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The 15 Best Sneakers of 2023

From Nike and New Balance to Adidas and Asics, we narrowed it down to the cream of the crop.

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It doesn't really matter whether you're a sneakerhead or not; everyone needs to wear shoes. And if you're going to be wearing shoes, why not go for the very best ones out there?

Our favorite footwear brands—New Balance, Nike, Adidas, Asics, and more—have been delivering in 2023. We're closing in on the end of the year and there's so much stuff that's hit the market that it can all feel a little overwhelming. Are you in the market for a reworked classic? Something entirely new? Maybe one—or more—of each?

We've got you covered on any any and all fronts with this list, which we've narrowed down to the top 15 best sneakers of the year. Keep on reading to see what made the cut.

Adidas x Clarks 8th Street by Ronnie Fieg Samba Chalk White Green

Samba Chalk White Green

Adidas x Clarks 8th Street by Ronnie Fieg Samba Chalk White Green

$299 at StockX

Simple, but effective. A translucent crepe sole completely transforms the look of the iconic Samba.

Salomon x JJJJound XT-Wings 2 Lapis Blue

XT-Wings 2 Lapis Blue

Salomon x JJJJound XT-Wings 2 Lapis Blue

Ice white, vanilla, and lapis blue are exactly the sort of clean, calm, complementary colors we've come to expect from Justin Saunders of JJJJound.

Jordan 3 Retro 'White Cement Reimagined'

3 Retro 'White Cement Reimagined'

Jordan 3 Retro 'White Cement Reimagined'

It's hard to go wrong with the Jordan 3, designed by none other than the legendary Tinker Hatfield. This version throws it all the way back to 1988 and uses the shoe's original specs.

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Jordan 4 Retro SB 'Pine Green'

4 Retro SB 'Pine Green'

Jordan 4 Retro SB 'Pine Green'

There's just something about the way the pine green complements that gum outsole. Even if you don't skate—or play basketball—these would make a worthy addition to any collection.

New Balance x Aimé Leon Dore 860v2 Green

860v2 Green

New Balance x Aimé Leon Dore 860v2 Green

Every time New Balance does a collab with ALD, it sells out almost instantly, and you spend the next year enviously gazing at the feet of those lucky enough to have snagged a pair. Well, now you can join their ranks—this version of the 860v2 might just be the coolest yet.

Hoka One One x J.L-A.L_ Tor Ultra Low 'Dune'

Tor Ultra Low 'Dune'

Hoka One One x J.L-A.L_ Tor Ultra Low 'Dune'

Since their January launch, these shoes have maintained status as one of 2023's best new sneakers. Hoka knows how to do comfort, obviously, and these moody low-tops—created in collaboration with up-and-coming British brand J.L-A.L_—prove the brand knows how to tune in the good looks, too.

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Nike x Stüssy Air Penny 2 Rattan Limestone

Air Penny 2 Rattan Limestone

Nike x Stüssy Air Penny 2 Rattan Limestone

The Air Penny 2 hasn't enjoyed the same kind of ongoing success that some of its '90s contemporaries have. Luckily, the folks at Stüssy have thrust it back into the conversation.

New Balance x Stone Island 574 Legacy

574 Legacy

New Balance x Stone Island 574 Legacy

New Balance and Stone Island's ongoing collaborative relationship continues to bear fruit. Case in point: this take on the iconic 574, which combines hairy suede with hits of gray and green and, naturally, the Stoney badge on the tongue.

Hoka One One x Satisfy Clifton LS 'Celadon Tint'

Clifton LS 'Celadon Tint'

Hoka One One x Satisfy Clifton LS 'Celadon Tint'

Hoka's all about running. So is niche French brand Satisfy. So it only makes sense that they'd come together for a riff on Hoka's fan-favorite Clifton sneaker. In shades of off white and green, it'll serve you well whether you're pounding the concrete or just kicking back.

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Nike Zoom Vomero 5 'Supersonic'

Zoom Vomero 5 'Supersonic'

Nike Zoom Vomero 5 'Supersonic'

With its chunky sole and techy upper, the Zoom Vomero 5 hits all the right notes when it comes to the retro-futuristic trend that's shaping the sneaker world right now. And in this (relatively) muted colorway, it's even easier to wear.

Jordan x A Ma Maniére 5 Retro 'Dawn'

5 Retro 'Dawn'

Jordan x A Ma Maniére 5 Retro 'Dawn'

A Ma Maniére can't miss. The Atlanta-based shop's ongoing Jordan collab gets even better with this take on the 5. The pre-yellowed netting panels might feel fake or try-hard with another design, but in this instance, it just works. Heads up: it's women's sizing, so dudes should go up 1.5 sizes.

Asics Gel Kayano 14 'Cream Black Metallic Plum'

Gel Kayano 14 'Cream Black Metallic Plum'

Asics Gel Kayano 14 'Cream Black Metallic Plum'

It's been a banner year for shiny, silvery running shoes, and the Gel-Kayano 14 reigns supreme in that space. With oversized mesh panels set off by lots of high-wattage detailing, it nails the aughts vibe but feels right at home in 2023.

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New Balance x Auralee 1906r 'Bone White'

1906r 'Bone White'

New Balance x Auralee 1906r 'Bone White'

Speaking of banner years: The 1906r has been popping off for the last 12-ish months. There are a lot of different versions to choose from, but this beige-y take from Japanese brand Auralee sits at the top of the heap.

New Balance x Ganni 1906r 'Egret'

1906r 'Egret'

New Balance x Ganni 1906r 'Egret'

Auralee's 1906r isn't alone at the top of the heap. It's got good company in the form of this white, black, and yellow riff from Copenhagen cool-girl brand Ganni.

Adidas x Wales Bonner Samba 'Leopard'

Samba 'Leopard'

Adidas x Wales Bonner Samba 'Leopard'

Grace Wales Bonner's collab with Adidas is still going strong. Her take on the Samba—with the classic foldover tongue, plus whipstitch detailing—is a fan favorite for good reason. And this pair, in leopard pony hair, is the wildest of the bunch.

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