The Best Designer Sneakers to Buy Now and Wear for Years
The cream of the crop, from brands like Loewe and The Row.
A sneaker from Loewe, Chanel, or The Row is an investment—but the best designer sneakers are typically worth it when you break down the cost per wear. Each pair is crafted from quality materials that last for years and has a timeless, easy-to-style design that you'll wear repeatedly. The only issue is that there are more trendy pairs of designer sneakers than ever.
While chunky silhouettes and bright colorways defined the sneaker trends of years past, there's much more variety in 2026's footwear roster. For one, there has been a tidal wave of collaborations between designers and classic sneaker brands, such as Wales Bonner's Adidas Samba and Bode x Nike's Astrograbber, which earned editor-in-chief Nikki Ogunnaike's personal co-sign of the best retro sneaker of the year. (If you can find a pair still in stock, I will personally crown you Sneakerhead of the Year.)
In many ways, designer sneakers have also become more wearable and pragmatic, in step with the rise of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy-inspired minimalism on the runways. Now, you can easily find a pair of sleek yet luxurious-feeling work sneakers that won't distract everyone in the boardroom—such as a slender pair rendered in cool white or black leather—and will work well when up-styled with a suit.
Pictured at New York Fashion Week: The Wales Bonner Adidas Samba in emerald green.
Moreover, the luxury market has also evolved to include more middle-class fashion brands, so to speak. Not all top designer sneakers have the typical four-figure price tag anymore: Under-the-radar brands like Autry and PONY (a Katie Holmes favorite) have proven that there's room in the luxury sneaker category for shoppers looking to spend less than $500.
Ahead, I've rounded up the best designer sneakers on the 2026 market. Finds include the French-girl staple, Chloé's Nama; a sleek Tory Burch pair, which have been tried and tested by a Marie Claire editor; and Zendaya's forever favorite On sneakers. Keep scrolling to discover some of the best designer sneakers money can buy.
Designer sneaks like Loewe's Ballet Runner pound the pavement at Paris Fashion Week.
- Shop Marie Claire's Favorite Designer Sneakers
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A Quick Look at Our Favorite Designer Sneakers
- Best Overall Designer Sneakers: Tory Burch Phoenix Sneaker
- Best Sustainable Designer Sneakers: Chloé Nama Mixed Media Platform Sneakers
- Best Designer Work Sneakers: Prada Leather Sneakers
- Most Comfortable Designer Sneakers: Isabel Marant Beth Sneakers
- Best Suede Sneakers: Loewe Flow Runner Sneakers
- Best Colorful Designer Sneakers: Gucci Embroidered Ace Sneakers
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Marie Claire's senior fashion news editor Halie LeSavage dubbed these white Tory Burch shoes her best work sneakers ever. "They're well-designed but still fly a little under the radar with their minimal, unbranded look," she says. "Whether I want to wear an oversized suit or an office-appropriate midi dress, the clean white leather goes with it all." Available in this bright white shade and in sizes 4 through 13 (including half sizes!), they're a perfect do-it-all white sneaker.
Material: Leather
Number of Colors: Five
Size Range: US sizes 4 through 13, including half sizes
These Chloé Nama Sneakers have been everywhere since they first debuted in 2021, but they got a recent boost thanks to a co-sign from Oprah. The multi-mogul wore the Nama sneakers in a neutral, quiet luxury-esque beige colorway. They come in at least seven colors and are sustainably made with recycled and sustainably-sourced materials. In fact, 40 percent of the shoe is comprised of recycled materials.
Material: Leather, polyester, nylon, and cotton
Number of Colors: Seven
Size Range: US Sizes 5 through 12
The crisp ivory leather on this pair of Prada sneakers gives them a slightly more formal look than ones made from canvas or rubber. They feature clean, simple lines; classic cotton laces; a lightweight rubber sole; and Prada's signature enameled metal triangle logo. They also have a removable insole for added comfort, and come in US sizes 5 through 11, including half sizes, so you should have no issue finding your perfect fit. With a sleek, all-white design, they're just low-key enough to wear on your daily commute and keep them on all day while at your desk.
Materials: Leather
Number of Colors: One
Size Range: US sizes 5 through 11, including half sizes
The Isabel Marant Beth is the perfect wear-everywhere pair of designer sneakers because they fasten with three easy-on, easy-off velcro straps and are made from a super soft white leather upper with a cushioned rubber sole. Reviewers say they do tend to run a tad small, and recommend going for one whole size up, so keep that in mind when shopping, especially considering that they aren’t available in half sizes.
Material: Cowhide suede
Number of Colors: Two
Size Range: US sizes 5 through 11
These best-selling Flow Runner sneakers from Loewe were initially launched in the spring of 2021, but continue to be popular amongst fashion insiders. Worn by celebrities like Emily Ratajkowski and Mary-Kate Olsen, and a constant street style trend during Fashion Month, they're easily one of the most popular designer sneakers on 2026's market. The fashion house also makes a high-top design and all-leather pair (known as the Flow Runner 2.0), but personally, I'm partial to its original shorter suede sneaker.
Material: Suede and leather
Number of Colors: Four
Size Range: US Sizes 5 through 12
If you’ve been a longtime Gucci shopper and haven’t invested in a pair of designer sneakers from the brand, what are you waiting for? This tri-color style is undoubtedly made for the label's most dedicated fans, from the iconic red-and-green combo to the sweet gold-embroidered bees on the sides. The brand notes that they run large and that going one size down may be the best option. Wear them with an otherwise classic outfit for a bright pop of color.
Material: Leather
Number of Colors: One
Size Range: US sizes 7 through 14, including most half sizes
More Designer Sneakers We Love
These sneakers from Alexander McQueen were first released in 2016, and have been a mainstay in the designer sneaker world ever since. They're outfitted with holographic detailing on the ankle, which adds a fun pop of flash. Some reviewers note they run small but are available in half sizes, making finding your perfect fit easy.
Material: Leather
Number of Colors: One
Size Range: US sizes 5 through 11, including half sizes
The retro sneaker trend has yet to slow down this year; a case in point is this slim-fitting pair of Rag Bone sneakers. Given their slender throwback design, they make any outfit look more fashion-forward, down to your leggings-and-sneakers combinations. The Retro Runners come lined in cotton and calf leather and with a suede trim and durable rubber sole. The brand says they run true-to-size, and they come in half sizes.
Material: Leather, suede, and cotton
Number of Colors: Seven
Size Range: US Sizes 5 through 11, including most half sizes
Another pair adored by LeSavage is Miu Miu's highly coveted mesh and suede style from its now-iconic team up with New Balance. "I update my designer sneaker wish list at least twice a year, timed to Miu Miu and New Balance's runway collaborations," she says. "Finally, after months of pining, I secured these 530s for my fall wardrobe. This version is framed as a sporty-spice pair for styling between matches (Coco Gauff co-designed them). I also love them with a scrunched-up sock under a mini skirt and oversize bomber jacket—a formula Miu Miu perfected first."
Material: Suede and mesh
Colors: Three
Sizes: IT Sizes 34 through 46, including half sizes
On the opposite end of the quiet luxury spectrum sit these crafty-feeling burgundy and sky blue Wales Bonner and Adidas Samba sneakers. They're sportier than Bonner's previous collaboration with the sportswear giant, but they've been no easier to find in stock in a full range of sizes. They're surprisingly easy to style, if you can find them: I love how they look when worn with a neutral outfit—think a great white T-shirt and a pair of jeans—as well as when teamed with brighter layered looks.
Material: 100 percent suede
Number of Colors: One
Size Range: US Sizes 5 through 12, including most half sizes
Yes, there are designer sneakers that you can wear to your next workout. Options like this pair from Zendaya-approved sneaker brand On combine form and function. They come in a few colors, but my favorite is this sleek slate gray. Despite their fashion-forward touch, they're still outfitted with all the details that have made On a go-to brand for runners and sporty shoppers, such as a cushioned sole and supportive stretch through the upper. They sell out quickly, so if you see them in stock in your size, it's best to add to cart fast.
Material: 100 percent recycled polyester
Number of Colors: Four
Size Range: EU Sizes 36 through 42
Marie Claire's beauty editor Samantha Holender has loved these Chloé sneakers for a long time. “I've had them for a good three years, and while they took a hot minute to break in, they have now become my most comfortable shoe,” she says. “The sweet scallop detailing on the sole gives the sneaker a feminine touch and sets them apart from the wide sea of white sneakers on the market.”
Material: Leather
Number of Colors: One
Size Range: US sizes 5 through 10
For former fashion features editor Emma Childs, it was love at first sight with Dries Van Noten's ultra-trendy slim sneakers in lilac suede. "A disclaimer: I don't own these babies—they're just at the tip-top of my shopping wish list," she writes. "I've been effectively influenced by Marie Claire contributor Mecca James-Williams, who went into the Dries Van Noten store and reconnected with her fashion girl identity via these beautiful lavender suede sneakers.
Materials: Leather and suede
Number of colors: Two
Sizes: IT sizes 35 through 41
When you're bored of black, try a brown sneaker instead. They can easily work in more formal situations—they're a smart work sneaker, especially when rendered in luxurious suede—and can even replace your ballet flats or loafers if you'd prefer a more casual silhouette. The white and black versions of these Common Projects kicks is super popular, but this dark chocolate shade is a more unexpected option with a higher style pay-off, in my opinion.
Material: Leather and suede
Number of Colors: Four
Size Range: US Sizes 5 through 12
I couldn't have a designer sneaker roundup without a pair of silver sparkly—yet wearable—Golden Goose sneakers. These intentionally worn-in white picks have a leather footbed that molds to your feet for optimal comfort. They're currently available in sizes ranging from an EU 35 through an EU 42—roughly US women’s sizes 5 through 12 without half sizes. The brand recommends sizing up if you’re in between sizes.
Material: Cow leather and synthetic leather
Number of Colors: One
Size Range: US sizes 5 through 12
How to Style Designer Sneakers
To master styling designer sneakers, look toward A-listers like Kaia Gerber and Gigi Hadid. Gerber often relies on her black Nike Astrograbber trainers, while Hadid prefers her Adidas x Wales Bonner kicks (in several colorways, I might add). Despite their different shoe choices, Gerber and Hadid seem to follow the same style playbook: They allow the color of their shoes to set the tone for their outfits.
Gerber was recently spotted in a navy and black look that perfectly matched her dark Nike sneaks. Not too long ago, Hadid wore a white skirt and black sunglasses that complimented her Adidas trainers and, during another casual outing, flaunted a maroon pair of Adidas, which she teamed with a coordinating deep red leather jacket.
Hadid and Gerber prove how versatile their favorite neutral designer sneakers can be in New York City.
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