Sneakers have become a such a versatile style of footwear, that even major luxury brands like Gucci, Alexander Wang, Louis Vuitton, Dior and Balenciaga have joined the club with their own line of sneakers.
Sneakers are fun footwear that can be paired with almost anything and can be worn at the gym, on a date or at work - that’s how versatile they are.
Any person can rock a pair of sneakers how they wish, whether male, female or non-binary.
Here’s a list of the top ten sneakers that are popular on the streets:
Nike Air
Athletic brand Nike has reinvented their Air collection of shoes, bringing back some of their retro styles through the Air Force sneakers or introducing new pairs in their collection with the Air Max shoe collection.
Nike’s collaboration with former basketball athlete Michael Jordan has also brought popular shoe style the Air Jordan into the ranks, being a fan favourite apart from Jordan’s separate Air Jordan basketball shoe collection.
Nike's popular Air Max sneaker. Picture: Supplied
Adidas Ultraboost
Adidas’ Ultraboost sneaker is a fun example of when fitness meets fashion.
The sneaker was designed using Parley material - which is an environmentally friendly material made from recycled waste - in their efforts to decrease their carbon footprint.
Adidas Parley Ultraboost. Picture: Supplied
Yeezys
Kanye West’s fashion collaboration with Adidas boasts an interesting pair of sneakers which fall under the chunky, orthopaedic sneaker trend.
For sneakerheads, the fashion-forward running shoe features a combination of modern and retro design appeal and is constructed of mesh and premium suede.
Although not available in stores, the shoe is available on online platforms.
Adidas x Kanye West 'Yeezy' sneaker. Picture: Supplied
Converse x All-Star
Converse has been on a collaborative high in the past year.
The popular sneaker brand has collaborated with the likes of Virgil Abloh (who has collaborated with Louis Vuitton), rap artist Tyler, the Creator for their Le Fleur collection and Japanese brand Commes Des Garçons (created by Rei Kawakubo).
Converse x Virgil Abloh Collection. Picture: High Snobiety
Vans
The skateboard footwear brand has been placed in the spotlight again for its shoes, becoming a popular fashion shoe.
Vans’ sneakers are popular for their monotone colours, but their most recent capsule collaboration with Van Gogh’s artworks shows their massive creativity with patterns and colours.
Vans x Van Gogh Capsule Collection. Picture: Supplied
Nike Air Retro
Nike makes their second appearance on the list because of the popularity of one of their shoes which serve as a blast from the past.
Nike first debuted this sneaker in the late 90’s and it was a sensation among runners and athletes alike.
Comfortable and sleek – this pair of sneakers features the patented Max Air technology at the sole, which provides extra cushioning during activity.
Nike Air Retros. Picture: Supplied
New Balance
New Balance is another footwear brand that has resurrected themselves as an athletic and fashion footwear brand with the re-emergence of their retro sneakers - the 574 mesh sneaker.
New Balance 574 sneaker. Picture: High Snobiety
Asics Gel line
Asics would be the brand that cemented themselves in the retro-comfort style of sneakers. Their Gel line of sneakers features the retro style through their GEL-NIMBUS 20 and GEL-VENTURE 6.
A major hit with sneakerheads, the shoe’s design is pure performance, featuring proprietary ASICS technology like FlyteFoam, and GEL cushioning throughout.
Asics Gel Line Picture: High Snobiety
Sock boot sneaker
A rising trend, the sock boot sneaker made its rise to prominence through Balenciaga’s launch of their unisex sock boot sneaker. Since then, brands like Zara, Maison Margiela, Alexander Wang and Gucci have all jumped on the bandwagon with their sock boot sneaker releases.
Balenciaga Women's Sock boot sneaker. Picture: Balenciaga
Orthopaedic sneakers
The return of comfort over beauty is one of the major footwear trends over the past year - with a lot of shoe brands creating gel and gum sole shoes which are designed to ensure that your foot looks good and feels comfortable.
Brands like Asics, New Balance, Gucci, Balenciaga and Skechers have each released their own renditions of the chunky, orthopaedic sneaker - and most of them are not a sight for sore eyes.
Sketchers Sneakers. Picture: Supplied