The world of shoes moves at such a fast pace that putting together a list of the best sneakers released as of late is near impossible thanks to the sheer number of amazing drops we've already seen. From stand-out collaborations to niche footwear labels dropping some unexpected bangers, the selection of great trainers is almost endless. That's why we've put together a list of the best shoes released in the last year or so to help your search.
Of course, this list is hugely subjective. However, we've not just based our selection on what we like. We've also taken into account factors such as the hype around each shoe's release, any unique innovations each sneaker brand has brought to the table, plus each trainer's potential grail-worthy status later down the line.
So, if you're struggling to pick out a new pair of shoes to treat yourself in the new year, we've got you covered. From some of the best Nike shoes to futuristic reimaginings of classic designs, we've got everything you need to bolster your collection right here.
Best sneakers - Quick list
- Nike SB Dunk Low "Coconut Milk" - best Nike sneakers
- Bad Bunny x adidas Response CL "Wonder White" - best adidas sneakers
- Air Jordan 4 "Bred Reimagined" - Best Jordan sneakers
- Dungeons & Dragons x Converse Chuck 70 Leather Hi "D20 Dice" - Best Converse sneakers
- Action Bronson x New Balance 1906R "Rosewater" - Best NB sneakers
- Vans Knu Skool "Black White" - Best Vans sneakers
- ASICS Gel-NYC "White Oyster Grey" - Best ASICS sneakers
Nike SB Dunk Low "Coconut Milk"
Best Nike sneakers
- StockX - As low as $131.00 / £99.00
- Kicks on Fire - As low as $199.00
- Novelship - As low as $136.00 / £106.00
* prices are accurate at the time of the last update
Why we chose the Nike SB Dunk Low "Coconut Milk"
Released as part of the Nike City of Love pack back in February, the "Coconut Milk" SB Dunk Low has quickly become a fan favorite and one of the best Nike Dunks on the market today.
This particular version features a minimalist aesthetic, with a coconut milk-coloured base and suede overlays in a light bone tone. However, there are also Renaissance-inspired details to discover, albeit very subtle. For instance, there's a graphic of two hands touching on the insole, which is reminiscent of The Creation of Adam painting on the Sistine Chapel's ceiling. This gives it a unique edge and blends well with the love theme.
That said, the skateboarder vibe of the SB remains intact, with the usual padded tongue and shape consistent with other SB releases, making it an all-around great option for general everyday wear and skaters alike.
TL;DR - Reasons to buy
- It has a minimalist design that's easy to pair with most outfits
- Subtle nods to love with it releasing over Valentine's Day
Read More: Best sneaker deals
Bad Bunny x adidas Response CL "Wonder White"
Best adidas sneakers
- StockX - As low as $256.00 / £193.00
- Kicks on Fire - As low as $475.00
- Novelship - As low as $272.00 / £275.00
* prices are accurate at the time of the last update
Why we chose the Bad Bunny x adidas Response CL "Wonder White"
When it comes to adidas, the "Wonder White" Response CL colourway in collaboration with Bad Bunny is up there without a shadow of a doubt, with it reimagining the chunky Y2K sneaker while following on from the Puerto Rican musicians already successful adidas lineage.
It's predominately dressed in a creamy white color, but the tone changes as the material transitions effortlessly from synthetic leather to suede. The sneaker also features embroidered panels around the forefoot, eyestays, and heel, while the sides include the classic 3-Stripes in grey, accentuated by black outlines.
All things considered, this is a great collaboration and one of the best adidas trainers to come out of 2024 thus far. If you're a fan of the 3-Stripes, then this one is a must-have for your collection.
TL;DR - Reasons to buy
- Creamy white tones complement the suede and synthetic leather upper
- The design is accented by embroidered details
Read More: Best sneakers for women
Air Jordan 4 "Bred Reimagined"
Best Jordan sneakers
- StockX - As low as $216.00 / £163.00
- Kicks on Fire - As low as $289.00
- Novelship - As low as $255.00 / £257.00
* prices are accurate at the time of the last update
Why we chose the Air Jordan 4 "Bred Reimagined"
Although we're talking about more recently released sneakers, you can still buy a classic pair of Jordans in 2024 because Nike has recently dropped a remake of the original 1989 Air Jordan 4 "Bred".
This iteration, titled the Air Jordan 4 "Bred Reimagined", breathes new life into the iconic silhouette, infusing it with a contemporary flair. Departing from tradition, this rendition opts for luxurious black leather instead of the typical nubuck, elevating its overall look into something more commonplace in the modern era.
The fusion of classic elements with modern design sensibilities is what makes this release so great, and is exemplified in the striking black, white, red, and grey color scheme. This reimagining of the beloved "Bred" aesthetic strikes a harmonious balance between familiarity and new upon its 35th anniversary, adding to its appeal to both retro and modern-day sneakerheads alike.
TL;DR - Reasons to buy
- The design is an accurate recreation of an all-time classic
- The colour scheme is iconic
Read More: Best sneakers for men
Dungeons & Dragons x Converse Chuck 70 Leather Hi "D20 Dice"
Best Converse sneakers
- StockX - As low as $152.00 / £115.00
- Novelship - As low as $220.00 / £226.00
- Kicks Crew - As low as $140.00 / £120.00
* prices are accurate at the time of the last update
Why we chose the Dungeons & Dragons x Converse Chuck 70 Leather Hi
2024 seems to be the year of collaboration it seems as Converse launched this leather Chuck 70 in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Dungeons & Dragons in April, blending the timeless style of Chuck Taylors with the enchanting world of the iconic role-playing game.
The sneaker's design is striking, featuring a bold vertical split down the center. One half of the shoe showcases a shadowy, dungeon-like grey, evoking the mysterious realms players might explore in the game. In contrast, the other half is rendered in a lighter, almost off-white hue that complements the midsole and laces, capturing the game's ethereal qualities.
This pair is rich with Dungeons & Dragons motifs too. For example, the tongues flaunt dragon-inspired branding, and the playful mantra, "dice giveth, dice taketh away," is cleverly split across the shoes. The number 20, a nod to a natural 20 in the game, is embroidered on the heels.
This collaboration is undoubtedly one of the most inventive Converse designs out there right now, and is definitely worth checking out for your own collection, especially if you're a Dungeons & Dragons fan.
TL;DR - Reasons to buy
- Combines the classic Chuck Taylor look with unique Dungeons & Dragons motifs
- You'll stand out with the split design creating two sides to each shoe
Read More: Best high-top shoes
Action Bronson x New Balance 1906R "Rosewater"
Best New Balance sneakers
- StockX - As low as $226.00 / £170.00
- Kicks on Fire - As low as $393.00
- Kicks Crew - As low as $267.00 / £227.00
* prices are accurate at the time of the last update
Why we chose the Action Bronson x New Balance 1906R "Rosewater"
Moving on to another collab in the Action Bronson x New Balance 1906R "Rosewater" sneakers, which are quickly emerging as one of the standout footwear releases of 2024.
These sneakers present a fresh, energetic palette that sets them apart from the crowd. With a translucent mesh upper, adorned with a striking combination of white, purple, magenta, and orange, they offer a bright and bold flavor for your feet. The lime green laces add a pop of unexpected color too, enhancing the overall playful look and resulting in a creative color scheme that not only highlights Bronson’s artistic flair but also taps into the current trend of bold, statement-making sneakers.
Beyond their eye-catching appearance, the "Rosewater" sneakers boast a meticulous attention to detail and quality that New Balance is renowned for. The split-colored midsole, featuring hues of red, blue, and gum, provides both aesthetic appeal and functional support, ensuring comfort and stability for the wearer. This helps take them beyond just a stand-out fashion statement and into the realm of being a useful set of shoes to wear regularly.
TL;DR - Reasons to buy
- Bright, bold, and perfect if you want to stand out
- Comfortable and supportive thanks to their cushioned and grippy sole unit
Read More: Best low-top shoes
Vans Knu Skool "Black White"
Best Vans sneakers
* prices are accurate at the time of the last update
Why we chose the Vans Knu Skool "Black White"
The "Black White" Knu Skool is one of the best Vans shoes to release as of late, boasting a remodeled design that pays homage to the beloved skate shoes from the '90s.
This modernized version captures the essence of that era's fascination with extra-padded footwear while staying true to Vans' renowned style and durability. Constructed from robust suede, these low-top sneakers feature an exaggerated aesthetic, featuring a generously cushioned tongue and ankle collar reminiscent of the original Old Skool style.
The sneakers also incorporate the iconic Vans Sidestripe, but with a twist. The Sidestripe has been reimagined into a larger, three-dimensional, diamond shape, further enhancing the shoe's chunky appeal.
Overall, the Knu Skool design expertly merges nostalgic elements with contemporary flair, making it an exceptional choice for those seeking a distinctively stylish Vans sneaker.
TL;DR - Reasons to buy
- The Old Skool design with a Knu Skool feel
- A great choice for skateboarding as well as everyday wear
Read More: Best skate shoes
ASICS Gel-NYC "White Oyster Grey"
Best ASICS sneakers
* prices are accurate at the time of the last update
Why we chose the ASICS Gel-NYC "White Oyster Grey"
For those who like both vintage footwear and the aesthetics of running trainers, the "White Oyster Grey" ASICS Gel-NYC stands out as an excellent choice. ASICS themselves state the Gel-NYC model draws inspiration from both heritage and contemporary performance running styles.
It incorporates elements of oyster grey mainly with white cream-ish tone details. What makes it particularly intriguing though is the construction, which integrates elements from the early 2000s GEL-NIMBUS 3 and embellishments reminiscent of the MC-PLUS V design.
The infusion of all these retro elements is juxtaposed by the incorporation of the tooling system from the GEL-CUMULUS 16 shoe. This system combines lightweight foams with GEL technology inserts, ensuring enduring comfort throughout the day. Therefore, we'd say this ASICS sneaker represents a superb choice for everyday wear, making it a great shoe overall for you to consider.
TL;DR - Reasons to buy
- Pretty futuristic but with nods to running heritage
- Extremely comfortable to wear
Read More: Best white sneakers
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Filling out your sneaker wardrobe can sometimes lead to several questions. Don't panic though, we've answered some of the most frequently asked queries below.
Where can you buy sneakers once they've sold out?
If a sneaker you're interested in has sold out, there are a few options you can consider to potentially find a pair. Firstly, you can try your luck at your local shoe store, which may not have sold all its stock upon the shoe in question's initial release.
Alternatively, resale platforms and marketplaces, such as StockX, are great places to visit if you're struggling to pick up a sold-out sneaker anywhere else. You may have to pay more than retail depending on the popularity of the shoe, however, most resale platforms will authenticate every purchase you make as part of the service, helping to ensure you're not spending money on second-hand counterfeits.
If these two options don't work out for you, then you're essentially left with the unreliable alternative of waiting for a potential restock of the sneakers in question. Sometimes, retailers will restock popular sneakers if there is enough demand, but this isn't always the case, hence why it's not an overly reliable method of securing sold-out shoes.
Which sneaker brand is best?
The question of which sneaker brand is best is highly subjective and depends on individual preferences, style, comfort, and purpose. There are so many sneaker brands with their own unique styles, quality, and reputation, including Nike, adidas, Converse, New Balance, and so on, that choosing the "best" brand is near impossible.
Each brand has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it's up to you to determine which brand aligns best with your personal preferences and needs. For us, the top sportswear brands are our go-to's, but the likes of the best Air Force 1s or adidas Ultraboosts may not be to your taste. So, it's important to shop around to find a brand that suits you.
How do you prevent the yellowing of sneakers?
To minimize the yellowing of sneakers, proper storage is key. Keep them in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight and moisture as these factors accelerate yellowing.
Maintain cleanliness by avoiding contact with dirt, mud, and oils as well. If they do get a bit muddy, don't worry. Just act quickly to clean any stains using suitable methods.
We'd highly recommend considering using a sneaker protector spray or stain repellent. These create a barrier to prevent dirt and stains from setting in, extending your sneakers' pristine look.
Despite care, aging and wear might lead to some yellowing. But following these steps will help preserve their whiteness for longer.