Sneakers have come a long way from their humble beginnings as fitness shoes. Today, sneakers are a major part of streetwear fashion and culture. With so many brands, styles, and releases, it can be hard to keep up with the latest sneaker trends. In this in-depth guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the new sneaker trends for 2023.
The Rise of Sneaker Culture
Sneakers first emerged in the late 1800s as rubber-soled shoes designed for athletics. But it wasn’t until the 1980s and 90s that sneakers became ingrained in pop culture and fashion. Brands like Nike, Adidas, and Reebok released iconic sneaker styles that remain popular today. Sneaker collecting took off as sought-after releases sold for hundreds or even thousands of dollars above retail price. The sneaker resale market is now estimated to be worth $6 billion globally.
Today, sneakers are no longer just for sports. The athleisure trend has made sneakers a wardrobe staple. Rare and exclusive sneaker drops make headlines and draw hypebeast lines around city blocks. Sneaker conventions like Sneaker Con attract thousands of fans to buy, sell and showcase rare kicks. A new generation of sneakerheads is emerging, with Gen Z driving the latest sneaker trends.
The Biggest Sneaker Trends of 2023
With sneaker culture bigger than ever, what are the need-to-know trends for 2023?
Chunky Dad Shoes
Bulky, thick-soled “dad shoes” like the Balenciaga Triple S and New Balance 990v5 remain popular in men’s and women’s fashion. The exaggerated silhouette provides a sporty, retro look. In 2023, expect dad shoes to get even chunkier, with thick outsoles and panels.
Minimalist Kicks
On the flip side, streamlined, low-profile sneakers are also having a moment. Think clean, simple canvas sneakers from brands like Common Projects and Koio. Sleek leather or suede kicks in neutral tones provide an understated, versatile style.
Sustainable Materials
Eco-consciousness has come to sneakers. Consumers increasingly want kicks made from recycled, organic and sustainably-sourced materials. Brands like Allbirds and Cariuma are making waves with sneakers crafted from materials like merino wool, eucalyptus trees, bamboo and sugar cane.
Women’s Sneakers
Women’s sneakers continue to have a major fashion moment. Brands are catering to women with feminine styles, muted color schemes, and collaborations with designers. Some hot trends include pastels, platform soles and retro running shoe styles.
Nostalgic Collabs
Sneaker companies continue to bank on nostalgia, partnering with brands that were popular decades ago. Recent examples include Reebok x Hot Wheels, New Balance x Casio and Converse x Pokémon. Expect more nostalgic mashups that tap into Gen X, millennial and Gen Z memories.
Space Age Style
Technical, futuristic aesthetics are infiltrating sneaker designs. Metallic materials, transparent panels and statement spaceship looks reference an abstract future. Yeezy Boost 700 MNVN, Nike x Tom Sachs Mars Yard and Louis Vuitton pilgrim sneakers are ahead of the space age curve.
DIY Customization
More brands are enabling full customization, letting wearers create their own color schemes and material combinations. Nike By You, Converse By You, Adidas Mi Adidas and Vans Custom Culture allow you to design your own sneakers. Expect customization options to expand even further in 2023.
Most Popular Sneaker Brands
When it comes to hype, some sneaker brands reign supreme. According to StockX, the following brands have the highest resale value in the sneaker market as of September 2023:
| Brand | Average Resale Price |
|---|---|
| Nike | $299 |
| Jordan | $281 |
| Adidas | $153 |
| Yeezy | $328 |
| Reebok | $169 |
Nike remains the dominant player, but Adidas and Reebok have been gaining ground thanks to nostalgic collaborations and new technology like Boost. Jordan continues its reign over basketball sneakers. And celebrity designers like Kanye West with Yeezy and Pharrell Williams push the boundaries of sneaker design.
Most Popular Sneaker Styles
When browsing sneaker trends, a few iconic styles always stand out from the pack. According to Lyst, here are the top sneaker styles generating buzz in 2023:
| Sneaker | Brand |
|---|---|
| Yeezy Boost 350 | Adidas |
| Nike Air Force 1 | Nike |
| Adidas UltraBoost | Adidas |
| Nike Space Hippie | Nike |
| Air Jordan 1 Retro High | Jordan |
The Yeezy Boost 350, Nike Air Force 1 and Air Jordan 1 Retro High remain perennial favorites for sneakerheads. Adidas UltraBoost pioneered the trend of performance shoes crossing over into fashion. And Nike Space Hippie brings eco-conscious design to buzzy NASA-inspired style.
The Sneakers Everyone Will Want in 2023
When it comes to upcoming releases, which sneakers will be hardest to get your hands on this year? These coveted kicks are set to cause lines and sell out instantly.
Salehe Bembury Crocs Pollex Clog
Designer Salehe Bembury’s previous Crocs collaborations have caused a frenzy. His upcoming Pollex Clog features a chunky sole and strap, modernizing the iconic clog. Release date: Spring 2023
New Balance 550 “Aime Leon Dore”
New Balance is hot right now thanks to Teddy Santis’ Aimé Leon Dore collaborations. The upcoming green and yellow 550 ALD sneakers combine vintage style with quality materials. Release date: TBA 2023
Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 v3
Kanye’s Yeezy line shows no signs of slowing down. Rumors point to a new Yeezy Boost 350 v3 releasing in 2023, featuring a knit upper and translucent stripe. Release date: TBA 2023
Jordan x Union LA Retro Collection
Chris Gibbs and Jordan Brand are teaming up again for an expanded retro Jordan collection, including AJ1s, 2s and 4s in new colorways. Release date: TBA 2023
Pharrell x Adidas Humanrace Sichona
Pharrell’s Humanrace line with Adidas explores unique silhouettes. The Sichona has a distinctive split sole bridged by Adidas Boost. Release date: TBA 2023
How Much Do Sneakers Cost?
Sneaker prices vary widely based on the brand, style, collaboration, and release model. Here are some average resale prices for popular 2023 sneaker models:
| Sneaker | Average Resale Price |
|---|---|
| Nike Dunk Low Retro | $200 |
| Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 V2 | $230 |
| Air Jordan 1 High | $265 |
| Nike x Sacai VaporWaffle | $315 |
| Travis Scott x Nike SB Dunk Low | $1100 |
Limited releases and collaborations can sell for thousands, while general releases start around $100. Factors like brand, hype, storytelling and availability drive up aftermarket prices. Buyers should beware of fakes.
Where to Buy Sneakers
Once you know what’s hot, where do you get the latest sneakers? Here are the best options for buying new and resale sneakers:
Brand Websites
Nike, Adidas and other athletic brands release sneakers in limited quantities via SNKRS and Confirmed app raffles and website drops. Signing up for raffles gives you a chance to buy at retail price.
Sneaker Stores
Boutiques like Kith, Concepts and A Ma Maniere often get exclusive sneaker collaborations and will raffle off hyped releases. Visiting the store on release day may score you limited shoes.
Resale Sites
StockX, GOAT, Stadium Goods and Flight Club are popular online marketplaces for reselling sneakers. Buying resale ensures getting the shoes but often at inflated prices.
Sneaker Conventions
Massive events like Sneaker Con connect resellers and collectors. Attendees can browse thousands of rare sneakers in person or try to buy exclusives vendors secured.
How to Sell Sneakers
Looking to bank on your collection? Here are tips for cashing in on the lucrative sneaker resale market:
Research Market Value
Check completed eBay listings and StockX sales data to assess the current value of your shoes. Rare or exclusive sneakers likely have high demand.
Clean and Restore
Give your sneakers a deep clean and touch up any flaws. Restoring your shoes can significantly increase their value to buyers.
Photograph Attractively
Take crisp, well-lit photos against a plain background. Show all angles and details. Include the box, laces and extras.
Sell on Multiple Platforms
List sneakers across sites like eBay, GOAT, Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist for maximum exposure. Enable bids on eBay for demand-based pricing.
Price Competitively
Research listings for your sneaker model and price just below averages. You can start high and lower over time. Be open to offers.
Conclusion
Sneakers aren’t slowing down as a global fashion and cultural phenomenon. The brands, styles and trends may keep changing, but sneakerheads’ obsession only grows by the year. By understanding the latest sneaker news and release models, you can keep your collection fresh. And for resellers, seizing on hype means major profit potential. However you flex your kicks, sneakers are here to stay as the hottest footwear around.