Even if you weren’t able to get your hands on the buzzy New Balance x Miu Miu sneaker collaboration, the best spring sneakers offer plenty of cool alternatives, and you don’t have to wait in an online queue and fight with thousands of digital strangers to bring home a comfortable, stylish addition to your new season wardrobe. This year, sneakers are getting a personalised touch: It’s about finding the larger trend—like retro, sporty, or minimalist—and making it work with your personal style, instead of feeling bound to just a single It shoe.
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“Sneakers don’t have to be purely for workout looks—have fun with them. I personally love wearing them with dresses,” says Caroline Maguire, fashion director at Shopbop. This season, she is especially excited to embrace the retro court shoes that have popped up from brands like Acne Studios and Veja, in addition to already minted styles like chunky “dad” sneakers and sporty runners. “I’m a big sneaker collector, and owning a variety of different sneakers for various looks and purposes is key,” she says. With spring’s arrival, rising temperatures mean you’ll be spending more time outside of the house, strolling to get coffee or taking a long sanity walk, and to do so, you want footwear that won’t leave you with blisters while you break them in. That’s what makes a stylish pair of the best spring sneakers an unbeatable choice for your wardrobe as it warms up.
Ahead, shop 23 pairs to help you hone in on your own vibe this spring.
1. Best Platform Sneaker
Double Wheel Re-Nylon Gabardine Sneakers, $1,640, Prada
Prada upgraded a simple canvas sneaker with a lifted platform sole and the brand’s signature triangle logo.
Sizes: 4½–11½
Materials: Canvas
2. Best Dad Sneaker
530 Sneakers, $159, New Balance
The “dad sneaker” silhouette lives on, but with surprising and fun colourways to mix things up. Try these New Balance sneakers as a cool and casual option for spring.
Sizes: 5½–11½
Materials: Mesh
3. Best Alternative Spring Sneaker
Specter 2.0 Sneakers, $513, Brandblack at Farfetch
Some of Maguire’s favourites, Brandblack’s sporty sneakers are a unique option that will make you feel like you’re ahead of the curve.
Sizes: 5½–11
Materials: Mesh
4. Best Classic Spring Sneaker
Samba OG Shoes, $189, Adidas
A classic sneaker with a retro touch, the Samba has been a popular sneaker silhouette for a few seasons now, but feels fresh in bright colourways.
Sizes: 5–15
Materials: Nylon
5. Best High-Traction Sneakers
XT-6 Sneakers, $291.48, Salomon at Nordstrom
For the city or the trail, these supportive sneakers are made for movement, with easy lacing, a breathable upper, and heavy-duty tread. And they happen to look cool, too.
Sizes: 5–14
Materials: Mesh
6. Best Unique Spring Sneakers
Blue Klove Sneakers, about $729.27, Our Legacy at Ssense
If you’re ready to mix things up and get away from your usual sneaker brands, think outside the box with these ’90s-inspired leather sneakers from Swedish label Our Legacy.
Sizes: 35–42 EU
Materials: Leather, suede
7. Best Velcro Sneakers
Steffey Friend Sneakers, $681, Acne Studios at Shopbop
Easy is the name of the game with Acne Studios’ Velcro-fastening sneakers. They’re a simple, comfortable pick to add to your collection.
Sizes: 35–41 EU
Materials: Leather
8. Best Black Sneakers
Replica Sneakers, about $1,287, Maison Margiela at Net-A-Porter
A perfect counterpoint to white sneakers: This sleek, black pair adds a dressy touch to your workwear or casual weekend looks.
Sizes: 35–41 EU
Materials: Leather
9. Best Metallic Spring Sneakers
Upvillage Sneakers, $1,161, Valentino at Neiman Marcus
This pair of bold metallic sneakers will add some dimension to a neutral look or balance out bold, seasonal colours.
Sizes: 6–11
Materials: Leather
10. Best Minimal Sneaker
Owen Runners, $1,117.25, The Row
Simple with a luxe twist, the Row’s nylon and suede sneakers are versatile. With their shiny finish, they feel like a luxurious option, even with jeans and a simple tee.
Sizes: 35–42 EU
Materials: Nylon, suede
11. Best Logo Sneakers
Rhyton Monogram Logo Sneakers, $1,450, Gucci at Farfetch
If you’re one to lean into logos, this statement sneaker is the way to go. It’s designed with Gucci’s signature interlocking G’s—all you need is the bag to match.
Sizes: 6–11
Materials: Textile
12. Best Print Sneakers
Chuck 70 High-Top Sneakers, $167, Converse at Farfetch
The classic Converse silhouette gets a warm-weather upgrade with this playful cherry print.
Sizes: 5–11
Materials: Canvas
13. Best Scandi Sneaker
Tempo Low Transparent Sneakers, about $586.14, Spalwart at Ssense
Swedish label Spalwart’s Tempo sneaker is a timeless silhouette that doesn’t feel boring or too run-of-the-mill. For the Scandi-fan, this is the brand to try.
Sizes: 36–45 EU
Materials: Textile, leather
14. Best Slip-On Sneaker
Edition Style 93 DX Sneakers, about $136.31, Vans x Susan Alexandra at Ssense
Part sneaker, part Mary Jane, Vans’ collaboration with Susan Alexandra is a sparkly option for those who don’t usually gravitate toward sporty shoes.
Sizes: 5–11½
Materials: Canvas
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15. Best Athleisure Sneaker
The Sport Sneaker, about $613, Toteme at Net-A-Porter
Inspired by retro runner silhouettes, Toteme’s sleek sneaker has a subtle sporty touch.
Sizes: 35–42 EU
Materials: Suede, leather
16. Best Trendy Sneaker
V2K Run Shoes, $160.32, Nike at Nordstrom
If you haven’t spotted it yet, Nike’s V2K is poised to be the next It sneaker, with its streamlined silhouette and sporty details. Buy it now and wear it through spring and beyond.
Sizes: 5–12
Materials: Mesh
17. Best Denim Sneakers
Rise Sneakers, about $858.76, Marine Serre at Ssense
Think outside the box and try a pair of denim sneakers on for size, courtesy of French label Marine Serre. The brand’s signature crescent moon logo pops against the blue.
Sizes: 39–46
Materials: Denim
18. Best Spring Sneaker for the Outdoors
Cloudvista Sneaker, $220.63, On at REVOLVE
With temperatures rising, hiking or trail running may be on the agenda in the coming months. This springy, comfortable sneaker will help you make the most of the outdoors.
Sizes: 5–11
Materials: Fabric
19. Best Low-Profile Shoe
S-Wave Sneaker, $911, Stella McCartney at Neiman Marcus
If you prefer a low-cut sneaker, this soccer-inspired silhouette from Stella McCartney is the style to try. It has a textured rubber sole for great grip, and an oversize tongue for added style.
Sizes: 5–12
Materials: Fabric, nylon
20. Best Eco-Friendly Shoes
Rio Branco Sneaker, $233.19 - $247.76, Veja at Nordstrom
Veja’s designs are created using organic cotton and recycled plastic bottles to lessen the environmental impact. And they look great, too.
Sizes: 36–42 EU
Materials: Mesh
21. Best Dess Sneaker
DBS Low-Top Sneaker, $954, Santoni at Neiman Marcus
Designed with hints of gold and silver, this made-in-Italy sneaker from Santoni is one to break out for special occasions.
Sizes: 6–12
Materials: Leather
22. Best Post-Workout Sneakers
Gel-Kayano 14, $209, Asics
From the gym to a coffee date, these sporty sneakers can look cool anywhere.
Sizes: 5–12
Materials: Faux leather
23. Best Running Sneaker
Bondi 8, $249, Hoka at Runninglab
A running sneaker can still be fun and stylish. These bold shoes from Hoka are both a mood booster and a comfortable ride.
Sizes: 5–12
Materials: Mesh
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This article originally appeared in Harper’s BAZAAR US.