forget the timeless elegance of a more recent collaboration between ADL x New balance. With its iconic aesthetic and high level craftsmanship, it's the holy grail of understated sophistication, proving that less is indeed more when executing with perfection.
Designer sneakers are the modern personal style manifesto. They blur the boundaries between street and high fashion, making a statement that's as much about comfort as it is about turning heads. When you lace up a pair of Maison Margiela Replica sneakers, or a pair of Off-White x Nike Air Jordan 1s, or the avant-garde creations of Rick Owens, you're not just walking on leather and rubber – you're walking on an art form.
Designer sneakers create endless possibilities for brands to collaborate, for creatives to experiment, and for consumers to feel part of a larger artistic conversation that goes far beyond the utility of a sneaker. They're the cherry on top of your carefully curated outfit, the exclamation point at the end of your fashion sentence. They're the conversation starter, the head-turner, the ultimate flex.
Scroll down to shop some of our favorite designer sneakers in the game right now.
EYTYS - Santos Leather Sneakers
Drawing inspiration from the athleisure wear of the 1970s, EYTYS' white leather Santos sneakers blend old-school charm with modern craftsmanship. These designer sneakers for men and women stand out with their padded, intricately embroidered sidewalls and the luxurious touch of tufted suede on the toe panels.
The design of this model is anchored by sturdy, moulded rubber cupsoles, ensuring durability and comfort. This combination not only echoes the spirit of vintage sports footwear but also elevates it to suit today's active lifestyles, and, most importantly, the versatility to be a great addition to any outfit.
Moncler x Salehe Bembury - Trailgrip Grain Sneakers Pink
Inspired by the beauty of nature, the Moncler x Salehe Bembury collaboration introduces the Trailgrip collection, seamlessly merging Bembury's innovative ideology with Moncler's mountaineering legacy.
The Trailgrip boasts a GORE-TEX weatherproof upper, adorned with Bembury's signature fingerprint stitching, creating a distinct and cutting-edge look. This all-terrain shoe combines a flexible EVA midsole and a Vibram MEGAGRIP outsole, ensuring comfort, lightness, and unbeatable traction. Enhancing breathability and cushioning, an easily washable OrthoLite® insole elevates the sneaker's performance, while the additional cork footbed and laces offer personalized style options.
Rick Owens - Drkshdw Vintage Low
By far one of the most popular designer sneakers in this list, these Rick Owens Drkshdw are a great addition to your sneaker rotation. The sleek colorway adds a touch of mystery, while the low-top silhouette delivers both style and versatility.
Crafted with high-quality fabrics, these sneakers offer comfort, durability, and style for the season to come. Whether paired with distressed denim or a tailored suit, they make a bold, Lord of Darkness-type statement wherever you go.
Maison Margiela – Calfskin Replica Sneakers Light Grey
This is a throwback to Maison Margiela's AW21 collection, which reflected the chaotic times we lived in, reimagining classic pieces to fit a transformed wardrobe.
The iconic Replica takes center stage and is worn pretty much everywhere all year round. The upper, crafted from pristine white calfskin and suede, is an ode to subtle luxury and sophistication. Minimal branding highlights the focus on craftsmanship, with a discreet tag on the footbed and signature Margiela marks at the heel.
Among the diverse iterations of the Replica, the calfskin Replica stands out as a core piece in the brand's collection.
Lanvin - Future Edition Cash Sneakers
Lanvin's Future Edition Cash Sneakers are the quintessential combo of luxury with street style. The premium leather construction guarantees both comfort and durability, and the low-top design creates a contemporary and laid-back vibe, making them ideal for casual occasions and smart-casual outfits.
Acne Studios – Perey Friend Velcro Strap Sneakers
Acne Studios draws inspiration from 1980s tennis footwear for its Steffey Friend sneakers, showcasing a blend of retro charm and modern versatility.
Equipped with Velcro® straps for an easy-going yet bold statement and subtly embellished with the brand's logo for that quintessential Acne Studios minimalist flair, these sneakers embody the essence of Scandinavian cool.
Lemaire – Linoleum Leather Black
Lemaire's Linoleum trainers, in sleek black leather, have a slender and slightly angular profile that perfectly bridges past and present silhouettes.
Echoing the elegance of vintage sports footwear, these designer sneakers are infused with an undeniable contemporary feel. Their design, characterised by clean lines and understated aesthetics, not only nods to athletic heritage but also to timeless quiet luxury.
These black sneakers are an essential statement piece for those who appreciate footwear that speaks of both history and subtle innovation.
The Row - Sam Canvas Beige
For this entry of the best designer sneakers available, we have the perfect blend of chill vibes and sharp style needed in every respectable sneaker rotation.
These The Row sneakers are crafted from a soft, ivory cotton-blend canvas and are all about keeping things relaxed and comfortable. They're perched on a classic rubber gum sole that adds just the right amount of bounce to your step.
Ideal for anyone looking to nail that laid-back luxe look with an effortlessly chic touch.
Balenciaga - Black Runner Chunky Low Top
When we talk about the best designer sneakers out there, we do not care about the price. Balenciaga's fresh take on its iconic Runner sneakers for AW23, all decked out in sleek black, is no exception.
These sneakers sit on a hefty rubber sole, rocking mesh panels, classic lace-up, and a handy pull-tab at the back for easy slipping on. With a great distressed look, the size is stamped right on the toe, and the Balenciaga logo marks the tongue, side, and back.
Wales Bonner - Printed Metallic Sneakers
Wales Bonner, the British designer taking over fashion one collection at the time, offers the Snake Printed Metallic Sneaker to complete your outfit from the bottom up.
Crafted from premium leather and flaunting stylish logo details, these sneakers are guaranteed to become one of your favorites in no time. They come equipped with a convenient Velcro closure for easy on and off, logo accents on the strap and back for that extra flair, and a durable Vibram sole for unbeatable comfort.
Designed with standard European women's sizing and meticulously made in Italy, these sneakers blend high fashion with high function with hype with timelessness with versatility. I could go on.
Mihara Yasuhiro - Blakey Low-Top Canvas White
For this entry, we dive into the dynamic world of Mihara Yasuhiro with the Blakey low sneaker. Known for its explicitly daring aesthetics, this pair stands out with its unique chunky, warped soles—a signature of the Japanese brand.
The sneakers boast frayed contrast seams for an avant-garde twist, while the iconic brand patch and shoe name grace the sidewall, marking these sneakers as a true embodiment of experimental fashion spirit.
Bottega Veneta - 40mm Orbit Sneakers
The Bottega Veneta "Orbit" sneakers effortlessly blend cutting-edge design with luxury. They feature metallic rubber accents that lend a futuristic aura.
The use of mesh, combined with sections of wide-mesh netting, pays homage to the brand's mastery of the Intrecciato technique, hallmarking Bottega Veneta's dedication to innovative craftsmanship.
The meticulously designed profiled sole not only complements its contemporary aesthetic but also provides unmatched grip, making these sneakers a fusion of form, function, and fashion-forward thinking.
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