The 15 Best Designer Sneakers For Hitting Your Stride

The best designer sneakers for women are a perfect marriage between functionality and aesthetics. Each finely crafted pair blends luxurious materials, expert detailing, and cutting-edge design, standing out from more contemporary or affordable brands.

“In designer sneakers, the leather used is a much higher grade and thicker, ensuring shoes retain their shape and look newer for longer,” explains Bloomingdale’s ready-to-wear fashion director, Arielle Siboni. “You can really feel and see the difference in quality, even in smaller details like the stitching, laces, and insole.” The fashion director also notes the shoe’s weight, as a lighter style typically means a higher-quality sole.

Designer sneakers’ enduring appeal comes from their versatility, allowing wearers to transition from casual outings to more elevated occasions while maintaining a discerning edge. That said, a few styles are the pairs of the moment. “We are seeing a big resurgence of the all-white sneaker, which aligns with the whole quiet luxury movement happening right now,” says Siboni. She also notes that metallic silver is another big trend in footwear, as seen in designer sneakers from Maison Margiela to Saint Laurent.

Whether you’re for clean and classic footwear or a bolder finish to outfits of all kinds, Siboni says both sneaker styles are worth the investment. “I tend to gravitate in one of two directions: either toward a sneaker that feels unique and makes a statement, or [toward] something more classic and everyday, like a Saint Laurent low-top sneaker,” she says.

Ahead, discover 15 of the best designer sneakers for women, with more insights from Siboni.

Related article: 12 Chic Ideas On How To Style Your Sneakers

The Best Designer Sneakers for Women of 2023

BEST CROCHET DESIGNER SNEAKER

Chloé Nama Woven Platform Low Top Sneakers

BLOOMINGDALE'SNORDSTROMNEIMAN MARCUS

“Crochet is a big trend this season, and I think a crochet/sneaker combo is the ultimate cool-girl way to wear it,” Siboni tells Bazaar. “The Nama sneaker from Chloé comes in many colors and is a fun addition to any wardrobe.”

Sizes: 5–12

Colours: White, Biscotti Beige, Happy Yellow, Cosmic Blue, black, Flower Green, multicolour, Obscure Purple, Creamy Lilac, Dark Ruby, Coffee Brown

What reviewers are saying: “Wow! Absolutely stunning shoe. Incredibly well built and sturdy. The design of the shoe is so unique and unlike anything out there. I got tons of compliments. Somehow, the white part of the shoes stays PRISTINE. I’m not sure how they do that but it’s impressive. After visiting NYC and walking 37 miles in them in 4.5 days, not a single scuff! Expensive, but get them before everyone starts knocking off the intricate design!”

BEST ALEXANDER MCQUEEN DESIGNER SNEAKERS

Alexander McQueen Oversized Leather Low-Top Sneakers

SAKS FIFTH AVENUENORDSTROMNEIMAN MARCUS

We love this painterly take on Alexander McQueen’s iconic low-top sneakers. It keeps the recognisable shape and adds just enough colour.

Sizes: 35–41.5

Colours: White multi

BEST GIVENCHY DESIGNER SNEAKERS

Givenchy G4 Leather Low-Top Sneakers

Glossy and gorgeous, these lace-ups will surely put a spring in your step.

Sizes: 35–41

Colours: Purple, blue, pink, white, black, glossy black

BEST GUCCI DESIGNER SNEAKERS

Gucci MAC80 Lace Up Sneakers

“Retro sneakers are having a moment, and the Gucci Mac80 is a great style to consider,” says Siboni. “They’re effortlessly cool and can be worn with everything from a legging and ankle socks to a blazer and jeans.”

Sizes: 5–11

Colours: Off white, multi white, off white/white

BEST CHUNKY DESIGNER SNEAKERS

Stella McCartney Loop Vegetarian Suede-Trimmed Printed Twill Sneakers

We consider this the modern nine-to-five sneaker, crafted from vegetarian suede and twill.

Sizes: IT35–IT41

Colours: White

BEST MINIMALIST DESIGNER SNEAKERS

The Row Marie H Lace-Up Sneaker

Of course the Row is behind the ultimate minimalist designer sneaker. This version comes with the bonus of a platform sole.

Sizes: 6–11

Colours: White, black

BEST LOGO DESIGNER SNEAKERS

Valentino Garavani VL7N Leather Low-Top Sneakers

A cut-and-paste logo motif is the exact 2023 refresh we know you’re looking for with designer insignia. This one is just noticeable enough in a metallic gold font.

Sizes: 35–41.5

Colours: White

BEST RETRO RUNNER DESIGNER SNEAKERS

Loewe Flow Runner Low-Top Sneakers

Loewe’s now-iconic retro runners are a modern must-have and are released in new colors each season. Right now, we’re eyeing this delightfully ’70s two-tone combination.

Sizes: 35–41

Colour: Raspberry

BEST OFF-WHITE DESIGNER SNEAKERS

Off-White Out of Office Leather Mid-Top Sneakers

If you love your Off-White luggage-tag low-tops, you’ll want to take the freshly designed mid-top version for a spin.

Sizes: FR36–FR41

Colours: White

BEST SAINT LAURENT DESIGNER SNEAKERS

Saint Laurent Andy Sneakers

Never underestimate the versatility of a minimal black sneaker. This pair subtly pays homage to Saint Laurent’s longtime fascination with gold through its stamped-on logo.

Sizes: 34–42

Colours: Black

BEST ATHLETIC-INSPIRED DESIGNER SNEAKERS

Versace Trigreca Leather Low-Top Sneakers

Though they look like running shoes you could go for miles in, these metallic-accented lace-ups are better suited for leisurely walks and legit fashion ’fits.

Sizes: 35–42

Colours: Multi

BEST LACELESS DESIGNER SNEAKERS

Isabel Marant Oney Suede Low-Top Sneakers

When you can’t with laces, step into this Velcro pair. The all-over suede keeps them feeling grown-up even with the nostalgic straps.

Sizes: 35–41

Colours: Chalk

BEST KNIT DESIGNER SNEAKERS

Wales Bonner SL72 Leather-Trim Knit Trainers

Our love for retro runners—including these brown knitted trainers created in a collaboration between Adidas and British designer Grace Wales Bonner—knows no bounds.

Sizes: 3.5UK–9UK

Colours: Brown

BEST SILVER DESIGNER SNEAKERS

Maison Margiela Replica Low Top Sneakers

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“Silver was a big color on the runways, and a silver accessory is a great item to add to your shopping list for fall,” Siboni says. “Metallics are typically synonymous with the holiday season or a formal event, but silver sneakers [are] a great statement piece to add to any daytime outfit.” Get started with this Maison Margiela pair.

Sizes: 6–10

Colours: Silver

BEST COLORBLOCK DESIGNER SNEAKERS

Giuseppe Zanotti Kriss Olive-Green Leather Details Mid-Top Sneakers

Reach for these mid-top sneakers for a bold yet still-neutral colorblock moment.

Sizes: 6–16

Colours: White

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HARPER'S BAZAAR

For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion, beauty, and lifestyle resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in fashion by working with the world’s leading authorities in ready-to-wear, footwear, accessories, and more. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of editors and industry experts.

This article originally appeared in Harper's BAZAAR US.