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 Off-White™ 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.
Dior World Tour B27 Sneakers
World Tour B27 Sneakers
Dior
Kim Jones' contemporary focus at Dior has ushered in a new era for the house's footwear. Although the B23 is undoubtedly a leader for the label, we've been leaning more towards the bulkier B27 build lately and this blue colorway is a decider.
Raf Simons Cylon-21 “Black”
Cylon-21
Raf Simons
Raf Simons has a track record of luxury sneaker smashes. The designer most recently put his name to this Myles O'Meally-designed pair which features some of the most streamlined design we've seen in a while.
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 remake focuses on high-end materials and subtle detailing.
Gucci Basket High-Top Sneakers
Basket High-Top Sneakers
Gucci
In keeping with Gucci's retro character, the all-new Basket High-Top silhouette winds the years back. While it comes in a handful of uber-loud colorways, this cool white iteration is the one we're pining over.
Off-White™ Vulcanized Sneakers
Vulcanized Sneakers
Off-White™
Virgil has an all-encompassing hold over the world of contemporary footwear. Whether he's putting his name to guaranteed sell-out Nike collabs or honing his luxury line for Off-White™, the designer has got all sides covered.
Balenciaga X-Pander Trainers
X-Pander Trainers
Balenciaga
Ever the outsider, Balenciaga joins the roundup today with one of the bolder silhouettes we've seen in recent seasons. The X-Pander features a suspended outsole for a high-heeled, mutant finish.
Marni Pablo Sneakers
Pablo Sneakers
Marni
As luxury footwear increasingly looks to sporty silhouettes for its inspiration, this sophisticated Marni pair feels like a breath of fresh air. High-end leather uppers combine with a chunky, off-white sole unit for a classic, understated aesthetic that doesn't lack character.
Loewe Flow Runner Sneakers
Flow Runner 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.
Burberry Arthur Sneakers
Arthur Sneakers
Burberry
One of the best bits to come out of the Burberry showroom recently has to be the Arthur Sneaker. This hiking-leaning design features a rugged sole unit that impinges on the canvas upper for protection and utilitarian style.
Gallery Dept x Lanvin Leather Curb
Leather Curb
Gallery Dept x Lanvin
Now that's a bold sneaker. Lanvin's already unmissable Curb sneakers get a punky refix at the hands of Gallery Dept. Sprayed and dripped paint offer an even more eye-catching take on the skate-inspired design.
visvim Skagway G. Hi Patten Sneakers
Skagway G. Hi Patten Sneakers
visvim
Japanese cult icon visvim is also a permanent contender for the best luxury sneakers, but they're always highly unorthodox. From shaman sneakers to the Skagway which features a chunkier than chunky sole unit, every pair of visvim shoes has undeniable personality.
Our designated Selects section features products that we love and want to share with you. Highsnobiety has affiliate marketing partnerships, which means we may receive a commission from your purchase.