Every year, the major footwear brands add new silhouettes to their lineups. Sure, we all love a fresh look now and again, but what can top the good old classics? Those models that, no matter how many years pass or what trends come and go, still look good with whatever outfit you throw them on with. Now, those are the sneakers that every sneakerhead should have in their closet. We’ve put together a list of the top ten die-hard sneaker silhouettes that we think every true sneakerhead should own. At least once in your life.
Adidas Samba
There’s a reason the Samba has received so much hype recently: it’s actually a really versatile model. Thanks to its current popularity, we’ve seen Instagrammers pair the low-cut silhouette with just about every outfit imaginable, and boy, do they look good with every single one! Now, who doesn’t want a sneaker that’s so effortlessly wearable?
Adidas Superstar
The Superstar is another classic adidas sneaker that every sneakerhead should own at least once in their lifetime. In my humble opinion, these look best with baggy pants, but you can wear them just about any way you please. If they were good enough for the cool cats of ’80s hip-hop culture, they’re definitely good enough for us.
Air Jordan 1, 3, 4, 11, 12, 13, 14
Whether you choose the sneaker that started it all (the Jordan 1), the most popular silhouettes in the Jumpman lineup right now (Air Jordan 3 and 4), or one of the last models the GOAT wore during his time with the Bulls (Air Jordan 11, 12, 13, and 14), you should have at least one Jordan in your collection. No buts! Even more props if you have one of the OG colourways.
Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars or Chuck 70
Any sneaker that has stayed a staple of sneaker culture for almost every decade of its over 100-year existence deserves some room in your closet. From basketball courts to punk rock concerts, the Chuck Taylor All-Star has also carried many a different subculture through the years. We’re pretty sure they’ll carry us through many more, but Converse has made sure they stay in the running by also offering the canvas sneaker with a thicker midsole and cushioning (the Chuck 70). You get a similar look but a more comfy ride.
New Balance 990
If there’s one New Balance silhouette that pulls off comfort and aesthetics, it’s the 990. The Boston-based company has offered plenty of upgraded versions of the model over the years, and we’d take every single one.
Nike Air Max 1, Air Max 90, Air Max 95, Air Max 97
You can’t go wrong with any model from the Air Max lineup, but sneakerheads still have their faves. No matter how many new builds, futuristic tech, and unique details Nike throws at us, these four legendary models (AM 1, AM 90, AM 95, and AM 97) will always be the cream of the crop. No one should go a lifetime without owning at least one of these beauties.
Nike Air Force 1
If you’re a fan of timeless, versatile, everyday sneakers, chances are you probably already own an Air Force 1 sneaker. If not, what exactly have you been waiting for? This Nike sneaker has long been a staple of sneaker culture, worn by different folks with different strokes. But the must-have colourways are always the simple triple black or triple white.
Nike Cortez
Comfy and classic. There’s no reason not to have a pair of Nike Cortez sneakers in your collection. The shoe has once again seen a rise in popularity thanks to celebs and street style influencers, but they have been a must-have across many different decades. One of my personal faves, if I might add.
Nike SB Dunk
While they look exactly like the popular Nike Dunk Low silhouette, the Swoosh’s skateboarding subsidiary made the design even more desirable for its fans. Think padded tongues, Zoom Air cushioning in the heel, and a slightly chunkier build. While these were optimised with skaters in mind, you don’t need to be able to ollie or kickflip to appreciate their “fuller” glory.
PUMA Speedcat
The PUMA Speedcat is a great pick if you want a sportier look. It offers a race-shoe-inspired silhouette with sleek lines, but still has a retro feel (after all, it’s been around since the late ’90s). If you haven’t tried out these kicks before, now is as good a time as any. PUMA has been introducing a range of beautiful colourways that are hard not to covet.
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