If you're looking to expand your shoe collection with the latest designs or retro offerings, then our list of the best sneaker brands can help you begin your search in the best way possible.
However, due to the wide variety of sneaker manufacturers on the market, with more still joining the scene to this day, the answer to what is the best sneaker brand is a little more complicated than it may seem.
That said, there are a few names that we think really stand out from the crowd due to their long history of innovation and deep roster of shoes for you to choose from.
From some of the best Dunks around courtesy of Nike, to one of the best places to buy sneakers in adidas, we've rounded up the very best manufacturers right here.
Stick around too because we've answered some of the most commonly asked questions surrounding sneaker brands to help you come to an informed decision regarding your next footwear purchase. Before that though, here are our top picks...
Best sneaker brands
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.
Read More: Best places to buy Air Force 1s
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.
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 following the Air Jordan 37s arrival.
Read More: Best places to buy Jordans
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.
adidas
If you're after something a little more lightweight, whether they're for running or for everyday wear, we feel it's hard to look beyond adidas.
adidas has a huge selection of sneakers to choose from, including its highly popular Ultraboost range, with the trainers widely considered some of the most comfortable shoes available right now.
Read More: Best adidas collabs
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.
Converse
Converse has been one of the best manufacturers of sneakers ever since the company was founded in 1908. However, we feel the brand particularly comes into its own with its range of amazing shoes for everyday wear.
For instance, it makes the infamous Chuck Taylor All Stars in an array of different colours and materials to suit almost every style.
Read More: Best Converse collabs
The brand also allows you to customise some of its sneakers in order to accommodate those looking to add their own personal touches to their sneaker purchases.
On the whole, we feel Converse is definitely somewhere you should check out if you're after some of the best Converse shoes for everyday use.
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 V3s, plus the incredibly advanced FuelCell RC Elite v2s which look to be perfect for road running and races.
Read More: Best running shoes
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.
Frequently asked questions about sneaker brands
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.