15 Cool Sneaker Brands Fashion People Always Wear
Whether you’re a sneakerhead who knows about every new drop or you’re investing in some cool shoes to add to your new-season wardrobe, there are some noteworthy sneaker brands to know about that you’ll find in the closets of fashion insiders. From practical athletic shoes intended for a workout to directional designer pieces, there are a range of styles that can fit into your wardrobe, regardless of how you’ll be wearing and styling them.
Brands including Adidas and New Balance have recently climbed the ranks even higher with their styles such as the Sambas and 550s which are sold out practically everywhere. Rising brands including Onitsuka Tiger and Saloman have been picking up steam recently. Other designers including Aimé Leon Dore and Wales Bonner have cult collaborations that sell out instantly when they’re released. Ahead, see the 15 best sneaker brands to add to your wardrobe that all have the "cool girl” stamp of approval.
Adidas
Adidas have a long line of cult collaborations but their core sneakers are also in heavy demand, including styles like the Samba sneakers that are everywhere on the fashion set.
Converse
Not only are Converse All Star sneakers a favorite style among cool fashion people, but their price point also makes them a great affordable option to add to your closet.
New Balance
Though New Balance has many styles that have won fashion people over, the 990 V5s are the key popular style to own.
Nike
Nike sneakers have established themselves as classics, recognizable by the brand's signature swoosh.
Asics
Recently, Asics have entered the fashion-girl sneaker collection in a major way—especially the metallic Gel styles.
Aimé Leon Dore
Aimé Leon Dore's designs in collaboration with New Balance continue to command long waitlists, including the 550 sneakers that you'll have to hunt down if you want to find them in your size.
Gucci
Leave it to Gucci to make the Adidas Gazelle sneakers even more viral with the addition of the brand's iconic GG logo.
Salomon
You'll count celebs including Hailey Bieber and Bella Hadid among the growing list of Saloman sneaker fans.
Hoka Hoka One
If you step inside a cool gym, you're guaranteed to find the people inside wearing Hoka sneakers.
Reebok
This editor is a personal fan of Reebok sneakers, stocking many colorways of the Club C 85s in my closet.
Onitsuka Tiger
Onitsuka Tiger sneakers are currently on the rise, and the yellow Mexico 66 sneakers are the key buy to add to your closet.
Loewe
Loewe's cult sneakers capture the nostalgia of retro designs.
Wales Bonner
Yet another cool Adidas collab to know: The Wales Bonner sneakers that mix cool textures and colorways.
Chanel
Chanel remains one of the most in-demand brands for designer sneakers.
Toteme
Next: This Is the Sneaker Trend Every Early Adopter Is Wearing
If you're a minimalist, Toteme sneakers will be on your radar.
Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear where she oversees luxury, runway content, and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, and Tiffany & Co., and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.
-
Jennifer Lawrence Just Wore the Pretty It Sneakers No One Will Be Able to Keep in Stock
Ballet-inspired luxury sneakers, that is.
By Allyson Payer
-
This Sneaker Trend Will Be Front-Page News This Spring—Guaranteed
Add a pair to your rotation now.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
No Offense to Sambas, But Gen Z Is Crowning These 5 Styles the It Sneakers of 2025
These shoes are meant for walking.
By Ana Escalante
-
I Never Thought I'd Wear This Weird Sneaker Trend, But I Can't Stop Getting Compliments on It
They're kooky in the best, most Miu Miu way.
By Tara Gonzalez
-
Elsa Hosk's Already Wearing 2025's First Viral Sneaker Trend
For $80? Say less.
By Eliza Huber
-
This Is How to Wear Chunky Sneakers in Paris Without Looking Like a Tourist
Aka, how to blend in with the French citizens.
By Allyson Payer
-
If These Sneakers Aren't in Your Cart Already, Run—J.Law's About to Sell Them Out
They're 2025's next viral hit.
By Eliza Huber
-
Shopbop Has So Many New Hard-to-Find Sneakers—These 11 Will Sell Out First
Don't say I didn't warn you.
By Allyson Payer