When Raf Simons' reimagined adidas Ozweego first made its bold entrance onto the footwear stage back in 2013, even the most open-minded of sneakerheads were puzzled. As if straight from outer space, the shoe was a left turn on the casual footwear landscape of that time.
Since then, a flagship sneaker has become the must-have item for luxury houses and designers. Names like Balenciaga and Alexander McQueen were quick to act on the demand while other names took longer. But, eight years on, you'd now be hard pushed to find a name in luxury that doesn't have sneakers in its top-10 bestsellers list.
Having a wide range to choose from is usually a great thing, but with luxury sneakers at every twist and turn of the fashion world's new trajectory, it can all get a bit much. That's why Highsnobiety market editors were set the task of rounding up the only luxury sneakers that you need to know about in one convenient place — here. Understated options from Margiela and Mihara Yasuhiro oppose loud styles from Balenciaga and Lanvin to ensure that there's a style for every taste.
Scroll on for our full selection of the ultimate luxury sneakers.
Prada America's Cup Sneakers
America's Cup Sneakers
Prada
Prada's America's Cup Sneakers are an unmoving aspect of the best luxury sneakers game. Hitting shelves in 1997, the versatile design has been the highlight of rotations for 25 years now.
Maison Margiela Runner Evolution Sneakers
Runner Evolution Sneakers
Maison Margiela
Maison Margiela is a master when it comes to taking retro inspirations and updating them to the present day with avant-garde ideals. The Runner Evolution Sneaker has the feel of a '70s runner but the details of a 2022 'it' sneakers.
Needles Ghillie Sneakers
Ghillie Sneakers
Needles
Needles is undoubtedly best known for its luxury tracksuits but every season, our top item in the collection is the Ghillie Sneaker. This understated pair features the butterfly logo to the tongue as the only detailing.
Collegium Pillar Destroyer Sneakers
Pillar Destroyer Sneakers
Collegium
Breaking into the luxury sneaker game is no easy feat but Collegium has done it with finesse lately. Classic silhouettes built with high-end materials is a recipe for success.
Lanvin Bumpr Sneakers
Bumpr Sneakers
Lanvin
Lanvin's Bumpr Sneakers have been a big hit for the French label and it's why they're a returning fixture. This black edit of the lightweight runner places the emphasis on the sleek silouette.
Balenciaga X-Pander Trainers
X-Pander Trainers
Balenciaga
Perhaps not as easy to style as many of the sneakers in today's roundup, Balenciaga's hectic X-Pander sneaker rewards those that put the effort in: style this postmodern take on the normcore runner well and you're a god.
Maison Margiela Replica Sneakers
Replica Sneakers
Maison Margiela
In the world of luxury sneakers, Maison Margiela's Replica is a permanent fixture. Inspired by german army trainers, this OG colorway never misses.
Maison MIHARA YASUHIRO Peterson High Sneakers
Peterson High Sneakers
Maison MIHARA YASUHIRO
While a lot of the luxury sneaker world feels samey, Mihara Yasuhiro's unique collection stands out big time. Molded sole units give each classic update their signature irreverent aesthetic.
Lanvin x Gallery Dept. High Sneakers
Gallery Dept. High Sneakers
Lanvin
Lanvin's sneaker collection has had a creative reboot at the hands of Gallery Dept. These pared-back high-top sneakers feature multicolor paint splatters centered around the toe box.
visvim FKT Runner Sneakers
FKT Runner Sneakers
visvim
visvim is known for its unrivaled material quality and that shines through on the FKT sneakers. A '70s-style build is cut from drool-inducing suede in a neutral palette with dusty blue hits to the logo and heel tab.
Loewe Flow Runner Sneakers
Flow Sneakers
Loewe
Loewe's Flow Sneaker has been a big highlight over recent seasons in our eyes. The lightweight runner brims with vintage appeal with its wrap-around gum sole and Loewe's colorways definitely help.
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