The Best Designer Sneakers for Men and Women, According to Fashion

Experts
Sneakers are a Bonafede wardrobe staple for men and women, not only for casual moments but also
for dressy and even formal occasions. However, there’s a distinct difference from, say, the Chuck
Taylor’s or Vans you’ve relished since youth and the best designer sneakers for women and men.
Indeed, the eased cool factor of sneakers is one characteristic that separates the popular shoes from
the rest of your footwear collection, including the most comfortable sneakers and walking shoes for
women. But trendy sneakers of 2021 from top designers like Gucci, Balenciaga and Prada boast an
esteemed and pragmatic air that’s unmatched. The luxuriousness is, of course, covetable, as is the
inherent dignity you assume from wearing a high-end label. But the fashionable nonchalance of
designer sneakers thoroughly sets them apart from all the others. In an instant, any outfit accessorized
with a designer sneaker goes from adequate to lust-worthy. We’re talking more than looks featuring
tailored attire or incredible vintage denim, too. Even those rooted in athleisure staples like leggings and
sweatsuits become enviable with the right high or low-top in tow. So, it makes sense that shopping for
the best designer sneakers is an exciting endeavour to embark upon and get right.
So, what to look for in trendy designer sneakers? According to Sam Laban, senior vice president of
designer and new concepts at Nordstrom, it starts with the two main categories that the best designer
sneakers fall into: classic and fashion-forward styles. “There are the iconic sneaker styles that have
been updated with elevated fabrication, construction and design details,” he tells Footwear News.
“Then, there are the more fashion-forward concepts in terms of innovation and design. There’s often a
strong focus on comfort and luxurious materials in the first category, and the second category is
straight-up fashion and all about aesthetics.”
More from Footwear News
As the designer sneaker trend continues (with no signs of a slow-down), the range of options is vast,
making it difficult to know what types of designer sneakers are worth investing in. But Tiffany Hsu,
MyTheresa’s fashion buying director, tells FN, “We’re seeing Nike Dunk-inspired retro high tops
coming through as the next big thing.”
Story continues
Laban says it’s different for everyone, however. “Some customers are looking for something timeless
or something that’s going to make a statement and perhaps be the key element of an outfit,” he says,
adding that, “there are so many segments of the designer sneaker business — low top versus high
top, logo versus non-logo, classic white or a bold colour, options in leather, canvas; the categories are
endless.” Ultimately, choosing the right pair for you comes down to personal preference.
If the most popular designer sneaker brands this year drive you to buy, then labels like Gucci,
Alexander McQueen, Prada, and Golden Goose are the place to start when searching for the trendiest
sneakers of 2021. “Some of the new Gucci retro styles have done very well for us, and in general, we
have seen an uplift in that type of style,” says Hsu. (This is likely, in part, because celebrities like Bella
Hadid and Hailey Bieber champion the silhouettes.) At Nordstrom, Lobban says customers are split
between favoring of-the-moment styles and versatile silhouettes. “For the more iconic sneaker styles,
there’s the Alexander McQueen oversized sneaker, the Gucci Ace or Rhyton sneakers and Golden
Goose’s Superstar,” he says. “If something more high fashion is what you’re after, there’s the
Balenciaga Speed or Track, Prada’s Cloudburst or Versace’s Tribeca.” Balenciaga’s Track sneaker
has been seen on stars like Kylie Jenner and The Weeknd, while Gigi Hadid and ASAP Rocky have
worn Prada’s Cloudburst.
Top Designer Sneaker Trends of 2021
Designer runways are always first to signal the top designer sneaker trends of the year. Loewe, Khaite,
Tory Burch and Proenza Schouler sparked the retro revival in 2021’s low-top resurgence á la the ’70s
— and Miu Miu’s collaboration with New Balance is 2022’s next must-have evolution of the trend.
Gucci, Prada, Balenciaga and Versace are leaders in futuristic looks like the hiker hybrids and bubble
soles. For old-school ‘90s-style high-tops and court shoes, Dior’s Jordan collab, Golden Goose’s Sky
Star High-Tops, Off-White’s vulcanized leather low-tops and Virgil Alboh’s collaborative works with
Nike, including Air Jordan 1s, lead the pack. Then, there’s the logomania look, done notably by
designers like Fendi, Dior and Burberry.
Celine, Saint Laurent, Givenchy and The Row deliver on some of the most impeccably minimal lace-up
designs for clean and classic looks. Similarly, Alexander McQueen’s oversized platform sneakers and
Gucci’s Ace remain a luxury lover’s favorite. And, of course, chunky silhouettes like Stella McCartney’s
sustainably-made Eclypse and Loop designs, Dolce & Gabbana’s Daymaster, Gucci’s Rhyton and
Dior’s B22’s are continued hits.
Whether you’re a designer sneaker purist or all about innovation and the next cult design, the 20 best
designer sneakers for men and women ahead are sure to include one, if not several, must-haves worth
adding to your collection.
Prada Cloudburst Thunder Lug Sole Sneaker
Prada’s Cloudburst Thunder Lug Sole sneakers combine the best of sneaker comfort with an
adventurous, outdoor-inspired style. They’ve been bulked up with 3D injected rubber overlays but have
a surprisingly lightweight sawtooth sole. “The Prada Cloudburst Thunder Lug Sole Sneaker is a great
option for those looking for something more fashion-forward given the statement-making sole,” Lobban
says. “They look great with a full fashion technical sportswear look, but also with a more contemporary
tailored vibe.”
Credit: Courtesy of Nordstrom
Courtesy of Nordstrom
Buy:Prada Men's Cloudburst Thunder Sneaker$1,140-$1,200
Buy:Prada Women's Cloudburst Thunder Sneaker$1,020
Alexander McQueen Oversized Crystal Embellished Platform Sneaker
Alexander McQueen’s oversized platform sneakers remain a designer cult-classic featuring a clean
and minimal design that goes with everything from suits to dresses and leisurewear. The next wave is
glammed-up and ultra-statement-making, sparkling with mixed crystals and finished with a leopard-
embossed sole. “Alexander McQueen’s oversized embellished platform sneaker is the perfect
statement shoe heading into the holiday season or for any time during the year when you’re looking for
some extra sparkle,” Lobban says.
Credit: Courtesy of Saks
Courtesy of Saks
Buy:Alexander McQueen Men's Oversized Embellished Sneaker$1,350
Gucci Chunky B Sneaker
The ultimate foray into the world of Gucci designer sneakers is undoubtedly the Ace. But if you’re more
of a nostalgic sneaker lover, the B sneaker is the silhouette to start with or add to your collection.
Featuring red- and green-striped webbed accents and the Italian label’s iconic interlocking G logo, this
low-top sneaker is set slightly higher than the Ace on a chunky platform cupsole. “The Gucci Chunky B
Sneaker is a versatile addition to anyone’s wardrobe with the style’s clean ’70s sports vibe but
modernized with the chunky sole,” Lobban says. “These are a good fresh addition to a more casual,
fun outfit.”
Credit: Courtesy of Saks
Courtesy of Saks
Givenchy Monumental Mallow Slip-On Sneaker
Are you the sneakerhead who dares to be different? Then this ultra-slick Givenchy sneaker is for you.
The sculptural design is streamlined, while the subtly molded ridges boast a ripple effect. Featuring the
house’s marshmallow technology for a lightweight feel, they’re the ultimate get-around shoe —
whether paired with a fluid midi dress, knitted separates or denim. Lobban notes, “The lightweight
Monumental Mallow Slip-On Sneaker from Givenchy is an architectural, monumental event, and a
distinctive addition to any outfit.”
Credit: Courtesy of Nordstrom
Courtesy of Nordstrom
Buy:Givenchy Men's Monumental Mallow Slip-On Sneaker$695
Buy:Givenchy Women's Monumental Mallow Slip-On Sneaker$695
Golden Goose Sky-Star High Top Sneaker
Golden Goose’s low-top sneakers boast a cult following, and this ‘90s-inspired basketball high-top is
another must-have from the label. They’re handcrafted from leather featuring the brand’s signature
scuffed and dirtied look in the vein of an old pair that’s beloved and well-worn. “Golden Goose proves
to be popular among our customers consistently, and these Sky-Star High Top Sneakers add a vintage
twist to any outfit,” Lobban says. “They’re great with ripped jeans and an oversized flannel shirt.”
Credit: Courtesy of Bergdorf Goodman
Courtesy of Bergdorf Goodman
Buy:Golden Goose Men's Sky-Star High Top Sneaker$560
Buy:Golden Goose Women's Sky-Star High Top Sneaker$560-$600
Balenciaga Runner Sneaker
When it comes to running sneakers, styles from Asics and Hoka One rank highest for actual
performance. But on the fashion front — at least as designer sneakers are concerned — Balenciaga’s
Runner sneaker is the vibe. Taking inspiration from ’90s and ’00s styles, it’s overlaid with mesh and
designed for a deconstructed look, including rough stitching, leftover glue and a rough topline. “The
Balenciaga Runner sneaker is a high-fashion version of the traditional track sneaker, and as a bonus,
it’s super comfortable,” Lobban says. “Team up with an all-black outfit, oversized jacket, hoodie and
shades as a retro-futuristic pop of color.”
Credit: Courtesy of Nordstrom
Courtesy of Nordstrom
Buy:Balenciaga Men's Runner Sneaker$1,090-$1,150
Fendi x Sarah Coleman Women’s Rise FF Fisheye Platform Sneaker
No shame in the logo-loving game! Half the fun of a trendy designer sneaker is showcasing brand
loyalty for aesthetic’s sake and a confidence boost. So, it’s no surprise that Fendi’s platform style,
designed with New York-based artist Sarah Coleman, is a hit among luxury lovers. “The Fendi Rise FF
Fisheye platform sneaker is a fun and funky take on the classic logo sneaker with artist Sarah
Coleman’s distorted update of Fendi’s double-F logo,” Lobban explains. “These can go with anything.”
Think denim, dresses, tailored separates and beyond.
Credit: Courtesy of Neiman Marcus
Courtesy of Neiman Marcus
Wiki The best woman fashion