We all love a solid pair of sneakers — from sports to runway to streetwear, some sneaker brands have become a cultural phenomenon, synonymous with culture. More than just a pair of shoes, sneakers are a go-to item for any occasion. But which brands are the best and what sneakers are in style in 2023?
Moving between innovation and nostalgia, Nike Air Force, Air Jordan, Air Max, and adidas Superstar, and Stan Smith's — iconic silhouettes from the 70s and 80s — are probably deeply ingrained in our consciousness. After all, it was Nike and adidas that took sneakers from sports to fashion. Collectively making a casual $41 billion in 2021 from footwear sales alone globally, the two sports behemoths are still in the lead.
But it isn't merely about revenues. Amid Kanye-adidas' beef and adidas' controversial decision to keep selling YE-less YEEZYs over billions of dollars in lost sales, fans haven't exactly approved. Don't get me wrong, the likes of Nike and adidas won't go anywhere anytime soon — they're still at the top of the list. But while it is relatively easy to pinpoint the two best sneaker brands, how do they stack up against others, performance, style, hype, and popularity-wise?
Despite the two archrivals ruling the sneaker game for decades, there's certainly space for a new row of sneaker brands. We have Salomon and On pioneering the gorp-core trend, New Balance entering the sneakerhead territory, and cult brands Karhu and Saucony still innovating. The sneaker game has never been so versatile.
So, without further ado, here's a complete Highsnobiety-approved list of the world's best sneaker brands of 2023 — these brands will serve your wardrobe well for years.
Check the 26 best sneaker brands of all time below.
1. Nike
Founded: Oregon, US, 1964
Iconics: Nike Cortez, Nike Air Max, Nike Air Force
Nike is the epitome of all sneakers — coinciding with the American running craze in the 70s, the iconic American brand was founded by Phil Knight in 1964 in Oregon, US. As one of the pioneering sneaker brands, Nike shaped the sports shoe industry and brought sneakers from basketball courts to everyday fashion.
After one of the earliest models, Nike Cortez was endorsed by Sir Elton John in 1980 and worn by Tom Hanks in Forrest Gump, sales took off. Coinciding with Cortez's success, Nike signed 22-year-old new NBA recruit Michael Jordan in 1984. After launching Nike Air Jordan 1's, Nike secured its cult status, giving rise to the sneakerheads' subculture. The most iconic models, Nike Air Force, Nike Dunks, and Air Max, are still at the heart of hyped collabs. Suffice it to say, nearly 60 years later, Nike's sneaker roster is still hard to beat.
2. adidas
Founded: Herzogenaurach, Germany, 1949
Iconics: adidas Superstar, adidas Stan Smith
One of the sneaker brands that needs no introduction — German staple adidas. The sports giant adidas isn't only one the biggest sneaker brands in the world but a label that revolutionized athletic shoes as fashion essentials. Dating back to 1949, adidas was founded by Adolf Dassler in Germany.
The adidas Originals Superstar and Stan Smith transformed its status from an athlete's go-to to a multi-billion dollar casualwear label. As the preferred collaborator for many, adidas' historic Run-D.M.C. and Missy Elliott endorsements, and in more recent past, Pusha-T, Pharell Williams, Kanye YEEZY, A Bathing Ape, Raf Simons, and Rick Owens collabs keep the three-stripe kicks firmly on the world map.
3. On
Founded: Zürich, Switzerland, 2010
Iconics: On Cloud
On a seemingly impossible mission, On, founded in Zürich, Switzerland in 2010, is going against Nike and adidas, racing to become one of the leading sneaker brands. After endorsements from top athletes Nicole Spirig and Javier Gomez Noya and a partnership with Roger Federer, On established itself as a runner's favorite. On top of this, On Cloud runners have been shifting from mainstream to cool, making their way into streetwear's sneaker repertoire.
Perhaps it's the rise of gorp-core and athleisure or the Swiss quality paired with celebrity endorsements — but the brand must be doing something right. Marrying running with fashion, On has dropped much-hyped collabs like Loewe X On. After Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, officially Under Armour rep, wore On Cloud X's to the Super Bowl ceremony, and style queen Zendaya was spotted rocking her On Cloudultra's, the company seems to be on track to evolving as a world-leading sneaker brand.
4. Jordan Brand
Founded: Oregon, US, 1984
Iconics: Air Jordan 1 High
Officially under Nike, the cult brand became popular in the 1980s. When Nike partnered with a rookie NBA player Michael Jordan in 1984, it started something unseen in the sneaker industry. Introducing the Nike Air Jordan 1 began the sneakerhead subculture and basketball shoe hype. This phenomenon hasn't slowed down since.
Some of the best Jordan models are still among the most popular sneakers worldwide. Even though the Nike Jordan brand has included newer designs like Air Jordan 1 Mid since, the Air Jordan 1 High remains at the heart of ultra-hyped collabs, the most famous and iconic sneaker silhouette there is.
5. Converse
Founded: Massachusetts, US, 1917
Iconics: Chuck Taylor All Star
If you happened to be sporting emo bangs and skin-tight jeans while listening to Fall Out Boy on your MP3 player of the late 90s early noughties grunge scene, it’s likely you also owned a pair of Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars. Founded in 1917, it all started when Converse became synonymous with youth and pop culture thanks to Chuck Taylor's in the 1970s. At its peak, Converse was the cool of cool, worn by subcultures from skaters to punks as well as sports lovers, cult idols like Kurt Cobain, and everyone in between. But, the brand hasn't lost its relevance as a timeless classic since.
Acquired by Nike in 2003, the iconic Converse canvas shoe is the OG of basketball sneakers. After the modernized Chuck II wasn't much of a hit, Converse has maintained its relevance via collaborations with streetwear pioneers Stüssy and Off-White, but also Rick Owens, GOLF le FLEUR*, JW Anderson, or A$AP Nast, holding its status as one of the top sneaker brands in the world.
6. Vans
Founded: California, US, 1966
Iconics: Vans Old Skool, Vans Sk8, Vans Slip-on
Vans is a legendary skate shoe company founded in the 1960's California, US, known for its quality and affordability. The brand became synonymous with counter-culture in the mid-70s — worn by skateboarders all over. Legendary Stacy Peralta and Tony Alva put Vans sneakers on the world map then and have maintained its association with the skate scene since.
The iconic Vans Sk8, Vans Old Skool, Vans Era, and Vans Slip-on have remained at the core of Vans collabs, including previous Metallica and Disney, and more recently, A$AP Rocky, or more unexpected partnerships with manga series One Piece and delivery service USPS. The unmistakable Old SKOOL Vans Sidestripe and "Off the Wall" trademarks make Vans sneakers instantly recognizable. Spotted on a row of style icons Harry Styles, Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, and Pete Davidson, Vans remain a cool classic that doesn't break the bank.
7. New Balance
Founded: Boston, US, 1906
Iconics: New Balance 550, New Balance 574
Ten years ago, New Balance wasn't the coolest of cool; in fact, it was the exact opposite, labeled as the ultimate dad shoe. The brand dates back to 1906 in Boston, US, when the company started as an arch support seller, later shifting focus to athletic sneakers in the 1960s. After the release of the New Balance Trackster, it evolved to become THE running shoe of the 70s.
More recently — New Balance sneakers have become the new hype, favored by Hollywood style kings and queens Timothée Chalamet, Tom Holland, Zoë Kravitz, Kaia Gerber, and Rihanna. In 2022 alone, the brand dropped Donald Glover RC30, Joe Fresh Goods 9060/550, Staud XC-72, and Salehe Bembury's 990v2 collabs. New Balance 550, a retro mainstay from 1989, is also making a comeback after partnering with Teddy Santis' Aime Leon Dore. New Balance is having a moment, equally loved by dads and sneakerheads.
8. PUMA
Founded: Herzogenaurach, Germany, 1948
Iconics: Puma Suede Classic
PUMA is a safe bet — designed to last, it offers a classic, timeless look. The iconic sneaker brand PUMA was founded by Rudolf Dassler in 1948 in the shoe production capital Herzogenaurach, Germany, a year before his brother Adolf Dassler set up the competing adidas after an alleged feud.
The Puma Suede, which hit the market in 1968, has been endorsed by top athletes and celebrities. From Pele's historical shoe-lace-tying moment during the 1970 FIFA World Cup to Puma Rihanna-approved Fenty creepers, PUMA has duly obtained its position in streetwear and as the third-largest sneaker brand globally.
9. HOKA
Founded: Annecy, France, 2009
Iconics: HOKA Bondi, HOKA Clifton
Plush-soled lightweight HOKAs are the go-to for ultramarathon runners and those looking for extreme comfort on a city stroll. Originating from a small town Annecy in the French Alps in 2009, now headquartered in California, US, HOKA has quickly become one of the world's most beloved sneaker brands.
HOKA produces shoes for all occasions, offering max-cushioning performance runners and all-terrain trail shoes with foam-like soles, delivering stability and bounce. Until recently, HOKA was worn exclusively by endurance athletes; however, things changed drastically in the past few years with the fashion-savvy folk raving about the brand. As a result, HOKA's championing collaborations with Engineered Garments and Moncler bring comfort to fashion.
10. ASICS, Onitsuka Tiger
Founded: Kobe, Hyogo, Japan, 1949
Iconics: ASICS Gel Kayano, ASICS Gel Nimbus, Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66
ASICS is a beloved sneaker brand from Japan, initially set up as Onitsuka Co in 1949 by Kihachiro Onitsuka. The shoe brand that inspired Phil Knight to create rival Nike set off to become the world's most beloved shoe for elite runners. As of 1977, the company changed to ASICS, now appealing to both casual street fashioners as well as athletes.
Whereas the ASICS label is focused on modern designs, the Onitsuka Tiger represents retro styles like Onitsuka Tiger Tai Chi and Onitsuka Tiger Mexico66, seen on Uma Thurman in Kill Bill and Bruce Lee in Game of Death in the most iconic movie sneaker moments. By mixing decades-old shoemaking principles with timeless silhouettes and collabs like Kiko Kostadinov and BEAMS, Asics maintains its position as one of the leading sneaker brands worldwide.
11. Reebok
Founded: Bolton, England, 1958
Iconics: Reebok Club C, Reebok Classics
Often overshadowed by the likes of adidas and Nike, Reebok sneakers are still a timeless classic with a well-deserved reputation. Established in Bolton, England, in 1958, now headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, US, the brand first focused on tennis and aerobics shoes, with Reebok Freestyle gaining popularity during the 80s aerobics-craze.
Reebok has plenty of great sneakers. The brand has previously joined forces with Maison Margiela and continues to release refreshers of the iconic Reebok Club C and Reebok Classics — silhouettes that forever changed the 80s footwear scene. As a sure streetwear staple even today — you can style the slightly bulky-soled Reebok Classics with a pair of blue jeans, or opt for a more sleek Reebok Club C 85. Case in point: Reebok is the ultimate frill-free sneaker.
12. Salomon
Founded: Annecy, France, 1947
Iconics: Salomon Speedcross, Salomon XT
Salomon's meteoric shift from performance shoes to street-style favorites is quite noteworthy. There was a point when I was somewhat surprised to see my 20-something friend sporting black Salomon trail runners next to my 60-something dad. More recently, less so — the fashion's latest obsession is now equally favored by sports-loving dads as style icons like Bella Hadid.
Initially set up as a ski equipment business in Annecy, a town in the French Alps, in 1947, the brand only started producing sneakers in the early 1990s. With robust cushioning, market-leading textile technology, and ultra-durable qualities, Salomon's gorp-core-ish performance shoes are undoubtedly the current winner of the functionality-style mix. From Paris runway shows to snowy mountains, Salomon delivers for all. However, for that, be prepared to pay a premium.
13. Saucony
Founded: Pennsylvania, US, 1898
Iconics: Saucony Jazz, Saucony Shadow
Saucony running shoes were founded in 1898 in Pennsylvania, US, on the banks of Saucony Creek. Runners have sworn by Saucony sneakers since its reputation gained notoriety after its signature runners were worn by marathon champions in the 1970s. Over the years, however, they've gone from trail running to a casualwear staple.
Saucony's most iconic retro sneakers: Saucony Jazz and Saucony Shadow, both from the 1980s, are still among the most favored, frequently featured among its early and current collabs. Earlier endorsements include Rod Dixon's marathon and Bodega; more recently, Saucony has teamed up with END. Clothing on an eye-turning fast food-themed Shadow 5000 sneaker drop. If you are looking for comfort mixed with a retro vibe, Saucony is a decent brand to try.
14. Diemme
Founded: Onè di Fonte, Italy, 1992
Iconics: Diemme Marostica, Diemme Roccia Vet
Considering Diemme has teamed up with the likes of Stone Island, GANT, or KITH, it can be surprising how the iconic shoe brand has somehow managed to lay low under the sneaker radar. Founded in the Italian Dolomites in Onè di Fonte in 1992, a town known for its handmade footwear, the brand has even produced shoes for big names like Margiela, Chanel, and Bottega Veneta.
Diemme's performance features make it easy to see why the brand is still so beloved. Sleek Diemme Marostica sneakers with suede and leather upper are a go-to for a casual-formal cool look. Likewise, the ever-popular Diemme Roccia Vet boots make a grand sneaker alternative. Adapted for urban-mountain purposes, they've been spotted complementing Drake's outdoorsy gorp-core look. An excellent choice for an undeniably simple performance-ish style.
15. Karhu
Founded: Helsinki, Finland, in 1916
Iconics: Karhu Synchron, Karhu Aria
Karhu running shoes date back to 1910s Finland, where the brand was founded as a sporting goods company. Karhu later pioneered tech innovations in running footwear, after which the brand became known worldwide. Karhu in English means bear, hence the brand's unique bear logo. The 'M' logo on the iconic sneakers comes from the Finnish word Mestari, for "champion" in English.
Initially focusing on performance shoes, Karhu sneakers have garnered a loyal following since developing into the lifestyle sector, and rightly so. The endless colorways of the iconic silhouettes from the 1980s and 90s — Karhu Synchron, Karhu Aria, Karhu Fusion 2.0, and Legacy 96 — are still frequent in its collections and hype drops. Karhu sneakers offer timeless retro vibes with high quality, ultra comfort, and durability.
16. Y3
Founded: Germany, 2002
Iconics: Y-3 Qasa
We all know adidas. But Y-3? A powerful collision of streetwear and luxury — sneaker brand Y-3 is born from the partnership between the Japanese designer Yohji Yamamoto, known for his avant-garde design aesthetic, and adidas, one of the world's largest sportswear companies that need no introduction.
With “Y” for Yamamoto and “3” for adidas' infamous three-stripe logo, the two opposite ends of the spectrum have created some coolest kicks, bringing Y-3 X Palace collab as an example. Merging adidas' sports specialty and Yamamoto's progressive design elements — Y-3 sneakers are a special treat for your sneaker wardrobe.
17. Li-Ning
Founded: China, 1989
Iconics: Way of Wade 10, Sonic Team Low
It's understandable if you have yet to become familiar with the Chinese sportswear brand Li-Ning, a relatively less-known sports brand in the US and Europe. But the label has got some cool sneaker styles to offer. Li-Ning is the equivalent of Nike and adidas in China, gaining more popularity stateside in recent years due to its growing hype among NBA players.
Li-Ning's New York Fashion Week FW19 collection upped its game with its new streetwear-inspired look. The collection has pushed Li-Ning sneakers into the hype zone ever since. The label's futuristic designs include basketball shoes like Wu Xing II Qian and lifestyle sneakers like Xuan Kong, initiating a new era for sneaker design for Li-Ning.
18. Athletics Footwear
Founded: London, UK, 2018
Iconics: Athletics Footwear ONE
I love a timeless sneaker design — a pair of simple white kicks that go with everything. Sure, there are the adidas Stan Smiths, Nike Air Force 1's, and Reebok Club C 85s. But, if you want that classic look but would like to stand out from the crowd simultaneously, consider adding London-based lifestyle brand Athletics Footwear to your sneaker rotation. The brand's clean sneaker silhouettes go directly against the hype-sneaker industry.
Athletics Footwear sneakers reflect contemporary and retro elements that merge technology and careful craftsmanship. Although a relatively young sneaker label, its core style Athletics Footwear ONE and the updated version, ONE.2, seem well on track to become the next adidas Stan Smith's. You can find the brand online and stocked in selected stores across the US, Europe, and Asia, including Dover Street Market.
19. Maison Mihara Yasuhiro
Founded: Tokyo, Japan, 1997
Iconics: Blakey
Imperfection sums up Maison Mihara Yasuhiro shoes pretty perfectly – and I don't mean that in a bad way. Maison Mihara Yasuhiro's shoe designs feature uneven soles, making them all that fascinating compared to other sneaker brands.
As a proper distinction, the label stands out for its unique silhouettes and funky wave-looking foot soles. Founded by designer Maison Mihara Yasuhiro, his eponymous label's designs are truly unmistakable.
20. Mizuno
Founded: Osaka, Japan, 1906
Iconics: M.M.Y. Blakey sneakers
Mizuno, a competitor to the iconic sneaker brand ASICS, is a Japanese sports brand dating back more than 100 years ago, founded in 1906. With a focus on lightweight running silhouettes, athletes have favored Mizuno due to their durability and extreme cushioning for decades. So if you're looking for comfort mixed with style - Mizuno has it all.
21. norda
Founded: Canada, 2020
Iconics: norda 001
If you're already familiar with the On's and HOKAs of the world, you'll also love a pair of nordas. Norda's high-fashion trail running shoes are a great addition to our sneaker rotation that'll withstand muddy trails while also freshening up our wardrobe. Norda's bouncy high-performance shoes are not only for professional athletes and ultra-marathoners but are loved by sneakerheads, too.
Shoes packed with future-forward textiles using the most innovative technology, the Canada-founded norda offers a perfect mix of fashionability and comfort, with lightweight silhouettes from sustainably sourced materials finished with durable Vibram soles, norda's USP.
22. Merrell
Founded: Vermont, US, 1981
Iconics: Hydro Moc, Moab
Merrell is a hard-core hiking brand with a reputation for durability, quality, and extreme comfort. A fusion of futuristic and techy, the label is known for its high-performance boots and trail shoes.
More recently, Merrell's functional nature has come to dominate the mountain peaks and city streets, with Merrell Hydro Moc becoming a style-comfort mix icon. For the crowd with love for the great outdoors that wants to stay stylish, the futuristic-looking and Crocs-esque Merrell Hydro Moc silhouette will spice up your outfit yet keep you comfy.
23. ROA
Founded: Italy, 2015
Iconics: Lakhpa, Andreas
With a focus on robust functionality and minimal aesthetics, ROA's footwear repertoire includes high-performance boots and sneakers that pair hiking functionality directly with fashion. The Italy-based sneaker brand ROA, founded in 2015, has quickly become one of the hottest footwear brands, favored by numerous celebrities, including Drake and Playboi Carti.
ROA's footwear repertoire is a crossover of hiking technical outdoor wear while simultaneously reaching fashionable, style-pure heights, created by streetwear label Slam Jam and footwear designer Maurizio Quaglia. With its recent FW23 collection, ROA has climbed to the top of our gorp-core trend shortlist.
24. S.W.C - Stepney Workers Club
Founded: London, UK, 2018
Iconics: Dellow, Varden
Simple-yet-stylish sneaker silhouettes in neutral tones are East London-based Stepney Workers Club's specialty. Relatively new to the scene, the label's unisex footwear unifies skate culture and workwear, with previous collabs including Japanese designer Junya Watanabe and contemporary clothing brand Goodhood.
If you're yet to get on board with the gorp-core, function-meets-fashion trend and are looking for an affordable classic sneaker pair, opt for Stepney Workers Club. Flat vulcanized foot soles, the brand's USP, mixed with Stepney Workers Club's simple uppers in black-white-beige colorways, there's a sense of easy-going-ness about the brand and, equally, its sneakers.
25. Last Resort AB
Founded: Sweden, 2018
Iconics: VM001, VM002, VM003
Last Resort AB is a relatively new entry in the footwear scene. Founded by former pro skateboarder Pontus Alv and longtime friend, skateboarder, and creative director Sami Tolppi, the brand makes shoes for skaters, by skaters. Last Resort AB also prides itself in being fully independent company, and produces performance-specific skate shoes with timeless designs. Don't worry though, you don’t have to be a skateboarder to wear Last Resort AB. These shoes are a great addition for any respectable casual wear outfit, as well as for shredding.
26. Veja
Founded: Paris, France, 2004
Iconics: Veja Campo Sneaker, Veja Esplar
Beautifully made and minimal, VEJA's eco-conscious sneakers are some of the most versatile in the sneaker industry. The shoes are essentially blank canvases, experiments in color and pattern waiting to happen. Best of it all however, is the fact that Veja sneakers and accessories are made of organic cotton, wild rubber from the Amazon, vegetable-tanned leather, and recycled plastic bottles. Lastly, they are easy to match with many outfits!
Up next, take a look at our top lists of the best basketball shoes, affordable sneakers, best running shoes, and the most comfortable sneakers, or find where to buy sneakers online.
