It’s probably time to replace those sneakers. You know, the pair that was once stark white and has now transformed into an unidentifiable shade of dirty from the music festivals, vacations, dive bars and nature walks you’ve worn them for. Moving on from a pair of sneakers is a bittersweet feeling—you’ve been through a lot together! If you’re feeling hesitant, I understand but I promise the sneaker trends for 2023 will make you excited to slip your feet into a new pair.
Related Stories
The ‘Grossly Satisfying’ Foot Peel Mask With Over 13,000 Perfect Ratings on Amazon Is 47% Off
When Is Love Island UK on Hulu? Here’s How to Watch Season 11 in the US
Plus, you’re guaranteed to form a lasting bond with one of the 2023 sneaker trends because they have a few common, loveable factors. For starters, every shoe on the list is undoubtedly comfortable—it’s hard to have a passion for fashion if your feet hurt! And as an added bonus, the trends are super cute and include a style for everyone. Keep reading for the 13 pairs you should consider to kick off 2023.
Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. QVC is a STYLECASTER sponsor, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.
Ok soccer stars, you might not have kicked a ball since middle school but it’s time to get your Adidas Sambas on and get back on the field. Fashion coach Bella Hadid kicked off the Samba sneaker trend and now I’m unable to scroll on my TikTok FYP without seeing an unboxing. Luckily, this trend is on the more affordable side (the shoes are under $80) and is super cute and comfortable to wear. Score!
Gola Vegan Hook-and-Loop Sneakers
This vegan canvas style sneaker that features quick and easy Velcro closures will have you out the door faster than you can say, “where are we meeting?” Add these sneakers with your dolphin hem shorts or pleated skirt outfit and you’ll be the cutest one on the pickleball court.
Samba Classic Sneakers
For Bella Hadid-approved style, you can’t go wrong with the classic Adidas Samba sneakers. This pair is unisex so you can expect everyone to be wearing these all year. Plus, they have stellar arch support.
Gazelle Shoes
Adidas Samba sneakers are hard to get your hands on but this pair of Gazelle sneakers capture the same vibe (and are available in a full-size range!). The low silhouette—which was originally intended for skateboarding—is the basis of the Samba trend. Pair these sneakers with crew socks and a mini skirt for the full Bella Hadid-inspired look.
Sneakers with exposed tread are the latest design choice to trend in 2023. When in doubt, tread is trendy, tread is trendy—just say it three times fast and a pair of New Balance’s will appear (I wish). Shoes with a wide tread are a design option that looks cool while having increased functionality which can be hard to find. Brands like New Balance are leading the tread charge with an entire line of sneakers featuring an overexposed jagged tread—if you’re looking for something a little more subtle, opt for a platform tread. Most sneaker brands make a pair but I’m partial to the styles by Veja.
Persephone Sneakers – Universal Thread™
These look like a cross between APL’s knit designs and the sustainable Chloe sneaker collection from last summer. Either way, these are a hit in my book, and the groove detail at the sole makes all the difference to make these sneakers appear way more expensive than they are.
Venturi Runner Sneakers
These retro-inspired sneakers will add some prep to your step—and an extra bit of flair with the exposed tread. I love the combination of suede and leather on this pair.
New Balance 327 Sneakers
The grey colors of this pair of New Balance sneakers is perfect for styling with just about any outfit. I love the contrasting two-tone shades on the inside and outside of the sneaker.
Similarly to the Adidas Sambas trend, sometimes a very niche shoe will break out of its typical consumer box and enter the mainstream space. Ask any hiker if they’ve bought a pair of “trendy” Salomon sneakers or any distance runner if they’ve worn “cute” Hokas for their morning walks—you’re going to get an eye roll as a response because these groups have been wearing and loving these sneaker brands for ages. I’ll admit that both styles of shoes fit in the “so ugly they’re cute” category of shoes—I now own three pairs of Salomons and now fully think they’re the height of fashion. To be fair, I did purchase a pair for a legitimate hike.
Salomon XT-6 Skyline Unisex Shoes
From hiking trails to downtown NYC street style, get a shoe that can do both. The Salomon trail running sneakers have been spending a lot more time in the city (and are another Bella Hadid favorite). For an untraditional but increasingly popular urban look, you can’t go wrong with this sporty style. The best colorways are in the men’s section so order your size accordingly.
Hoka Bondi 8 Sneakers
The chunky aesthetic of Hoka sneakers may take a minute to visually grow on you but I promise you’ll love them once they’re on your feet. This sneaker has become the new staple of hot girl walks and will look great with your athleisure apparel coffee runs.
If there are two pairs of shoes that should make a “top trends” list every single year, it’s without a doubt high-top Converse and the C 85 Vintage Reeboks. Though both of these shoes will see big waves of popularity every few years, they truly never go out of style. These vintage styles have been around for so long because they’re comfortable, affordable and simply look cool with every style of outfit. They may not be good shoes for running, but they’re good for every other activity.
Lunea Lace-Up Sneakers
These crisp, white sneakers are a classic and look so similar to Keds shoes at a fraction of the cost. These will run you just $15. Pair them with any floral dress this summer.
Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star Classic
For a classic retro sneaker, there is no better option than the Converse Chuck Taylor high tops. A classic black pair is an ultimate shoe to wear with jeans, cargo pants, a maxi skirt or truly whatever is in your wardrobe. A timeless, lifelong excellent purchase.
Reebok Club C 85 Vintage Sneakers
When I’m not sure what shoes to wear, I always gravitate toward my vintage-inspired white Reeboks. They always look fresh and keep my feet comfortable for miles and miles.
This is a trend that I hope never goes anywhere: the traditional sporty running shoe.There are plenty of designer sneakers that are sleek, sporty and have just the right about of “dad” feel but I’m not about to drop a thousand dollars on them. l I released that these styles look identical to Asics and the brand had been making the sleek sporty style for years. I purchased Asics running shoes instead for a fraction of the price (and better quality) and have been wearing them for both runs and fashion meetings ever since.
Asics Gel-Kayano 14 Sneakers
For fashion-approved running shoes, look no further than anything created by Asics. Not only is the brand incredibly functional and comfortable, it’s also the OG quintessential sleek, sporty shoe. I can’t go two days without wearing this pair.
Couldwander Waterproof Sneakers
The color combination on this pair of Waterproof On sneakers is so cool. You can wear these on weekend trips for both the sporty and leisurely part of your itinerary.
