In the last 10 years, the sneaker resale market has become mainstream. So much so that the sneaker resale market is worth 2 billion dollars in North America.
The sneaker market is moving quickly so it can be hard to know what to look out for. Sneaker brands are releasing new shoes at least four times a year. If you’re getting into the hobby, you may not know what to look for.
The good news is that we’re here to help. Keep reading to see our top five sneaker brands to watch this year!
1. Nike
One of the most popular sneaker brands these days has been in the game for years. Nike has a long history of knocking it out of the park when it comes to comfort and quality.
Nike’s rich history started over 50 years ago with a track and field coach with a dream. It started off under the name Blue Ribbon Sports in the 1960s and then became Nike in 1972. Since then, Nike’s Swoosh has become synonymous with quality sportswear.
Nike made a name for itself as streetwear as early as the 1980s. Of course, Michael J Fox rocking Nike’s in Back to the Future II helped their success. However, another Michael made history with his endorsement of the shoes.
If you know anything about sneakers, you know about Air Jordan’s. Nike’s endorsement of Michael Jordan ended up changing the entire landscape of the sneaker business. Ever since 1985, Nike has had a lock on making the best basketball shoes.
If you’re getting into collecting or re-selling sneakers, you’ll need to keep an eye on Nike. New Jordans drop a couple of times a year with limited colorways and styles. You’ll want to check back on the socials regularly to know when to have your credit card at the ready!
If you’re not into collectible sneakers though, Nike’s got you covered. If you want comfortable shoes for everyday wear, you’ll love the Air Force 1s. These are high-quality shoes that are so comfortable they feel like you’re walking on air!
2. Converse
This is another historic brand with roots in basketball. Converse is one of the best sneaker brands for variety. You’ll be sure to find something you love in the converse lineup!
Converse truly rose to popularity after they joined forces with Chuck Taylor. Chuck originally joined their team as a salesman and soon started to help with the designs. As a player himself, he knew what modifications would make the shoes great for the court.
Converse would go on to be the official shoes of the Olympics for over 30 years. Then, later on Converse Chuck Taylors became synonymous with youth and counterculture. Truly, Converse became the brand that had a shoe for everyone!
Converse has since risen to popularity for its collaborations with artists and celebrities. Some of their past collaborations have been with Disney, Off-White, and Gorillaz.
These collaborations make Converse a unique and interesting brand. Not only do they make cool collectibles, but they also start at an affordable price point. Most Converse sneakers hover around the $70 price point which is super beginner-friendly.
You may think that converse hasn’t changed too much but the brand has added to its available styles. Converse even has badminton shoes as part of a recent collection with Jack Purcell. View here for more ways converse has updated its look!
3. Adidas
Adidas is a brand that you can tell from a mile away. These sleek athletic shoes have their roots in Germany in 1949. Founder Adi Dassler was determined to make the best shoes possible when he started the brand at age 49.
Adidas started with soccer cleats but quickly branched into track shoes. Of course, it’s impossible to mention Adidas without also talking about their iconic tracksuits. These tracksuits alongside their running shoes sent shockwaves through the athletic world.
A piece of trivia some may not know about Adidas is its mark on Canadian culture. Terry Fox wore his Adidas shoes on his marathon of hope for cancer research. Adidas regularly brings back this collection and donates the profits to cancer research.
The brand has been a favorite of runners for years, but Adidas really popped off as streetwear in the 1980s. In 1986, hip-hop group Run DMC released their song “My Adidas” which brought the brand into the mainstream.
Adidas is a brand that has mastered being the best of both worlds. They’re high-quality sports apparel with the added benefit of being cool. Adidas releases bring in all types of people.
Adidas’ retro style makes it a fashion-forward person’s best friend. The timeless look goes with anything from a Y2K revival to nice pair of jeans. No matter what your personal style is, Adidas will have a shoe you love.
4. Reebok
Reebok is the oldest brand on this list, with roots dating as far back as the 1890s. These UK-founded shoes started off as some of the first spiked running shoes. Since then, they’ve become a staple for anyone looking for a classic look.
Although they were originally known as J.W Foster and Sons, that name wouldn’t last. In the 1950s, they renamed themselves Reebok. The name came from a type of antelope native to South Africa: the grey rhebok.
In the late 1980s, the brand introduced the world to its pump technology. This tech involved inflatable chambers within the shoes that could inflate to give the wearer a more personalized fit.
As you can imagine, this tech popped off in the sports world. Reebok spent the 90s collaborating with sports stars. Most notably, they collaborated with Shaq to make his very own Shaqnosis basketball shoes.
Between their collaborations with Shaq, the NFL and Jay-Z, Reebok solidified itself in streetwear. These days they’ve got a style for anyone looking to capture a vintage vibe for their outfits.
Reebok has gone through ups and downs throughout its lifetime. With an increased interest in Y2K fashion, Reebok is in an “up” era. This is the perfect brand to get a vintage feel with brand-new kicks.
As a brand, Reebok has really leaned into 90s nostalgia. While fashion trends go in and out, Reebok will always be on tap when chunky runners come back.
The best thing about Reebok is that you’re not going to be breaking the bank. You can find these shoes in the hundred dollar range easily. High quality at a palatable price range is always a great option.
5. Vans
One of the best brands out there right now for fashion and function is Vans. This is a brand that knows what people want and never fails to deliver.
Vans has its roots back in 1966 when the brand was founded by two brothers. They had both worked for a shoe company in the past and decided to start their own. When they started vans, they wanted to do it their way.
One of the biggest ways they set themselves apart was selling directly to consumers. This meant they didn’t have to rely on middlemen for their sales.
Later on, in the mid-70s, Vans made a business decision that changed its future entirely. The brothers decided to produce skateboard shoes. At the time, this was a risky move considering no one knew if skateboarding would really take off.
This association with skateboarding proved to be their best business move. These days, Vans are still known as the best skate shoes around. This association also brought the brand to be synonymous with youth culture.
Throughout the brand’s history, they’ve found a home with everyone from punks to jocks to moms. They’re super easy to form an outfit around and come at a great price point. If you get a pair of Vans, don’t be surprised when they become your daily drivers!
It’s no surprise that most people have a pair of Vans. They’re comfortable and come in tons of silhouettes and colorways. You’ll be able to find a pair you love in this classic brand’s lineup with no problem!
Vans have also come out with tons of collaborations throughout the year. As a brand, they lean into colorful and fresh styles that you won’t find anywhere else. Make sure to keep up with them on their socials so you don’t miss out!
Sneaker Brands You’ll Love
A hallmark of great sneaker brands is the rate at which they shake things up. You don’t need to buy every new release but it’s always good to keep up. After all, you never know when you’ll see the shoes of your dreams on your feed!
Keeping an eye on sneaker brands lets you take your personal style to the next level. No matter if you’re wearing them on your TikTok or to go to work, cool sneakers will turn heads.
Keep reading about how to take your style to the next level. Check out our fashion tab!