A shoe that was once only reserved for exercising, the sneaker has become a staple in wardrobes across the globe. And just as you’d choose to invest in a pair of designer heels or boots, splurging on a luxe pair of sneakers is now perfectly acceptable.
White, black, colourful, bedazzled, platform, high-top, slip-on – whatever sort of sneaker you like to wear, there’s a good chance you’ll find it in the Australian and international designer market.
Need some guidance on how to make your first designer shoe investment? Or maybe you’re just on the hunt to add fabulous new styles to your collection.
Whatever the case may be, as a self-proclaimed sneakerhead, I’ve rounded up the best designer sneakers on the market right now. Including brands like Veja (yes, the brand that Kate Middleton slips her royal feet into regularly), New Balance, Converse, Adidas, and more.
THE CELEBRITY FAVOURITE
Loved by royals and celebrities alike (think Kate Middleton, Emily Ratajkowski, Emma Watson and more) we think the Veja Esplars are going to become your new favourite pair of kicks.
The upper part of the shoe is made from a smooth leather, so you know they’ll last in your wardrobe for years to come. We also love the simple lace-up detailing and V logo on either side. A classic shoe that matches with absolutely everything and qualifies for free shipping and returns? If it’s good enough for Kate…
If you can’t find your size on The Iconic (because they are always selling out), you could always try other stockists like Net-a-Porter and Hype DC.
THE INFLUENCER FAVOURITE
New Balance 574 Suede And Mesh Sneakers, Net-a-Porter, $185.28
If you scroll through the Instagram profiles of the most popular models and fashion influencers – Matilda Djerf, Kaia Gerber and Elsa Hosk to name a few – there’s a good chance you’ll spot a pair of New Balance sneakers. Coined as the “ultimate dad shoe”, this style is comfortable, supportive and offers the right amount of chunkiness, not to mention high energy colour. If you’re keen to step out of your comfort zone, give this bright version, designed by Sarah Staudinger, a go.
BEST WHITE DESIGNER SNEAKERS
A sneaker staple for beginners and fellow devoted sneakerheads, you can’t go wrong with a crisp and clean white sneaker. They’re super wearable, easy to clean and can be found in just about every designer brand’s footwear offering.
Nicole Adolpe is the head of style at The Iconic and even she agrees that “a classic low, white designer sneaker will never go out of style.”
She said “it’s the perfect transeasonal smart-casual shoe when paired with a trench or coat for the cooler months and looks great teamed with off-duty jeans, shorts or casual dresses.”
COMMON PROJECTS Original Achilles Low, The Iconic, $640
If you’re comfortable spending the money and are looking to seriously invest in a pair of white sneakers, the brand COMMON PROJECTS can offer exactly what you need. These white leather kicks are simple and comfortable with a rounded toe, plus we love the subtle gold branding along the heel. A style tip? This shoe runs a little large so you’ll need to size down in order to find your regular fit.
Calvin Klein Vulc Lace Up Emboss Mono White Sneaker, Myer, $109 (down from $199)
These Calvin Klein kicks are the perfect combination of sporty and modern. They’re made out of leather but come with a recycled mesh lining and rubber outsole – making them both durable and comfortable. The classic silhouette and subtle black branding on the heel ensure this pair makes an understated yet stylish statement.
Love Moschino Sneakers, The Iconic, $330
If you like your designer sneakers bold and energetic, this pair will be right at home on your feet. These crisp white sneakers are complemented by statement branding at the heel and LOVE MOSCHINO’s signature red loveheart motifs.
RICK OWENS x Converse x DRKSHDW DRKSTAR OX Twill High-Top Sneakers, Net-a-Porter, $247.04
This could quite possibly be the sneaker collaboration of your wildest sartorial dreams. Designed by renowned creative Rick Owens, this casual pair is inspired by the iconic and popular Converse Chuck 70. Featuring a unique long shoe tongue to display the joint brand logo, this is a pair you can lace up with a pair of oversized trousers for the office, or pare back with your favourite jeans.
BEST BLACK DESIGNER SNEAKERS
For those days where white won’t cut it – or maybe your all black ensemble calls for it – you can’t go wrong with including a chic pair of black sneakers in your collection.
R. M. WILLIAMS Surry, The Iconic, $295
R.M. Williams is known for their Australian-made leather boots but did you know they did sneakers as well? The classic silhouette is paired with a smooth black leather to match with anything and everything in your wardrobe. As with all R.M. Williams items, you can be assured these are created with high-quality materials and exemplary workmanship.
DKNY Mace Black/White Linear Knit Sneaker, The Outnet, $165 (down from $275)
These DKNY sneakers offer an affordable version of the popular sock-shoe from Balenciaga, which can go for upwards of $1000. They’re easy to slip on and off, plus the memory foam footbed ensures your feet stay comfortable throughout the day. Expect to find DKNY branding across the middle of the shoe and on the back pull tab.
BEST DESIGNER COLLABORATIONS
Veja Campo Leather x Mansur Gavriel Sneakers in Crema, Pink or Blue, Tuchuzy, $225
Yes, the brand loved by Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle also does brilliant designer collaborations, too. These dreamy monochromatic sneakers were created in collaboration with New York cult brand Mansur Gavriel and come in a heavenly chrema (you can buy it here) a delicious pink (you can buy it here) and a poppy blue (you can buy it here). As you’d expect from Veja, the shoe has sustainability front of mind with the shoe’s sole made from 65 per cent recycled materials and the upper is created with ChromeFree leather – so there are zero dangerous acids, heavy metals or chrome used in the tanning process.
BEST LEATHER DESIGNER SNEAKERS
You can’t go wrong with a gorgeous leather shoe, especially when it’s in sneaker form. They’re easy to clean and maintain, plus a good pair of leather sneakers will last in your closet for years to come.
Kenzo Kourt Scratch Leather Sneakers, The Iconic, $480
These crisp white low top sneakers are sure to become a staple in your wardrobe. The velcro closure adds a touch of retro to the modern shoe and the pared back design makes this pair work with just about any outfit.
REEBOK X VICTORIA BECKHAM Club C Suede-Trimmed Leather Sneakers, Net-a-Porter, $291.30
Designed by none other than former Spice Girl and fashion it-girl Victoria Beckham, these kicks are a redesigned version of Reebok’s popular ‘Club C’ style. The mix of white and black leather teamed with the suede accents add a unique touch. You can also find the brand’s logo embossed onto either side of the shoe.
BEST SUSTAINABLE DESIGNER SNEAKERS
You don’t always have to go the leather route when it comes to designer sneakers. Perfect for those who are conscious about their impact on the environment, we love these sustainable sneaker picks.
A shoe that’s loved by Meghan Markle, the V-10 shoe from Veja is one of the brand’s standout pairs. It’s made from environmentally friendly and sustainable materials – a soft leather upper, organic cotton laces, recycled rubber outsole and an insole made of 34 per cent sugar cane. You don’t have to sacrifice style for sustainability; the padded heel, bold logo and perforated toe box looks super stylish.
ADIDAS ORIGINALS+ NET-A-PORTER Stan Smith Vegan Leather Sneakers, Net-a-Porter, $195.10
A shoe that’s exclusive to Net-a-Porter, the cult classic Stan Smith sneakers from Adidas are now available in an entirely vegan leather. They offer similar elements to the original style – contrasting black heel tabs, signature stripes embossed on the side and logos on the tongue and heel.
MOST COMFORTABLE DESIGNER SNEAKER
ECCO Women’s Soft 7 Sneakers, Amazon Australia, $79.36-$510.84
With over 800 five-star reviews on Amazon and countless customers describing them as being “very comfortable” and “great for foot pain”, it’s safe to say these are the most comfortable pair of designer shoes on the market.
The ECCO Soft 7 sneakers are crafted from a nubuck leather which offers a super light and soft feel. The textile lining is made from ECCO’s comfort fibre system which promises your feet will stay cool and fresh all day long.
We also love that these shoes were designed with the anatomy of feet firmly in mind, and as a result you are going to experience all day comfort.
There are a few different colours options available but you can’t go wrong with an easy-to-wear white pair.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST DESIGNER SNEAKERS
We chatted to Nicole Adolpe, head of style at The Iconic, and she described the two types of sneakers that are key to any fashion closet.
First off, you’ve got something like a low white sneaker with designer branding – it can be worn all year round, no matter the season.
Your second choice of designer sneaker would be one that makes a fashion statement. This could be one that’s chunky, colourful or sequined.
Nicole shared her top tips for hunting down the best designer sneaker to invest in.
- Look for unique colour schemes and combinations.
- When shopping, visualise your existing wardrobe and what you would wear them with. When investing, think about what will be most versatile. You can’t go wrong with white, khaki, black or neutral.
- Look for any new designer collabs with sports brands.
HOW TO CLEAN WHITE SNEAKERS
Getting the dirt out of your white sneakers doesn’t always sound like the easiest task. But turns out it can be, and the product you’ll need to do it will only cost you $4 on Amazon.
Blogger and stylist behind the popular Instagram account @trashtotreasured, Tina Abeysekara, shared the genius trick, but she actually learnt the hack from one of her 138,000 followers.
“I’d shared that I use wet wipes (like the baby ones!) to clean my sneakers and a few of them mentioned that Magic Erasers are a more sustainable option than single-use wet wipes,” she said.
“I just clean them when they look like they need it and can go a few months between cleans.”
You can see the trick in action on our dedicated story here. Or you can head straight on over to Amazon to buy the Chux Magic Eraser Spot Cleaner Pad.
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Originally published as Designer sneakers you’ll love: from Veja to Calvin Klein to Kenzo
