Athleisure has gone from a hot new trend into a fully cemented genre of dressing. One of my favorite parts? Even if you can’t wear black leggings for every occasion, I can almost certainly wear a pair of athleisure sneakers. A well-chosen pair of shoes allows me to be comfortable and fashionable at the same time, whether I’m running around Central Park or going to get drinks after dinner.
But what makes a gym shoe transcend its athletic purpose and become an athleisure sneaker? While there is no firm line, I looked for shoes that could pair just as well with trousers and skirts as with yoga pants and sweatsuits. Sometimes, that meant finding shoes with unexpected detailing or fashion-forward color combos. Other times, it meant finding those so-uncool-they’re-cool shoes that have gone from dad shoe to cool girl streetwear.
No matter what type of shoe picked, they are athleisure sneaker options for everyone (and every activity level); some allow you to go straight from work to the gym, while some are more aesthetically-minded sneakers with a bit more polish that provide all-day comfort for work.
Whether you are looking for a trendy athleisure shoe, or prefer more refined court shoes, I have searched high and low for all the best athleisure shoes on the market.
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FP Movement x Sorel Kinetic Breakthru Tech Sneakers
Sorel is known for its great selection of outdoor shoes, but did you know the brand also has some pretty cool collabs – including this one with FP Movement that resulted in the creation of these super fashionable (and eco-friendly) sneakers?
Shop FP Movement x Sorel
FP Movement x SOREL Kinetic Breakthru Tech Sneakers, $, available at Free People
Veja V-10 Sneakers
Veja is a great example of a shoe company making a quietly luxe yet functional product. I love the V-10 in this mauve pink colorway for adding a more feminine touch to a sneaker. However, if that’s not your vibe, there are plenty of other options for every style.
Shop Veja at Anthropologie
VEJA V-10 Sneakers, $, available at Anthropologie
Lululemon Blissfeel 2 Running Shoe
One of Most Wanted’s favorite athleisure brands, Lululemon, has nudged itself into the footwear game, and we’re sure glad it did! Senior Writer Karina Hoshikawa has more than sung her praises of the Blissfeel line in her review of the sneakers.
Shop Lululemon
Lululemon Blissfeel 2 Running Shoe, $, available at Lululemon
APL Women’s TechLoom Zipline
Whether you’re new to the athleisure game or it’s become your whole wardrobe, APL sneakers are a brand you need to be aware of. These sneakers are some of the coolest shoes you will own, in my personal opinion – I personally have a pair, then outfitted my parents with a pair each because they have horrible backs. (They love them too!) These lightweight sneakers are so bouncy when you walk, making them great for running as well as day-to-day activities. Plus, I love the cool woven pattern and colorways available.
Shop APL
APL Women’s TechLoom Zipline, $, available at APL
Adidas Samba OG Shoes
Adidas’ Samba may have become the “It Girl” of street shoes, but the sneakers have been popular with football (aka soccer) players for a long time. Created in 1949, the gum soles in the Samba made the perfect shoe for European footballers to play on hard surfaces and icy conditions during winter. Now they help trendy women walk the streets of SoHo and beyond.
Shop Adidas
Adidas Samba OG Shoes, $, available at Adidas
Onitsuka Tiger Serrano
Much like the Adidas Samba, the Onitsuka Tiger Serrano – another 2023 darling – also has origins as athletic wear, but as track and field shoes. The leather sneakers originally debuted at the 1966 Olympic pre-trials in Mexico City running shoes. Today, the shoe’s features mimic the original features but are designed for comfort and function instead of athletic endeavor.
Shop Onitsuka Tiger
Onitsuka Tiger Serrano, $, available at Onitsuka Tiger
New Balance 574s
We love a classic dad shoe and New Balance 574s are the epitome of dad functionality meets fashion. See what your old man was talking about and try the 574s.
Shop New Balance
New Balance 574 Core, $, available at New Balance
Chloé Nama Sneaker
Chloé’s rendition of athleisure may be on the pricier side, but I think this luxurious sneaker is worth every penny. It screams sporty chic with its hand-stitched features, and 40% of the shoe being made of recycled material.
Shop Chloé
Chloé Nama Sneaker, $, available at Chloé
On Running Cloud 5 Push
What started as a shoe design for runners that utilized the bounce of a tube has now turned into a global phenomenon. The Cloud Push 5 sneakers will make you feel like you’re literally walking on clouds.
Shop On Running
On Running Cloud 5 Push, $, available at On Running
Hoka Bondi 8
What is not to love about these color chunky sneakers? You can run around the park in them or go run errands and your outfit will still look good no matter the activity. Plus, the lightweight cushiony shoe has the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance so you know they’re good for the dogs. These infiltrated our society so much that I’ve seen people of all ages wear Hokas, from children to grandparents, and even saw a bus driver wearing them!
Shop Hoka
Hoka Bondi 8, $, available at Hoka
Asics GT-2160
Hailing from the early 2000s, the GT-2160 may look like your run-of-the-mill athletic sneaker — except models like Kaia Gerber and Hailey Bieber are wearing them out and about, so you know they’re the shit.
Shop Asics
ASICS GT-2160, $, available at ASICS
Salomon XT-6 Mindful
Salomon has been popular within gorpcore culture long before you read this article and its insanely cool sneakers will persist long after you finish. Make sure to purchase the colorway and style you like ASAP, as these bad boys go like hot cakes.
Shop Salomon
Salomon XT-6 Mindful, $, available at Salomon
Dolce Vita Dolen Pearl Sneakers
This one is for the girls who love pearls (and sneakers, of course!). Dolce Vita’s Dolen Sneakers provide more feminine athleisure options for those who aren’t ready to fully embrace a sporty aesthetic but still want the comfort of a sneaker.
Shop Dolce Vita
Dolce Vita Dolen Pearl Sneakers, $, available at Dolce Vita
Reebok Club C 85 Vintage Shoes
Established in England, Reebok has made its way to feet all around the globe in classic athleisure styles like the Club C 85 Vintage and Club C Revenge. Styled after a vintage court shoe, the Club C is a clean, minimalistic leather sneaker that will go with just about any outfit.
Shop Reebok
Adidas Gazelle Indoor Shoes
It is the time of the gum sole, and Adidas is on everyone’s mind with the uber-popular Gazelle and Samba styles. We love how the classic Adidas stripes and gum sole go with any and all outfits to add that sporty chic aesthetic to any look.
Shop Adidas
Adidas Gazelle Indoor Shoes, $, available at Adidas
Saucony Jazz Nxt
Hit’em with the classics, that’s what I say, or in this case the Jazz Nxt. Saucony’s rendition is the trendier cousin of the heritage runner with the signature Saucony logo and a cool mixture of textures.
Shop Saucony
Saucony Jazz Nxt, $, available at Saucony
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