The best designer sneakers on the market right now
Shopping for high-end sneakers can be vision-blurring work. Here, Esquire rounds up 12 of the freshest styles from the hottest brands
By 
SNEAKER FEVER hasn’t died out. Our appetite for sneaker silhouettes is just changing. In fact, as more and more high-end brands are taking notice of our desire for a well-made sneaker – a soft piece of footwear to invest in and wear, rather than shout about – the luxury sneaker offering has never been more wearable. Yet again, we also live in a time when a hybrid loafer-slash-sneaker causes a stir.
In this wearable abundance, however, it can be difficult for the really quality pairs to rise to the top. Brands like Prada and Balenciaga have embraced the sportier sneaker for a long time (even to a point of irony, in the case of the latter). Golden Goose has always played to its strengths in this sense. There are also other luxury brands who are just starting to dip their toes into the sneaker game. Because what, exactly, would a sneaker by a leather goods company look like? Just ask Hermès, a brand that combines what clients already love about their products, as you’ll see further down this list.
The main thing you should keep in mind when shopping around for designer kicks is that they can veer in either one of two ways: luxe leather construction or trendier styles (still luxuriously constructed). In which case, choosing a designer sneaker has become about the kind of attitude you want to project to the world when you walk around town. Because unlike other pieces in an outfit, footwear really does change the way you move.
Shopping around for designer sneakers can be vision-blurring work, so scroll on for our selection of the freshest designer sneakers to buy right now.
The best designer sneakers for men in 2025
Best white designer sneakers
Maison Margiela White Replica Sneakers
The German Army Trainer craze isn’t losing steam, and the luxe re-production from Maison Margiela remains undefeated in our eyes. Inspired by standard-issue military footwear, what warrants Margiela’s high price point? Its nappa calfskin leather and suede makes it the smoothest looking version of the style. If you’ve been on the fence on whether or not to dish out, SSENSE just restocked, yet they sell out fast.
Golden Goose Dad-Star Sneakers
There’s an appreciation for the weathered look in menswear at the moment, and that also happens to be Golden Goose’s spcialty. The Venetian label’s stab at the dad sneaker comes in pebbling suede uppers which look as if they’ve been run through the wash a few times (this is Golden Goose, after all).
Dior B30 Countdown Tech Sneaker
Fresh off the spring/summer 2026 runway, the B30 sneaker from Christian Dior might just be ushering the dad sneaker back in for the new year. It isn’t just about the chunky silhouette, though, the N3O nylon that composes most of the build is a multilayer semi-transparent and ultra-breathable technical fabric. It’s a technical innovation that also happens to come from one of the biggest names in high fashion.
Best black designer sneakers
Common Projects Original Achilles Sneakers
Common Projects is the one who started it all for minimalist sneakers. Why deviate from the beaten path now? Their Achilles sneaker in black leather is the best there is for a nondescript sneaker (save the gold-foiled serial number).
Coach Soho Sneaker
Fresh off their spring/summer 2025 runway, New York label Coach’s new sneaker is inspired by their most fashionable neighbourhood. Crafted with their canvas and smooth leather for the uppers, it’s a sleek addition to the rotation for walking around any city.
Best leather designer sneakers
Tod’s Marathon Sneakers
The leather masters at Tod’s know how to elevate ubiquitous styles. Taking inspiration from indoor football, their Marathon sneaker features a similar slim build, complete with a removable tongue flap.
R.M. Williams Sandbar Sneakers
To the Craftsman boot loyalists out there, R.M. Williams has your weekend shoe sorted. (They’re suitable for casual Fridays too.) The Aussie heritage brand released its take on the low-top sneaker in a variety of leathers from pebbled to suede.
Best sport-inspired sneakers
Maison Margiela Sprinters
From Jacob Elordi to Harry Styles, the Maison Margiela sprinters have been seen on just about every It boy this past northern summer.
Best blue designer sneakers
Burberry Check Terrace Sneakers
Creative director Daniel Lee’s use of blue has been a bold and energising sartorial footprint during his time at the British-heritage brand. His use of the colour on the brand’s iconic check has reintroduced it in new ways, including sneakers. The Terrace sneakers are made of a cotton blend that’s woven into the check, so there’s none of that breaking required.
Best high-top designer sneakers
Celine Homme CT-02 Leather High-Top Sneakers
Timothée Chalamet has been one to frequent the Celine store; the piece he’s been most paparazzied in are these high-tops. The skate shoe features a strap over the bottom half of the laces with perforations made along the uppers. It has that retro feel of what Marty McFly wears in Back To The Future.
Best low-top designer sneakers
Dior B27 Uptown Low-Top Sneakers
Counted as one of the French houses essentials, Dior Mens’ B27 sneaker features the house’s Oblique canvas along the side panels. It’s an unbeatable classic that takes its silhouette and shape from basketball low-tops.
Best slip-on designer sneakers
Marsèll Cassapelle Slip-On Leather Sneakers
Slip-on sneakers have almost always been done in a canvas cotton. But for something a bit more sophisticated and minimal, Italian shoemaker Marsèll makes its sneakers in excellent shapes and proportions. Made of 100 per cent leather, this sneaker’s supple texture is easier to break in than most.
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