Navigating the vast selection of women's sneakers can be overwhelming with so many options available. To simplify your search, we've curated a list of the best sneakers released this past year, either as women's exclusives or in women's sizes. While these choices are primarily targeted at women, they can be worn by anyone realistically. However, for those seeking men's sizes, we have a dedicated list of top men's sneakers as well.
For this list, though, our criteria focused on top sneakers that exude style with unique and versatile designs, making them easy to pair with almost any outfit. Popularity was also considered, as it often reflects a shoe's overall appeal and quality.
So, whether you're a seasoned sneaker enthusiast or new to the sneaker world, our top picks will help you elevate your footwear game. Stay tuned as we introduce you to some of the best women's sneakers of the year.
Best women's sneakers
- Nike TC 7900 "Burgundy Crush" - best choice from Nike
- Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Low "Canary" - best Jordan option
- adidas Handball Spezial WM "Core Black Silver" - best pick from adidas
- New Balance 550 "White Sky Blue" - top pick from New Balance
- Converse Chuck Taylor Lift Platform Hi "Gold Chain" - best Converse
- Barbie x Vans Sk8-Hi Tapered Stackform "True White Pink" - standout Vans
1. Nike TC 7900 "Burgundy Crush"
Best Nike sneakers for women
- Nike - $120.00 / £71.49
- eBay - $120.00
- Footasylum - £84.99
* prices are accurate at the time of last update
Taking cues from the early 2000s but updating things to the modern day, the Nike TC 7900, particularly this "Burgundy Crush" colorway, stands out as one of Nike's best footwear options for women at the moment.
It's built to be tough and rugged, with the upper made from layers of synthetic materials, the midsole featuring plenty of foam, and rubber details protecting against the elements. As your daily beater shoes, the Nike TC 7900 is definitely hard to look past.
It's dressed in a cool color scheme too, combining subtle Pale Ivory and Light Bone hits with contrasting Burgundy Crush Swooshes and a Neutral Olive underneath. It's not overly outlandish, but that only helps make it a versatile choice, thus earning it a spot in our selection.
Reasons to buy:
- Tough enough to wear every day
- It's dressed in colors that are easy to pair with most outfits
Read More: Best sneaker deals
2. Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Low "Canary"
Best Jordan sneakers for women
- StockX - As low as $239.00 / £186.00
- Kicks Crew - As low as $211.00 / £178.00
* prices are accurate at the time of last update
Travis Scott has a long history of collaboration with Nike and the Jordan line, having teamed up on several occasions over the last few years to release his own signature sneakers. Some of the latest to join the Travis Scott ranks are the "Canary" Jordan 1 Lows, which just so happen to be some of the best women's sneakers around too.
That's a pretty bold and subjective statement, but we truly believe this as the shoes bring a fresh take on a classic. They combine a Canary hue with a silvery tone and Scott's signature reverse Swoosh along the sidewalls in Racer Blue, thus revamping the retro feel of the Jordan 1 with a modern twist.
There's more to this design than first meets the eye though. The entire colorway is actually a nod to the hip-hop star's secondary school alma mater in Missouri City, and there are subtle Scott-inspired details, including "Cactus" branding on the medial sides and a "Travis" stamp on one of the insoles, to round off this superb women's exclusive Jordan collaboration.
Reasons to buy:
- Has meaning behind the colorway and design
- Blends the fashion world with the music industry
Read More: Best Air Jordans
3. adidas Handball Spezial WM "Core Black Silver"
Best adidas sneakers for women
- StockX - As low as $268.00 / £208.00
- adidas - £120.00
- END Clothing - $139.00
* prices are accurate at the time of last update
The adidas Handball Spezial lineup has always been a classic, highly coveted by collectors. In 2024, the release of the "Core Black Silver" colorway adds to their appeal, and has undoubtedly secured its place among the top women's sneakers.
This edition stands out with its predominantly black design, featuring a sophisticated blend of leather and suede on the upper, complemented by a rubber midsole and interior. The shoe's sleek black base is beautifully contrasted by serrated two-tone 3-Stripes and striking metallic-gold accents, including the iconic Spezial branding on the sidewall.
The Handball Spezial "Core Black Silver" is a standout in adidas' current sneaker collection. For those seeking the best black sneakers, this colorway is an undeniable gem.
Reasons to buy:
- The combination of black leather and suede gives a luxurious feel
- Features stylish silver and gold design details
Read More: Best adidas shoes
4. New Balance 550 "White Sky Blue"
Best New Balance sneakers for women
- StockX - As low as $70.00 / £54.00
- Kicks On Fire - As low as $211.00
- Novelship - As low as $50.00 / £44.00
* prices are accurate at the time of last update
Moving on to New Balance and to one of the best white sneakers released as of late in the New Balance 550 "White Sky Blue" colorway.
The sneaker effortlessly blends its old-school '80s aesthetics with contemporary materials and details. For example, premium leather is used to create the upper, boasting a pristine white hue, which is then expertly contrasted by light blue touches on the heel and branding.
It's also designed to be comfortable, with a cushioned midsole providing all-day comfort along with additional elevation to give the sneaker an almost Air Force 1-like feel.
So, with its impeccably clean design and top-notch construction, this New Balance 550 stands out as a great women's sneaker to refresh your wardrobe.
Reasons to buy:
- The colors are nice and bright
- The overall shape and design has a retro feel to it
Read More: Best New Balance shoes
5. Converse Chuck Taylor Lift Platform Hi "Gold Chain"
Best Converse sneakers for women
- StockX - As low as $120.00 / £93.00
- Kicks Crew - As low as $88.00 / £75.00
* prices are accurate at the time of last update
Next, we have the "Gold Chain" Chuck Taylor high-tops which, once again, feature an exaggerated midsole designed to provide more elevation, helping you stand out from the crowd with these shoes on your feet.
They showcase an egret-colored canvas upper, while the lateral side features a gold heart with an embroidered burgundy outline that definitely catches the eye. The addition of bright metallic gold eyelets continues with the color scheme, while a gold chain gracefully drapes between the top eyelet and the heel pull tab.
Then, on the medial side, the sneaker is adorned with the classic All Star ankle badge, displayed in the same eye-catching metallic gold featured on the eyelets.
Finally, the design is completed by burgundy-coloured All Star-branded heel badges, bringing a cohesive and sophisticated finish to the shoe's overall look.
Reasons to buy:
- Subtle but stylish
- The high collar is something a little different from some of our other entries
Read More: Best Converse shoes
5. Barbie x Vans Sk8-Hi Tapered Stackform "True White Pink"
Best Vans sneakers for women
* prices are accurate at the time of last update
Following on from the hugely successful Barbie movie, Vans jumped right into the celebration in 2023 by introducing its own unique creation: the Barbie Sk8-Hi Stackform shoes.
Infused with the essence of Barbie's character, these Tapered Stackform sneakers beautifully blend sun-kissed pink shades with pristine white leather, elevating the classic high-top to unprecedented heights, both figuratively and literally.
These shoes boast a strikingly elevated midsole, soaring to an impressive height of 34mm – a subtle nod, perhaps, to the symbolic high-heel shoes that play a significant role in the movie's narrative.
To cap off this limited-edition collaboration, each pair is graced with a Barbie-branded white and pink hang tag, adding a final touch of charm to this exceptional design. Undoubtedly, these shoes are a must-have for fans of the movie, Barbie, or sneaker enthusiasts alike.
Reasons to buy:
- Bright and bold in every sense
- It's a must-have for fans of the film or Barbie in general
Read More: Best Vans shoes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Buying new sneakers can often lead to a ton of questions. No need to worry though as we've answered some of the most commonly asked queries below.
Can you still buy sneakers once they've sold out?
If you're searching for a sold-out shoe, there are several avenues you can explore to get your hands on a pair, involving some of the best places to buy sneakers in our opinion.
Firstly, consider checking with local shoe stores, as they might still have some stock left from the initial release.
Another option is to turn to resale platforms and marketplaces like StockX. These platforms can be quite useful when you're having trouble finding a sold-out sneaker elsewhere. Keep in mind that you might need to pay a premium over the original retail price, depending on the shoe's popularity. However, reputable resale platforms generally authenticate every purchase to ensure you're not getting counterfeit second-hand items, making them a great place to sell shoes as well.
In case the above options don't produce results, you could always hold out for a potential restock. Occasionally, retailers do re-release popular sneakers if there's enough demand. However, restocks are not guaranteed, which makes this method less reliable for securing sold-out shoes.
What size sneakers should you buy?
Selecting the right size sneakers requires accurate foot measurements and consideration of various factors, including shoe design, brand variations, and personal preferences.
To begin, measure both your feet using a ruler or measuring tape, determining the length from the heel to the longest toe of each foot. An ideal fit, as suggested by Clarks, should leave about one finger's width of space between your longest toe and the shoe's end, with the natural bend occurring around the balls of your feet.
With your measurements, consult a size chart to compare your foot size with the specific brand you intend to purchase. Remember that sizes can differ between brands, with Nike and adidas sizing, for example, differing by approximately 0.5 of a US size. Keep this in mind when purchasing new shoes online.
If you still feel uncertain, consider visiting a local sneaker store to try on a few sizes and double-check the fit before making your final decision.
Do you need to clean and maintain women's sneakers?
Yes, cleaning and maintaining women's sneakers is important to keep them looking fresh and extend their lifespan. Proper care can help prevent dirt buildup, odors, and deterioration of materials. Therefore, regular cleaning and maintenance is essential, although practices can vary based on the type of material and the specific sneaker model.
For example, leather shoes are pretty easy to clean. With a top cleaning kit, you can have your sneakers looking like new in no time by gently scrubbing the surface with a shoe cleaner and a touch of water. However, materials like suede are a little trickier to maintain, as you ideally want to avoid getting them wet as much as possible.
To clean suede shoes specifically, you may want to use a suede eraser for tough, set-in stains. Purchasing one of the best suede cleaners for shoes is also something we'd highly recommend, as these are generally safe to use on the material. Always read the label though to double-check before use.
Explore new topics and discover content that's right for you!