Every year is a big sneaker year these days. The worldwide trainer market was worth $86.58 billion in 2023, according to Statista, and is projected to balloon even further to $106.6 billion by 2027. There has never been a more prosperous time for both brands and buyers, with seemingly every fashion house, luxury marque and high-street chain looking to get in on the frenzy.

While this does mean more choice for the consumer, the increased and ever-growing demand for kicks means they’re harder to get hold of than ever. If they wanted, brands could produce more of each pair, but part of the appeal is the exclusivity of each design, so everyone from Nike to Adidas purposefully holds back on production, whipping up demand to feverish levels. Unless you camp outside stores on release day, this often means if you want the latest drop, you’ll have to pay above asking price on sites like Stock X and eBay.

Whether you’re slightly late to the party and want to get in on the action, or you’re just curious about this year’s most popular releases, here are some highlights of 2023. Plus a few sneakers you can actually buy for retail, for good measure.

Adidas x Clarks x Kith Samba

A collaboration between Adidas, Clarks and Kith, this pair of Sambas combines the best of all three brands. There’s the classic Samba upper you know and love, but it’s been bolted onto a chunky Clarks crepe sole.

The mastermind behind the design is Kith owner Ronnie Fieg, who’s something of a menswear deity in streetwear circles.

Buy now at StockX

New Balance x Aime Leon Dore 860v2

Aime Leon Dore has been a regular sighting on sneaker of the year lists, mostly thanks to its takes on the New Balance 550 model, which has dominated trendy cities around the world for the last few years.

But now the NYC brand has turned its hand to another NB staple, the 860v2. More high-tech and performance-inspired, it has a tasty neutral green colour palette and an exorbitant price tag on the second-hand market.

Buy now at StockX

Nike Jordan 4 Retro SB

Air Jordans were what arguably started the whole sneakerhead movement in the 1990s. The 4 is just as lauded as ever, but this year it was jazzed up by Nike’s SB division, giving it a skate-inspired makeover with a gum sole, ‘pine green’ accents and an SB logo on the heel.

Buy now at Kick Game

New Balance x Stone Island 991v2

Stone Island doesn’t often collaborate with sneaker brands, but when it does the result is usually special.

This is New Balance’s 991v2, given the SI treatment with a utilitarian, ‘black olive’ colourway, reflective logos and the Compass emblem on the tongue, so you can always get the badge in.

Buy now at Sole Supplier

Nike Cortez

We’ve still not seen as big of a Cortez release as we’d like, especially considering it was the style’s 50th anniversary in 2022. But there were a number of colourways that were actually available to buy at RRP in 2023, which makes a nice change.

The Nike running shoe icon needs no introduction. Its classic, chunky, rounded silhouette is the perfect finishing touch to jeans, tapered trousers, shorts, and anything in between. Every sneakerhead should have a pair in their collection.

Buy now at Nike

Carhartt x New Balance 990v6

Another New Balance collaboration, this time with Detroit workwear specialists Carhartt. The 990v6 has been redone in the latter’s signature ‘Hamilton Brown’ colourway and incorporates soft pig skin, suede and synthetic mesh openings for improved breathability.

Buy now at Carhartt WIP

Nike x Tiffany & Co Air Force 1

The Nike x Tiffany Air Force 1 had plenty of hype when it first dropped in March 2023. Billed as a more luxurious take on the classic basketball shoe, it came with soft leather uppers and a tumbled suede Swoosh, finished in Tiffany Blue.

There were also, for the first time, laser-etched silver plates on each heel, which might justify the price for some.

Buy now at StockX

Noah x Puma Star

Another NYC brand with plenty of streetwear appeal is Noah, which partnered with Puma on these minimal Stars.

Clean and classic, they boast primary blue and green colouring on a simple white base, with a subtle off-white border around the sole.

Buy now at END.

Reebok Club C

The Club C is a staple tennis shoe, and one that was as popular in 2023 as it’s ever been. Simple styling meets a soft leather upper and EVA midsole for all-day comfort.

If you want a clean, minimal sneaker with zero fuss, this is where it’s at.

Buy now at Reebok

CQP Vertex

CQP might not be on the hype train like some other brands, but its new Vertex model perfectly encapsulates the gorpcore trend that has dominated sales in the last year or so.

A more minimal, luxurious take on the classic trail runner, it comes with a chunky Vibram sole, a soft suede, leather and mesh upper and a versatile silhouette that can be dressed up or down.

Buy now at CQP

Vans Authentic

A reworked take on Vans Authentic, this pair has been overseen by JJJJound, a streetwear designer who has collaborated with seemingly everyone in recent years.

The original recipe hasn’t changed too much, with softer organic cotton used for the uppers, an off-white sole and a subtly branded label featuring both brand’s logos.

Buy now at Vans

Adidas Samba

The OG Samba has had a huge year, thanks mostly to TikTok and a number of popular limited-edition styles released in 2023.

The football casual classic has lost none of its appeal, with the easy-to-wear white/black/granite uppers combining perfectly with the dark gum sole.

Buy now at Adidas