Different situations require different sneaker games: on dates, at the office, on weekend errands. Our team of testers slipped on more than 40 new pairs to determine the best in seven key categories. These are our favourites sneakers for 2023.
Best collab
Nike’s partnership with New York artist Tom Sachs is a winner. Between the breathable knit and the old-school style, you could wear these for hours (and look awesome doing it).
NikeCraft GPS, $185 (above)
Best outdoors sneakers
These trekkers are built for the trails. Salomon’s Gore-Tex membrane fights moisture. Columbia’s Adapt Trax outsole steadies you in the wettest terrain. Eddie Bauer’s midsole Trailfork shank reinforces foot support for the long haul.
Salomon Sportstyle XT-6 GTX, $239
Eddie Bauer Hypertrail Low, $185
Columbia Wildone Navigate, $164
Best white sneakers
White sneakers are back in style – with a post-Seinfeld update. A mesh outsole gives the Nike 1’s more breathability and comfort. Natural rubber makes Veja’s trainers sustainable. Pebbled leather adds texture and a relaxed twist to Ecco’s minimalist kicks.
Nike Air Force 1 Crater Flyknit Next Nature, $160
Ecco Collin 2.0, $137.95
Veja Urca CWL, $225
Best running sneakers
Thanks to nitrogen-infused cushioning, Brooks Running’s Glycerin 20 has one of the softest midsoles we tried. Allbirds’ Tree Flyer midsole is 30 per cent lighter than its predecessor. Reebok’s new bouncy foam absorbs shock with ease.
Brooks Running Glycerin 20, $270
Reebok Floatride Energy 4 Adventure, $160
Allbirds Tree Flyer, $240
Best everyday sneakers
Hoka’s mattress-like cushion is made of lighter, more durable material. Skechers’ neutral runners have a carbon-infused plate for stride efficiency. Under Armour’s HOVRs are designed without seams or overlays to reduce chafing.
Skechers GOrun Maxroad 5, $100
Under Armour HOVR Machina 3, $108.50
Hoka Bondi 8, $270
Best throwback sneakers
Adidas’s best-selling Sambas now feature soft suede, a perforated finish for extra style points, and enhanced breathability. Puma’s and Gola’s classics are reimagined in bold colours that blend in or stand out, depending on your look.
Adidas Samba OG, $150
Gola Harrier, $147
Puma Suede Classic XXI, $130
Best work sneakers
Business casual isn’t as “business” as it once was. Florsheim’s and Vionic’s leather lace-ups have removable EVA footbeds. Cole Haan’s crossover sneakers have temperature-regulating materials for less sweat and more swagger.
Cole Haan GrandPrø Crossover, $216
Florsheim Premier, $190
Vionic Lucas, $206
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