Looking for new sneakers? There are many brands to choose from, making it difficult to determine the best one. However, some stand out due to their innovative history and diverse shoe options, which prompted us to put together a list of the best sneaker brands around right now.
We've included the best places to go for both new and retro styles, including iconic names like Nike, adidas, and Converse. These brands have been in the game for a long time and offer a wide variety of shoes, many of which feature in and among some of the best sneakers released this year.
So, if you're struggling to decide which manufacturer to go to for your next sneaker purchase, our list of top picks has you covered. Let's get into it...
Best sneaker brands
1. Nike
We feel no list of the best sneaker brands would be complete without mentioning Nike as it's, simply put, the largest shoe manufacturer in the world right now.
Moreover, we'd argue Nike has one of the most varied selections of sneakers available. This includes the highly popular Air Force 1s, skateboarding shoes with its SB line, and even some of the best Air Max around.
The brand doesn't appear to be slowing down either, with a ton of new releases in the pipeline and high-profile collaborations released over the years.
All in all, Nike is truly one of the greatest and most iconic sneaker brands in existence, so we feel no list of the best sneaker brands is truly complete without its inclusion.
Read More: Best sneakers for men
2. Jordan
Although technically a subsidiary of Nike, we feel Jordan deserves its own entry on our list as the brand is behind some of the most revolutionary sneakers ever made.
For instance, the Air Jordan 1 completely changed the basketball scene back in 1985 and has gone on to spawn over 37 new iterations since.
Interestingly, Jordan has also ventured away from basketball sneakers in recent years by exploring the world of golf shoes thanks to Michael Jordan's well-documented love for the sport. Check out our list of the top Jordan golf shoes right here to find out more.
As a result, we feel that this brand is definitely one to check out if you're searching for some of the best Air Jordans on the market.
Read More: Best sneakers for women
3. adidas
Like Nike, adidas is an absolute heavyweight in the sportswear scene, producing some of the greatest sneakers of all time.
Even today, the brand has a huge selection of amazing adidas shoes to choose from, including its highly popular Ultraboost range, with the trainers widely considered some of the most comfortable shoes available right now.
Ultimately, adidas' wide array of sneakers should suit almost every footwear need, thus making it one of the best places to pick up new shoes in our opinion.
Read More: Best high-tops
4. Converse
Converse has been one of the best manufacturers of sneakers ever since the company was founded in 1908. However, we feel the brand comes into its own with its range of amazing shoes for everyday wear.
One standout example is the iconic Chuck Taylor All Star, available in a diverse spectrum of colours and materials to cater to a wide range of style preferences. Additionally, Converse offers a unique customisation feature, enabling you to infuse your own personal flair into your sneaker selections.
Converse unquestionably deserves a spot here if you seek some of the best Converse shoes for everyday use.
Read More: Best low-tops
5. New Balance
If it's running shoes you're after though, then New Balance may be the brand for you. For example, the brand creates some of the best budget running shoes around in the Arishi V4s.
The brand even has you covered if you're looking for trail shoes, football boots, and skate sneakers. Therefore, we believe New Balance is definitely one of the go-to sneaker brands for you to take into consideration during your next shoe purchase.
Read More: Best places to buy sneakers
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
There are usually a ton of questions that emerge when trying to figure out what the best sneaker brands are. Don't worry though, because we've answered some of the most commonly asked questions right here.
Where's best to buy the latest sneakers?
We'd recommend you check out the brand you're looking to buy from first as sneaker drops tend to take place via the manufacturer's website.
For example, Nike usually launches its newest footwear through its SNKRS page by listing upcoming releases slightly ahead of their arrival.
If you're not able to pick up the sneakers your after directly through the brand itself, then we'd recommend checking out resale sites like StockX which authenticates every sneaker purchase to ensure what you're getting is legit.
Which sneaker brands are best for wide feet?
In our comparison of Nike and New Balance sizing, we mention that New Balance is a particularly good brand for accommodating all feet shapes and sizes.
In fact, New Balance states that it offers the largest selection of shoe widths, ranging from 2A X-Narrow to 6E XX-Wide, with the aim of having a pair of sneakers to suit all feet types.
However, brands like Nike and adidas also have their own selection of wider footwear to choose from.
If you're unsure, most manufacturers have their own shoe size guide to compare the width and length of your feet to, helping ensure you select the right size. Check out our guide to measuring your feet for more information.
Which sneaker brands run narrow?
As touched on above, New Balance has the largest selection of shoe widths, so naturally, some of the brand's sneakers run purposefully narrow.
You'll also likely find most fabric running shoes are slightly narrower than your average shoes for everyday wear due to brands aiming for lightness and a secure fit whilst you exercise.
With Nike, for example, it mentions its Free shoes often feel a little tighter than you might expect due to internal webbing technology designed to provide a secure lock-in.
Once again, we'd suggest double-checking a size guide and perhaps even the brand in questions FAQs section for more information on whether its shoes run narrow.
How do you return sneakers?
This varies from brand to brand with Nike, for instance, offering an extended 60-day return policy compared to New Balance which only offers free turns up to 30 days after purchase. We'd recommend checking the website in question's FAQs section to find out specific return policy details
To actually make a return, you'll likely need to find the pre-paid returns label that either came with your purchase or is available on the website and attach it to the outer packaging before sending it off via the post. Make sure your shoes are returned in their original packaging unworn and like new for a full return.
To actually make a return, you'll likely need to find the pre-paid returns label that either came with your purchase or is available on the website and attach it to the outer packaging before sending it off via the post. Make sure your shoes are returned in their original packaging unworn and like new for a full return.