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The weather might be calling for snow boots, but sneakers are a happy medium. Sort of. The footwear is technically seasonless, and when you have the right pair, they go with just about anything from skirts and dresses to jeans and coats.
Whether or not you’re really into streetwear and know all the hot new collabs, you can count on the advice of Drew Haines, director of collectibles and sneakers at StockX, and Matthew Gomes, senior director of retail at Stadium Goods, and of course, the Cut Shop’s very own team for their tried-and-true pairs — we spoke to them about a bunch of different categories.
The Best Sustainable Sneakers
Demand for sustainable sneakers first began to build on StockX in 2020, and interest has remained strong since. Haines says that the Nike Dunk Low Next Nature, which is made with 50 percent recycled materials, and the Adidas Samba Vegan White Gum were among the best-selling sustainable sneakers on StockX in 2023.
From
$180
French brand Veja has really cornered the sustainable-sneaker market (with a little help from Meghan Markle). This white pair is made from ethically sourced materials like wild Amazonian rubber for the soles and responsibly produced leather for the upper.
The cotton lining, leather, and rubber outsoles of these colorful dad sneakers are made from recycled materials. They also have a cloud-lift insole for an extra comfy fit. New everyday sneaker, is that you?
From
$170
These soothing seafoam-green vegan sneakers are made from recycled ocean plastic. And for every pair sold, the brand donates 10 percent of profits toward protecting and conserving sea life.
From
$85
Half of the materials in this style are recycled, and the Samba was basically the shoe of the year. According to StockX, searches for the style increased 485 percent year over year.
Ever heard of corn leather? Now you have. Other materials that make up these sneakers include natural rubber, wood chips, and certified organic cotton.
You can’t mention sustainable sneakers without bringing up Cariumas. The vegan insole is made from cork, the canvas is organic cotton, and any plastics used for the laces and labels are actually from recycled water bottles.
With an upper made from recycled leather and an insole made of recycled rubber, the whole shoe is made with sustainable practices in mind. When you get as much wear out of them as you possibly can, the brand encourages you to mail them back so it can reuse the materials, and you’ll get $20 toward your next pair as an incentive.
The Best Classic Sneakers
Fact: A pair of Nikes, Chucks, Vans, or New Balances will never go out of style. They’re even cool when they’re all beat up, because that just shows you’ve had them for ages. And the best part about them is that they’ll never break the bank.
New Balance 574
$113
$113
You can never go wrong with the New Balance Classics. They are a little bit nerdy, a little bit cool, and super comfortable, of course.
Whether you wear them sparkling clean or tossed around in the dirt, they are an unmatched classic.
The Best Trendy Sneakers
Whether they’re remixed classics or a completely new style, these are the styles that feel especially of-the-moment.
Another sporty shoe that the fashion crowd has made its own comes from Asics. This offbeat colorway, courtesy of Kiko Kostadinov Studio, is a cool addition to your wardrobe, and it’s also easier to get your hands on than most fashion collabs. Our senior shopping editor, Bianca Nieves, shares she practically lives in hers.
New Balance 9060
$150
$150
There are a lot of New Balance sneakers out there, and while most of them are pretty great, fashion and beauty writer Asia Milia Ware assures us these are the most comfortable.
Yellow sneakers are hot right now, and it’s probably the best way to brighten up a gloomy day or not-so-fun outfit. Onitsuka Tiger’s best-selling Kill Bill colorway is an easy option that will mix and match with anything. Editorial assistant Brooke LaMantia also swears by the metallic-silver pair.
Social editor Sasha Mutchnik has these canvas sneakers on her radar. With a few cool neutral colorways and a little added height, they’re easy to pair with everyday looks.
From
$145
Nike Dunks have stood the test of time and proved to us that they’ll be trending forever. StockX says Nike continues to restock them numerous times and they sell out each time. We get it. The colorways are unique, the style is classic, and they can be styled with almost anything.
From
$139
Or opt for this suede pink colorway. The pink foam edition is a trending style at Stadium Goods that will add subtle color to your outfits.
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$565
When Rihanna stepped out wearing this sneaker, that pretty much cemented it into Hall of Fame status. After dropping in June, it sold out lightning fast and is available only on resale sites.
From
$289
Again with Adidas! The brand’s collaborations with Bad Bunny have become one of the highest-traded sneakers on StockX, specifically in Mexico City. The Puerto Rican rapper’s fan base is constantly selling out each drop. Even Bella Hadid is a fan of this collaboration in particular.
$200
Even if you’re not into a gorpcore look, you can’t deny the pull you feel when looking at a pair of Salomon shoes. The stylish color variations, thin laces, and sleek design are hard to resist; plus the Gore-Tex material will keep out any water and withstand harsh weather.
$120
You don’t have to be a hypebeast to wear these. They’re chunky and playful without being too in your face, thanks to the pastel color palette.
From
$200
From the contrast swoosh logo to the netted mesh upper, these deserve a top spot on the list of best sneaker collabs this year.
From
$349
This best-selling pair from Nike falls somewhere between gorpcore and dad sneakers that Stadium Goods says shoppers love. With textured mesh and silver details, this cool gray pair will look just as good with denim as it will with sweatpants.
The Best High-Performance Sneakers
The ultrasleek, futuristic-looking sneakers do double duty, combining well-researched performance technology and a street-style aesthetic. They’re breathable, flexible, and just really cool looking, whether or not you’re actually exercising in them.
On Cloudmonster
$170
$170
These high-performance sneakers have quickly become best sellers for comfort and grip. The super-cushioned sole makes them ideal for long runs.
Nike V2K Run
$110
$110
If you want running shoes that don’t exactly look like running shoes, these favorites of Cut staffers Joanna Nikas and Bianca Nieves are a good option. With a retro silhouette and a number of minimal color options, they are easy to pair with denim or workout gear.
Haines says Hoka was the No. 1 fastest-growing sneaker brand on StockX in 2022 with a whopping 3,606 percent trade growth year over year.
From
$121
The support you get from the Vaporfly is unlike any other sneaker’s, and the cushioning also comes in handy if you’re recovering from a leg injury. The reviews say the shoe lives up to the hype if you’re the training type, so don’t wait any longer to snap it up.
Ultraboosts are known for their functionality and breathability. This nude colorway is perfect for minimalists and will match all your workout gear.
From
$60
Asics’s “GEL” technology gives you protective shock absorption and comfortable cushioning, and these come in a variety of color options.
From
$84
This version of Nike’s popular Flyknit has it all: style, function, comfort, and breathability.
$160
For the regular runners out there, the Glycerin is a favorite for its stabilizing effects and cloudlike footbed. Your toes are going to fall in love with the slightly wider (read non-suffocating) toe box.
The Best Fashion Sneakers
Last but not least, here are the sneakers for anyone who wants a little luxury on their feet.
$450
If you want a fancier running option, Loewe’s collab with the beloved brand On should be your first stop. The sneakers feature On’s signature comfort and grip and one of Loewe’s classic silhouettes.
Another style you might have spotted on Rihanna, drawstring sneakers. They’re a bit offbeat but still cool, and think of how warm they’ll be paired with your maxi skirts and oversize pants this winter.
The British brand updated its ubiquitous sneaker with an exaggerated, translucent sole. It comes in a ton of color options.
From
$691
These funky sneakers have fun laces and construction that makes sneaker heads remember why they fell in love with kicks again.
Valentino sneakers are sleek and classic. The signature studs are the simplest detail that does all the talking for these shoes.
From
$495
That classic high-top look but with more height — and a zipper at the back for easy on-and-off.
Our Experts:
- Drew Haines, director of collectibles and sneakers at StockX
- Matthew Gomes, senior director of retail at Stadium Goods
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