The best sneakers of 2023 are feeling a little nostalgic. It’s December, and the year in kicks came and went with its usual annual hallmarks—internet-breaking collaborations, hype re-releases, and inter-culture debates about the state of the broader footwear landscape. But from out-there forays into bleeding-edge innovation to unlikely comebacks nobody saw coming, the Sneaker Industrial Complex still managed to surprise us, keeping our interest running strong for yet another year—and yet another pair.
For those of us exhausted by the familiar rhythms of the hype cycle, 2023 offered a moment to reflect on first principles, bringing us back to the roots of our passion. Whether we were united in our loathing of milquetoast crossover dress sneakers or fretting over the fluctuating cool stock of a streetwear classic, we all seemed to spend a lot of time thinking seriously about the shoes on our feet—which ones to wear, obviously, but also what they signify, what coded messages they’re imparting, and above all else, what they actually mean.
Of course, at the end of the day, cooler heads—and better taste—prevailed. The best sneakers of 2023 are those that managed to break through the discourse, to become more than fodder for conversation. They’re the ones that, quite simply, we were excited to wear, reminding us of why we fell in love with ‘em in the first place. If that feels like a lot to ask of a box-fresh pair of kicks, keep scrolling, and see if they don’t tug at your heartstrings too.
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