The Funktasy team is back again with another top 10 list and this time it’s the Top 10 Sneakers of 2024. There are many different brands, with countless different styles of sneakers, each bringing something unique to disrupt the fashion space. Whether they were created for athletics and found their way into the fashion world or were made popular by your favorite artists, our team has come together to pick the best sneakers that continue to be at the forefront of fashion trends. In no particular order, these are the top 10 sneakers of 2024.

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Top 10 Sneakers - Converse

Courtesy of Converse

Converse

Converse sneakers, particularly the Chuck Taylor All-Stars, have remained a timeless staple in fashion due to their versatility and iconic design. Originally designed as basketball shoes in the early 20th century, Converse has become an iconic pair of sneakers in society. Their minimalist canvas design, coupled with a wide array of color options, allows them to be styled in countless ways. Whether paired with a dress or jeans, they are a favorite among those who value both comfort and style. Today, Converse continues to be trendy as they effortlessly provide a bridge between casual and statement footwear, adding a sense of nostalgia to your wardrobe while remaining relevant in modern fashion.

Top 10 Sneakers - Vans

Courtesy of GQ

Old Skool Vans

The Old Skool Vans are a symbol of skate culture and have been a consistent favorite since their debut in the 1970s. Known for their durable construction, a signature side stripe, and low-profile silhouette, Old Skool Vans, offered in a variety of colors and patterns, have become a must-have for anyone looking to add a touch of laid-back cool to their outfit. Their association with youth subcultures, particularly skateboarding and punk, gives them an edge that resonates with those who appreciate authenticity in fashion. Recently, they’ve seen a resurgence, not just among skaters but also as a staple in streetwear, proving their enduring appeal across different fashion scenes.

Sneakers - New Balance

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New Balance 550/530

The chances of seeing your favorite celebrity rocking a pair of New Balance sneakers are high. New Balance 550 and 530 models have surged in popularity, largely due to their retro aesthetic that taps into the current craze for 1990s and early 2000s fashion. These sneakers offer a perfect blend of comfort and style, with their chunky silhouettes and understated branding appealing to those who favor a minimalist yet statement-making look. The 550, in particular, has been embraced by the fashion-forward crowd for its vintage basketball-inspired design, while the 530 offers a more athletic, everyday wear appeal. Their rise in popularity highlights the growing trend towards “dad shoes” and the appreciation for functional, timeless footwear in fashion.

Sneakers - Gazelles

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Adidas Gazelle

Like all the other shoes that have made it onto this list, the Adidas Gazelle comes with a history. Originally released in the 1960s as a training shoe, the Gazelle has become a symbol of casual cool, embraced by everyone from Britpop icons like Harry Styles to today’s streetwear enthusiasts. Its sleek, low-profile design and suede upper make it a versatile choice that adds a touch of retro flair to any outfit. The Gazelle’s significance lies in its ability to effortlessly blend with different fashion styles, whether paired with tailored trousers for a smart-casual look or with jeans for an everyday vibe. Its popularity underscores the appeal of classic, understated designs in modern fashion.

Top 10 Sneakers - Dunks

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Nike Dunk

The Nike Dunk low-tops has skyrocketed to trend status, driven by its deep roots in basketball culture and its later adoption by skateboarders in the early 2000s. Today, the Dunk Low is celebrated for its vibrant colorways, collaborations with high-profile designers and brands, and its association with sneakerhead culture. Each release often sparks a frenzy, with limited-edition drops selling out almost instantly. The Dunk Low’s significance in fashion goes beyond its aesthetic appeal; it represents the intersection of sports, streetwear, and high fashion, making it a powerful symbol of modern sneaker culture.

Top 10 Sneakers - Sambas

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Adidas Sambas

The Adidas Samba sneakers are all over social media. From fashion influencers to models to athletes to people on the street, Adidas Sambas have become an everyday staple. First introduced by the brand in 1950, they were originally designed for soccer players to enhance their grip on icy surfaces. The distinctive gum sole and classic silhouette quickly transcended its athletic origins. Its streamlined design, featuring a leather upper and suede overlays, soon made it a casual fashion and streetwear staple. Over the decades, the Samba has evolved from a performance shoe to a cultural symbol, embraced by everyone from punk rockers to hip-hop legends. Its popularity is a testament to its versatile style and enduring quality from the brand. The Adidas Samba is a beloved classic in the sneaker world.

Sneakers - AF1s

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Nike Air Force 1s

Launched in 1982, the Nike Air Force 1 revolutionized the sneaker game as the first basketball shoe to feature Nike’s groundbreaking cushioning technology. They were designed by Bruce Kilgore, and the shoe’s sleek silhouette plus comfort quickly caught the attention of athletes and sneaker enthusiasts. Like many other shoes on this list, the Air Force 1 has since broken away from its athletic roots, becoming a cultural icon celebrated in hip-hop, streetwear, and high fashion. It has a timeless design, characterized by a robust leather upper – typically in white or black, but has the option for more colorways. These elements have made it a canvas for countless collaborations with streetwear brands like Supreme, artists like Travis Scott, or high-end luxury brands like Louis Vuitton. The Air Force 1’s legacy comes from the brand’s ability to blend style and innovation in the world of sneakers.

Sneakers - Superstars

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Adidas Superstars

These iconic sneakers from Adidas are huge in the world of hip-hop and have been for years. The brand debuted the style in 1969, originally designed for basketball with its distinctive shell toe and durable rubber sole. However, the Superstar soon became a cultural phenomenon, thanks in large part to its embrace by the hip-hop scene in the 1980s. The shoe’s clean lines and classic three-stripe design have made it a versatile staple, bridging the gap between sportswear and street style. Its association with the influential hip-hop group Run-D.M.C., who famously wore them without laces, further entrenched the Superstar’s place in sneaker history. The most typical style for the shoe comes in iconic white leather, with black stripes (or the inverse). These sneakers boast over five decades of influence, and the Adidas Superstar continues to be a symbol of style and cultural relevance even to this day.

Sneakers - Cortez

Courtesy of Sneaker News

Nike Cortez

Nike introduced the Cortez sneakers in 1972, and they quickly became a hallmark of athletic and cultural history. Like a lot of the sneakers on this list, these were originally created as an athletic shoe. Designed by Nike co-founder Bill Bowerman, the Cortez was created as a high-performance running shoe with a sleek, streamlined design and a distinctive wavy outsole for superior traction. Beyond the track, it became a symbol of 1970s and 80s urban culture, most famously embraced by figures like Tom Hanks in the film Forrest Gump and by the California streetwear scene. The Cortez’s minimalist design, featuring a smooth leather upper and bold swoosh, has made it a versatile favorite that blends both athletic functionality and style.

Sneakers - Tigers

Courtesy of August Man

Onitsuka Tigers

Onitsuka Tiger sneakers launched originally in 1949 by Japanese company Onitsuka Co. and have achieved global iconic status with the brand’s innovative design. Founded by Kihachiro Onitsuka, the brand’s first major success came with the introduction of the “Mexico 66” style in 1966, featuring the now-legendary Tiger Stripes. Initially designed for athletes with a focus on comfort and performance, the Mexico 66 quickly crossed over from the sports arena to popular culture. fashion enthusiasts embraced the shoes, even making an appearance on Uma Thurman in Kill Bill. They have a minimalist aesthetic and combined with the historical significance in the world of sports and fashion, Onitsuka Tiger now holds a fantastic reputation as a symbol of enduring style and quality.

As We Lace Up Our Picks for the Top 10 Sneakers of 2024…

These iconic designs continue to shape the landscape of fashion and culture. Each of these sneakers brings its own unique blend of history, style, and influence. Whether you’re a fan of retro aesthetics or modern streetwear, these sneakers are more than just footwear—they’re a testament to the evolving intersection of sport, fashion, and personal expression. As trends come and go, one thing remains constant: the impact of these classic and contemporary designs on our wardrobes and beyond. So, whether you’re stepping out in a pair of Adidas Sambas or rocking the latest New Balance 550s, here’s to celebrating those stories and continuing to stride confidently into the future of fashion.

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