The 28 Most In-Demand Designer Sneakers of 2023

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(Image credit: @claire_most)

If you were to draw a Venn diagram of the fashion crowd and the sneaker crowd, you'd see a major overlap. In the past few seasons, the two have become even more integrated than ever before thanks to a number of designer sneaker collaborations that have piqued both the interest of fashion insiders and in-the-know sneakerheads who are experts at clocking the latest drops.

Gucci x Adidas, Jacquemus x Nike, Loewe x On, Sandy Liang x Salomon—the list of designers linking with performance-sneaker brands is one that just keeps getting longer by the day. And with comfort being a top priority when getting dressed, a pair of cool sneakers has gone from being an afterthought to an absolute must-have among fashion people. On that note, I thought I'd get insight into the designer sneakers that are selling the best right now.

I reached out to the experts at Net-a-Porter, Farfetch, GOAT, and StockX for their insights and top picks of the hottest sneakers of the moment. Below, you'll uncover a smattering of A+ styles, including sporty kicks, classic high-tops, bold trail runners, and more.

Performance

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(Image credit: @on_running)

"The sought-after collaboration with power brand Loewe and performance-focused brand On has generated positive reactions from our customers, with three of our 10 top-selling sneakers being from this partnership," Net-a-Porter Market Director Libby Page noted.

Shop the top picks:

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(Image credit: @deborabrosa)

Techy Gorpcore

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(Image credit: @claire_most)

"Gorpcore/techy styles have seen significant interest and sales due to current fashion trends heavily influenced by the media," shared Page. "We are seeing customers lean toward these styles due to their trendiness rather than technical purposes. Customers are specifically excited by the vibrant colorways to add a pop to any outfit." 

Shop the top picks:

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(Image credit: @sara_legge)

Classic Court

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(Image credit: @NNENNAECHEM)

"Court sneakers are our best-selling classic silhouettes within sneakers, as their easy everyday look resonates with our customers," Page shared. "From Gucci to Golden Goose, our classic court selection has something for everyone." 

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Retro

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(Image credit: @nicoleakhtarzad)

Retro sneakers are another major theme that's resonating with shoppers of all budgets, but especially in the luxury market. "Our customers, as well as the sneaker industry, have demonstrated a strong interest in the trendy, sleek, retro styles," Page informed us. "A customer favorite is the Loewe Flow silhouette. While classic colorways have been popular in this style, bold and vibrant shades have gained significant attention and traffic."

Shop the top picks:

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(Image credit: @nlmarilyn)

'90s Nostalgia

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(Image credit: @symphonyofsilk)

Simplicity and a return to classic wardrobe builders are at the top of everyone's mind this season, and sneakers are certainly no exception to this. According to what Lee's seeing at StockX, '90s nostalgia is a rising theme, and simple canvas styles from Comme des Garçons and Rick Owens are earning favor. 

Shop the top picks:

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(Image credit: @nlmarilyn)

This story was published at an earlier date and has since then been published.

Editor

Anna is an editor on the fashion team at Who What Wear and has been at the company for over five years, having begun her career in the Los Angeles office before relocating to New York, where she's currently based. Having always been passionate about pursuing a career in fashion, she built up her experience interning at the likes of Michael Kors, A.L.C., and College Fashionista before joining the team as a post-graduate assistant editor. Anna has penned a number of interviews with Who What Wear's cover stars over the years, including A-listers Megan Fox, Issa Rae, and Emma Chamberlain. She's earned a reputation for scouting new and emerging brands from across the globe and championing them to our audience of millions. While fashion is her main wheelhouse, Anna led the launch of WWW Travels last year, a new lifestyle vertical that highlights all things travel through a fashion-person lens. She is passionate about shopping vintage, whether it be at a favorite local outpost or an on-the-road discovery, and has amassed a wardrobe full of unique finds. When she's not writing, you can find her shooting street imagery on her film camera, attempting to learn a fourth or fifth language, or planning her next trip across the globe.