In an era where the hype surrounding a sneaker can often elevate its value more than the style and comfort of the actual shoe, the term sneakerhead has lost some of its meaning. Before everyone was lining up for the latest pair of ultra-hyped collaborative sneakers, there was a handful of classic sneakers that everyone considered essential to their collection.
Possessing an understanding of the stories and historical anecdotes behind these fundamental styles is part and parcel of the game. That knowledge can result in a greater appreciation for how sneaker culture has evolved over the last few decades, as well as the product itself.
We’re not saying you need to be able to rattle off Michael Jordan’s stat line in any of his title-winning seasons to wear Jordans, but it’s probably a good idea to familiarize yourself with why the man, his legend, and the sneakers he wore have had such an impact on our community.
On that note, we’ve put together a Highsnobiety-approved list of classic sneakers. These are the shoes that have stood the test of time and which will be a mainstay in your rotation for 2023 and beyond.
Shop the best classic sneakers for every wardrobe below.
PUMA Clyde
Clyde
PUMA
Like with so many other classic sneakers, the PUMA Clyde started life as a basketball sneaker. It was originally designed for New York Knicks legend Walt “Clyde” Frazier and was the first sneaker to bear a player's name in the modern NBA.
Miharayasuhiro Wayne Sneakers
Wayne Sneakers
Miharayasuhiro
Classic silhouettes come in many forms, with new ones being added to the canon every year. While the Wayne does bear a huge amount of similarities to Nike's iconic AF1, its unique hand-molded outsole is originally crafted in clay giving the sneaker an arc of its own.
adidas x Highsnobiety 'Not In Paris' Stan Smith
'Not In Paris' Stan Smith
adidas x Highsnobiety
Released in 1963 as adidas' first in-line tennis shoe, it was only in 1978 that this model was named "Stan Smith" after the Wimbledon-winning tennis star. The Stan Smith is now a mainstay for adidas and the pair above is an exclusive collaboration with this very magazine for our Not In Paris collection.
Nike Air Force 1 '07
Air Force 1 '07
Nike
A shoe that needs no introduction is the Nike Air Force 1 '07. This stone-cold classic is the kind of shoe that you should always have in your rotation: once a pair gets cooked, it's time for a fresh new one.
New Balance 576
OU 576 ANN
New Balance
Currently celebrating its 35th anniversary, the New Balance 576 is an elevated version of the brand's low-key 574 model made in the UK using premium materials. Initially designed to be an all-terrain running shoe, it's one of the last remaining New Balance models with the traditional “big N” branding.
Converse One Star
One Star Pro Ox Mom’s Potato
Converse
Initially released as a spinoff to Converse's Chuck Taylor All Star, the One Star was imagined as a basketball shoe but has since found itself as a classic sneaker embraced by the skateboarding community. Just like the Chuck Taylor, it has truly stood the test of time.
adidas Samba OG
Samba OG
adidas
Though collabs and celebrity sightings have added to the Samba's lore lately, the truth is that few sneakers have remained as timeless. This is largely due to the Samba's enduring versatility.
Vans UA OG Authentic LX
UA OG Authentic LX
Vans
Originally released in 1966 as the 44 Deck Shoe, the Authentic is a longtime bestseller for Vans. It was made famous by skaters, primarily in Southern California, whose enjoyment of its sticky sole and rugged construction thrust it into the mainstream.
New Balance 650
BB650RGG
New Balance
Like the 550, New Balance's 650 is one of the oldest models on this list and is easily one of the most recognizable thanks to high-profile collabs with Aimé Leon Dore.
Stepney Workers Club Dellow S-Strike Suede
Dellow S-Strike Canvas
Stepney Workers Club
Stepney Workers Club specializes in crafting vulcanized silhouettes that work for both dressing up and down. Models like the Dellow and Pearl are lightweight and utilize premium leather along the upper for a hard-wearing build.
Maison Margiela Replica Sneakers
Replica Low Top
Maison Margiela
The fact that this sneaker looks so similar to the adidas Samba (and countless other classic sneakers) is no coincidence. The Margiela team has made no attempt at hiding the fact that this shoe is a riff on a vintage adidas' sneaker made for the German Army, which is where the name Replica comes from. The adidas sneaker, which has colloquially become known as the "GAT", has inspired countless other shoes but none are quite as famous as Maison Margiela's rendition.
Reebok Club C 85
Club C 85 Vegan
Reebok x Milk Makeup
The Club C is about as classic as it gets. It’s a no-frills sneaker that comes in a variety of colors but is most recognizable decked in all-white. This variation, created together with Milk Makeup strips the model back so that's it's even more minimal.
adidas Gazelle
Gazelle
adidas
adidas has had a huge resurgence when it comes to its retro silhouettes. The Samba and Gazelle, in particular, have stormed the world of sneakers with a stretch that most silhouettes can only dream of. While the adidas Gazelle Indoor took the spotlight for the Gucci collab, we're still backing the OG Gazelle.
Converse Chuck 70 Hi
Chuck 70 Hi
Converse
If you have never owned a pair of Chuck 70s, I sincerely applaud you. But, in reality, you’re missing out. This much-improved version of the timeless sneaker comes with a sturdy midsole and outsole to ensure you can wear these as long as you like.
Reebok Classic Leather Sneakers
Eames Classic Leather
Reebok
There's no questioning this model's credentials as a classic sneaker, it is literally in the name. Reebok's signature shoe has stood the test of time and is offered here in all-white with a tonal sole unit.
New Balance BB550
BB550VTC
New Balance
Countless colorways and collabs have been released within the past few years to make the 550 one of the most hyped models around, but this monochrome pair is where it all began. From the minimal branding to the gum rubber sole, this all-white pair is not to be slept on.
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