19 Best Sneakers for Women of 2023, According to Fashion Experts

Jun 08, 2023

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Including hot new collabs and launches from favorite brands like Nike, Adidas and New Balance.

Dressing up no longer requires high heels or other uncomfortable shoes. More and more fashion icons are embracing sneakers as a part of a fashionable outfit, even chunky Dad-style shoes. Especially when traveling or strutting through the city, comfy shoes have never been more in style. While loafers and heels may be on heavy rotation for your 9 to 5, timeless trainers are essential in any wardrobe, whether you prefer a classic silhouette, a trendy, unique look or a high-performance pair. We found the best sneakers for women of 2023 to shop, including top brands like Nike, Adidas and Converse.

"What first comes to mind with sneaker culture is 'community'" explains Dr. Delisia Matthews, Associate Professor in the Wilson College of Textiles at North Carolina State University who is a leading expert in sneaker culture and shopping trends. She explains, "If we are going to talk about sneaker culture, the foundation is African American or Black culture." Sneaker culture began to intersect more with fashion and Black culture during the 1980s with more and more brands offering styles that catered to this moment in hip-hop and pop culture.

If you are overwhelmed with options, we helped narrow down the best buys, including affordable under-$100 buys and luxurious, designer options. Note that for hot, trendy shoes, many go to resale sites like GOAT and StockX to shop styles no longer available directly from retailers.

Adidas has been a household brand in the fashion and sneaker world since "My Adidas" by Run-D.M.C. dropped in 1986, according to Matthews. The Samba style continues to reign supreme with new iterations and styles launching each year like the best-selling Sporty & Rich 2023 collab and the leather-free Vegan version. The classic black with white stripes is easy to style with casual wear and dressier outfits too.

Sizes: 5–15

Selling across age groups, Converse All Star high-top sneakers continue to be one of the most popular sneakers available. The casual, skater-style shoe is popular for everyday wear and also among weightlifters as a flat, stable shoe. Available as a high or low top, these sneakers are available in tons of colors with custom options for personalized patterns and designs. One GH editor loves the platform version of these sneakers too for a trendy touch with extra height.

Sizes: 5–18 with wide sizing

For a clean, classic look, these Superga sneakers have a thick platform for added height and a dressier look. We love styling these with everything from babydoll dresses to wide-leg suit pants. The versatile design makes these a closet staple — dressy enough to wear to work and stylish enough to wear out and about. One GH analyst says her pair has stayed in pristine condition for many years as long as she cleans the white canvas material regularly.

Sizes: 5–11

Slip-on sneakers make getting out the door faster than ever. These Vans sneakers have a simple, casual design and are easy to take on and off. Available in over 50 colors and patterns, these sneakers can showcase your personality with many fans saying they have them in multiple styles. We appreciate the padded ankles but note that this pair offers less arch support than other styles.

Sizes: 5–17.5

Available in a variety of neutral shades, the Reebok C85 Vintage shoes will be your next closet staple. The leather upper molds to your feet and has a stylish look while the terry lining feels soft and plush. The foam midsole provides excellent cushioning and arch support for comfy walking all day.

Sizes: 1.5–13.5

A favorite of style icons like Hailey Bieber and the Olsen twins, the New Balance 990v6 sneakers are a versatile everyday shoe with a chunky style that's easy to pair with a variety of outfits. As a bonus, GH fiber scientists and podiatrists agree that New Balance shoes offer great support and stability, so you'll take care of your feet and stay comfy. We also love the brand's 550 sneakers, which have a classic look but sell out quickly.

Sizes: 5–12 with narrow, wide and extra wide sizing

Nike sneakers, most famously the Jordan, are constantly on-trend and being released in new shades and celebrity collaborations. While Air Force 1's were all the rage the past few years, the Dunk line, especially the low style, has become increasingly popular recently, selling extraordinarily well on resale sites. You can customize the Dunk High version too.

Sizes: 5–10.5

Known for the brand's commitment to more sustainable production and materials, Veja sneakers have blown up in popularity for their versatile designs. This pair features sustainable materials like organic cotton laces, recycled polyester lining and some recycled rubber in the outsole. Shop here for more color options.

Sizes: 4–12.5

Originating in Japan, Onitsuka Tiger has been a trendy sneaker brand for decades. With the yellow colorway consistently selling out, these sneakers were originally released in 1978 and were "an instant hit with runners and business people alike," according to the brand. They feature a rugged outsole that goes up over the toes and heel for excellent traction.

Sizes: 5.5–15.5

GH fashion experts agree with Dr. Matthews who said Hoka is one of the largest growing sneaker brands with an extremely loyal following from Baby Boomers to Gen Z. These running sneakers offer ample cushioning to keep your joints supported on treadmill and road runs. The chunky style is popular for both working out and looking good. In our sneaker testing, more testers wanted to test Hoka sneakers than any other brand.

Sizes: 5–12

We've tested dozens of sneakers, and this affordable pair from New Balance continues to dominate in performance over other styles. With a lightweight design, the comfy knit upper can stretch to accommodate wider feet and bunions. One tester exclaimed, "I wear these shoes nearly every day. Whether commuting or working out, they do it all!"

Sizes: 5–12 with wide sizing

A consistent favorite among GH travel pros, these Allbirds sneakers are machine washable (with the insoles removed) for easy cleaning post-vacation. The breathable knit upper is made with Lyocell, which is known for its moisture-wicking properties, making them ideal when walking for hours.

Sizes: 5–11 (no half-sizing)

RELATED: Allbirds Review: We Tested Almost Every Style for Comfort and Support

On Running is a favorite among athletes for its chic look and excellent performance, feeling great on your feet mile after mile. The brand's CloudTec foam cushioning is designed for soft landings while running. Available in 20+ colors and featuring a speed lacing system for easy on and off, this pick is a great commuting shoe. Recently, the brand did a collaboration with luxury brand Loewe.

Sizes: 5–11

Based on our extensive testing, ASICS sneakers impressed both podiatrists and testers alike, earning high marks for comfort and support. We've noticed an increase in trendsetters opting for ASICS sneakers, most notably pairs from the collaboration with Cecille Bahnsen. This pair features the brand's signature gel cushioning system for support throughout the foot during exercise.

Sizes: 5–13 with narrow, wide and extra wide sizing

Big, chunky sneakers are a popular trend right now, especially ones with rugged outsoles. Hiking shoes check every box. This style from Salomon is equally popular among trendsetters and hikers. Note that this gender-neutral hiking shoe is sold with only men's sizing listed.

Sizes: Men's 4–13

These Chloé sneakers have chic stitching with a comfy platform for extra height. While most sneakers are only available in neutrals, we love that this pick has over 10 bold color options. We also appreciate that this pick uses some recycled content for a lower environmental impact.Sizes: 5–12 (no half sizing)

Emma Seymour (she/her) is a senior product analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance.

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