Step your footwear game with these editor-approved kicks.
Compiled by Tenzin Sangay
Finding the right pair of sneakers is no easy task and to look for the ones that really reflect your vibe, that takes a bit of digging. Honestly, the sneaker market is so oversaturated that it can be a bit overwhelming to track down the perfect pair.
It’s especially tough to keep in mind the important stuff like quality and durability when it comes to picking your kicks. Of course you could get distracted by unique colorways and your favorite brand names. And as cool as it may be to have some rare sneakers in your wardrobe, it’s best to find your perfect, everyday pair. Ask yourself if it’s been a minute since you really went out with your fresh kicks given this whole corona thing.
We’ve put together a list of 10 sneakers testing the wide variety of sneakers on the market. These sneakers are both fashionable and functionable in their own ways and each one has a unique story behind them and are more than worthy to become your go-to pair, from the all-time classics, to the kicks that will help you run at ease, and, of course, the hottest new releases in style for 2020. Check out the 10 best sneakers to rock this summer.
AIR JORDAN 1 ‘ROYAL TOE’
In a nod to the OG Black Royal colorway, this AJ1 Royal Toe presents a brighter take on the classic. White leather on the side panel backs up a black Swoosh for instant recognition, and the timeless wings logo in white jumps off the upper in reverence to the GOAT.
MSRP $170
NEW BALANCE 997 SPORT
This new casual classic pays homage to the OG 997 and is an update of one of New Balance’s best-looking lines. It’s one of my favorites on this list and three new colorways of the 997S arrive just in time for summer: Castlerock/Amazonite, White/Morrocan Tile, and Gunmetal/Verdite. Along with the sleek look and bold colors, you’ll love the one-piece bootie for a snug, slip-on and cozy fit. Also, there’s an All-black version of this that looks pretty fire. If you’re more into a retro vibe, the Casablanca x New Balance 327 is a flawless summer sneaker.
MSRP $120
ADIDAS PHARRELL WILLIAMS CAMPUS
Pharrell Williams’ vision for his latest project with adidas Originals is understated and colorful. The collection includes a team of retro court silhouettes: Campus, Nizza and Continental.
Each sneaker plays out in premium off-white leather builds with colorful kicks provided by the laces. It has a lot of character and can be styled with unique combinations. Made with Pharrell’s signature Hu branding on the tongues, this collection was released earlier this year and is a fun pair of sneakers to have in your rotation.
MSRP $100
J-CREW VANS OLD SKOOL TURTLEDOVE
A good pair of vans is an easy no brainer for the summer. J-crew released this collab in the summer of 2017 so it could be a little harder to get a hold of this. These get their name from the colorway as a J-crew exclusive piece. They go perfect with some light jeans or a darker outfit to create more contrast. Regardless, these overall provide a basic level of comfort and are easy to throw on and wear.
MSRP $65
ADIDAS GAZELLE
The adidas sneakers you can wear with everything, and they’re not called stan smiths. The Gum soles on these speak for themselves and they’re actually more comfortable than the stan smiths. An all white gazelle would go with pretty much anything you throw on and they have lots of different colorways, my favorite is the one shown above. This pair is like the perfect skate shoe for everyone who doesn’t skate. A highly reliable and lasting adidas.
MSRP $80
REEBOK CLUB C 85 VINTAGE
I highly recommend this pair for anyone looking for that perfect daily driver. This men’s tennis shoe classic speaks to those with purist tendencies. Its clean, iconic style jazzes up jeans or joggers. The woven labels add a hit of old-school sensibility. They require zero break-in, the leather is anything but strong and you can wear them all day with very little discomfort. Truly a Reebok Classic.
MSRP $75
AIR JORDAN 5 ‘FIRE RED’
Diehard Jordan enthusiasts will forever fight over what model deserves the most love, but the recent release of the Fire Reds just goes to show how much the 5 still slaps after all these years.
MSRP $200
FOG Essentials x Converse Chuck 70
Jerry Lorenzo’s FOG Essentials line has reinterpreted a handful of iconic Converse silhouettes over the years, but few have hit as hard as the subtly tweaked Chuck 70 released this past March. When these first came out, it instantly sold out and only a bunch of people ever got them. Thankfully they restocked very recently this past May and you can find them on PacSun or Converse. It’s a classic that you’re gonna love to pair with different styles.
MSRP $110
NIKE DUNK LOW ‘SYRACUSE’
If Nike has any say on the subject, 2020 will go down in sneakerhead history as The Year of The Dunk. The Swoosh has gradually been ramping up production of the style, all while whipping its fans into a frenzy by releasing take after take on the white-hot silhouette. And after all said and done, if Orange ain’t your color, Nike Dunk Low Kentucky is your best bet with its blue magic. Few are better situated to capitalize on the increase in demand than these.
MSRP $100
AIR MAX 90 ‘VOLT’
The Air Max 90 turns 30 in 2020, so you can expect to see colorway after colorway of the classic style hit shelves this year. Leaning heavily on the super-bright Volt shade of yellow, this one was an early favorite.
MSRP $120
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