Luxury FashionThis post contains affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. Learn more.
The best sneaker is the one you reach for every day without thinking. These are the best-rated pairs right now, from the terrace icons everyone is wearing to running shoes built for real miles.
The adidas icons
adidas Samba OG Crystal Embellished Sneaker
From the pitch to the spotlight: the adidas Samba OG Crystal Embellished Sneaker, with toe-to-heel crystals, the extra-low profile and the 3-Stripes. A sneaker that works for a holiday party.
adidas Tokyo
Retro and slim: the adidas Tokyo in brown suede, a low-profile sneaker that feels vintage and modern at once, on a grippy rubber outsole. A neat pair for jeans and skirts.
adidas by Stella McCartney Ultraboost 5 Running Shoe
Ultralight and springy: the adidas by Stella McCartney Ultraboost 5 Running Shoe, an everyday runner with cushy, stabilizing comfort for any distance.
adidas SL 72 Sneaker
An icon since 1972: the adidas SL 72, a runner-inspired sneaker with the low, sleek profile that made it famous and the comfort that keeps it a streetwear favourite.
adidas Samba OG Shoes (Women's)
Made for indoor football, now the street-style icon: the women's adidas Samba OG, with a premium leather upper, nubuck overlays and the classic gum sole. It goes with jeans, skirts and trousers alike.
adidas Campus 00s Shoes (Women's)
Bold simplicity: the women's adidas Campus 00s, a clean suede upper with contrasting 3-Stripes and chunky proportions inspired by the 2000s. Wear it with baggy jeans or a slip skirt.
adidas Adistar XLG 2.0 Sneaker (Women)
Plush, springy cushioning in a sneaker that started as a 2005 running shoe and now owns the street, with a dimensional molded cage. The women's adidas Adistar XLG 2.0 mixes retro looks with modern comfort.
adidas Gazelle Indoor Sneaker (Women)
A 1991 court icon turned everyday sneaker: the women's adidas Gazelle Indoor, in premium materials with a sleek, low profile. Elevated and down to earth with denim, skirts and wide-leg pants.
adidas Handball Spezial Sneaker (Women)
Designed for elite handball and now a street favourite: the women's adidas Handball Spezial keeps the low profile that gave players their edge in the '70s, in premium materials on grippy rubber.
adidas Adizero EVO SL Shoes (Women's)
The feeling of fast: the women's adidas Adizero EVO SL, inspired by the record-breaking Adizero Pro Evo 1, built to run in or simply wear with a bold racing look.
adidas Stan Smith Shoes (Women's)
A tennis legend's shoe: the women's adidas Stan Smith, a minimalist white leather build that captures the 1971 original with a green heel tab. The easiest white sneaker in her wardrobe.
New Balance
New Balance 530 Sneaker
A millennium-era runner back on the street: the New Balance 530, with full-foot cushioning that absorbs impact, curvy layers and breathable mesh. Comfortable all day.
New Balance 327 Sneaker
Heritage meets attitude: the New Balance 327, a '70s-throwback runner reissued as a standout street sneaker, with suede overlays and a lace-to-sole N on the side.
New Balance 9060 Sneaker
Chunky proportions and visible tech: the New Balance 9060 brings Y2K energy with sway bars and a translucent heel wrap, plus modern comfort.
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 Running Shoe
Springy and fun: the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5, an all-distance running shoe with a propulsive FuelCell foam sole and race-inspired details.
Nike and PUMA
PUMA Speedcat OG Sneaker
Low, streamlined and fast: the PUMA Speedcat OG, a suede sneaker with an iconic racer silhouette, aerodynamic stitching and an embroidered logo. The slim sneaker trend in one pair.
Nike Zoom Vomero 5 Running Shoe
Layered, techy and comfortable: the Nike Zoom Vomero 5, combining breathable textiles, durable overlays and plastic caging for a supportive ride and a look that works off the track.
Nike Vomero 18 Running Shoe
Plush and springy: the Nike Vomero 18, with layered cushioning for distraction-free comfort at any distance. The everyday runner's everyday shoe.
Nike Air Force 1 '07 Basketball Sneaker (Women)
The basketball shoe that started a sensation, now a streetwear icon: the women's Nike Air Force 1 '07, with '80s heritage details, Nike Air cushioning and a pivot circle in the tread.
Nike P-6000 Sneaker (Women)
Inspired by past Nike Pegasus runners: the women's P-6000, with swooping layers, mesh inlays and embroidery-framed Swooshes on a super-lightweight sole. The retro runner trend in one pair.
Running and training shoes
Salomon XT-6 Sneaker
Built for ultra distances, worn everywhere: the Salomon XT-6, with dual-density EVA cushioning, full-foot stability and a breathable, abrasion-resistant mesh upper.
Salomon Speedcross 3
Traction, cushioning and protection for any terrain: the Salomon Speedcross 3, with a one-pull Quicklace upper for a quick, secure fit.
HOKA Bondi 9 Running Shoe
Lightweight, plush and made for every day: the HOKA Bondi 9, a soft, resilient ride for runs that also makes a comfortable walking sneaker.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 Running Shoe
Lightweight cushioning with gently aligning support: the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25, a breathable running shoe that keeps up with your longest runs.
Saucony ProGrid Omni 9 Sneaker
A 2010 icon setting the pace again: the Saucony ProGrid Omni 9, open-weave mesh under rubberized layers, polished leather and soft suede.
Under Armour UA TriBase Reign 6 Training Shoe
Built for squats, sprints and circuits: the Under Armour TriBase Reign 6, a versatile training shoe with durable support and controlled stability for any workout.
On Cloud 6 Sneaker (Women)
On's fan favourite, updated: the women's Cloud 6, with springy runner-tech cushioning, a bold new look and easier step-in, stay-on wear for errands, travel and long walks.
On THE ROGER Advantage Tennis Sneaker (Women)
Designed with tennis icon Roger Federer: the women's On THE ROGER Advantage, a cloud-cushioned street sneaker with the streamlined look and springy energy of a tennis shoe.
Brooks Glycerin 23 Running Shoe (Women)
Tuned cushioning brings plush comfort and balanced support to the women's Brooks Glycerin 23, made for everyday runs and ready to rack up the miles on distance training.
Everyday sneakers
Veja Volley O.T. Sneaker
Dapper and minimal: the Veja Volley O.T. Sneaker, leather with brogued suede overlays and a serrated detail around the laces. A clean everyday sneaker.
Best Women's Sneakers & Running Shoes
The best-rated women's sneakers and running shoes from adidas, Nike, New Balance, On, HOKA and Brooks.
Every piece here is pinned on our Best Women's Sneakers & Running Shoes board, where we add new ones through the season.