As we prepare to emerge from our homes post-pandemic, it’s time to give our house slippers a break and try some shoes with actual laces. And sneakers are the perfect shoe for venturing back into the real world, especially for those who’ve gotten used to 24/7 comfort. In spring 2021, there’s no one sneaker trend that feels overwhelming or obligatory. Right now, there are so many styles — ultramodern sneakers, spins on retro classics, cool designer collaborations — that you can easily find one that speaks to your taste.

Below, we’ve rounded up the 30 best sneakers to buy right now, no matter your style. Scroll down for everything from new ecofriendly sneakers to Gucci platforms and old-school throwbacks.

The Best Trendy Sneakers

Whether they’re remixed classics or a completely new style, these are the styles that feel especially of-the-moment.

New Balance 574 Rugged Sneakers

These add a fresh twist to the dad-sneaker trend. And in the age of Instagram, bold colors make a big impact.

$85 AT URBAN OUTFITTERS
Nike React Vision

If you love color … and texture … and patterns … these futuristic, maximalist Nikes might be for you.

$140 AT NIKE
Nike Air Force 1 Pixel

Air Force 1’s have been around since the ’80s, but the black-leather colorway and the “pixelated” chunky sole make these feel totally contemporary.

$100 AT NIKE
Converse x Kim Jones Chuck 70 Canvas and TPU High-Top Sneakers

Leave it to Dior and Fendi’s Kim Jones to create a chic shoe in collaboration with Converse.

$160 AT NET-A-PORTER
Rick Owens x Veja Runner Style 2 V-Knit Sneakers

Rick Owens and Veja have already collaborated a couple of times, but this latest release feels like a fresh take on shoes that look like socks.

$290 AT FARFETCH
Adidas Ozweego Shoes

You don’t have to be a hypebeast to wear these. They’re chunky and playful without being too in your face, thanks to the mostly neutral color palette.

$110 AT ADIDAS

The Best Sustainable Sneakers

We’re seeing more and more sneakers made from more environmentally-friendly materials, like post-consumer recycled polyester and responsibly produced leather.

Everlane Court Sneakers

Everlane’s Court sneaker is made of leather from a gold-certified tannery that promises its practices are environmentally friendly. The sole is almost 94 percent free of virgin plastic, and the lining is 100 percent recycled polyester.

$98 AT EVERLANE
Veja V-10 Sneakers

French brand Veja has really cornered the sustainable-sneaker market (with a little help from Meghan Markle). This white pair is made from ethically sourced materials like wild Amazonian rubber for the soles and responsibly produced leather for the upper.

$150 AT SHOPBOP
$150 AT NET-A-PORTER
Madewell Kickoff Trainer Sneakers

The cotton lining, outer nylon, and rubber outsoles of these colorful dad sneakers are made from recycled materials. Plus the leather is sourced from a tannery that received a gold rating from the Leather Working Group, an organization that promotes sustainable environmental practices in the leather industry. So even if they’re mostly mustard, pink, and orange, they’re pretty green.

$98 AT MADEWELL
Madewell Sidewalk Slip-On Sneakers in Recycled Canvas

Madewell’s sustainable slip-ons are made of recycled cotton canvas and naturally sourced rubber.

$72 AT MADEWELL
Loci Vegan Sneakers

These soothing seafoam-green vegan sneakers are made from recycled ocean plastic. And for every pair sold, the brand donates 10 percent of profits toward protecting and conserving sea life.

$160 AT LOCI

The Best Classic Sneakers

Fact: A pair of Chucks or Vans will never go out of style. They’re even cool when they’re all beat up, because that just shows you’ve had them for ages. And the best part about them is that they’ll never break the bank.

Vans Old Skool Core Classics

These skater staples are always a good idea.

FROM $68 AT AMAZON
$60 AT ZAPPOS
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star High Top Sneakers

Whether you wear them sparkling clean or tossed around in the dirt, they are an unmatched classic.

FROM $52 AT AMAZON
Nike Daybreak

Just add jeans and a T-shirt.

$90 AT NIKE
Reebok Lifestyle Classic Leather

You’re not just a mom. You’re a cool mom.

$75 AT ZAPPOS
Adidas Stan Smith Sneaker
From $68

Stan Smiths look good with literally everything.

FROM $68 AT AMAZON
$64 AT ADIDAS
New Balance Classics WL574v2

A little bit nerdy and a little bit cool.

$80 AT ZAPPOS

The Best High-Performance Sneakers

The ultrasleek, futuristic-looking sneakers do double duty, combining well-researched performance technology and a street-style aesthetic. They’re breathable, flexible, and just really cool looking, whether or not you’re actually exercising in them.

Hoka One One Clifton 7

Reviewers rave about Hoka One One, saying that wearing these sneakers feels like walking on clouds. They’re comfortable and light and have a unique design.

$130 AT ZAPPOS
Adidas Ultraboost 21

Ultraboosts are known for their functionality and breathability. This blush colorway gives them a stylish makeover.

$180 AT NORDSTROM
$180 AT ZAPPOS
Asics GT-2000 8

Asics’s “GEL” technology gives you protective shock absorption and comfortable cushioning, and these come in a variety of color options.

FROM $118 AT AMAZON
Nike Air VaporMax Flyknit 3

This version of Nike’s popular Flyknit has it all: style, function, comfort, and breathability.

$200 AT NIKE
Saucony Endorphin Pro

Approved by marathon runners, Saucony’s newest shoe features “speedroll” technology to ensure maximum comfort and durability for runners.

$200 AT SAUCONY
Nera Model One - Montana

Nera is a new sneaker brand combining craftsmanship, performance, and modern style.

$315 AT NERA
Sorel Kinetic Impact Lace

These shoes are so lightweight that you’ll almost forget you’re wearing something that looks cool, too.

$140 AT ZAPPOS

The Best Fashion Sneakers

Last but not least, here are the sneakers for anyone who wants a little luxury on their feet.

Balenciaga Track 2 Open Metallic Sneakers

Both the Balenciaga Triple S sneakers and the ones that look like socks have had the spotlight for a while, but it’s time for them to make room for their more performance-focused siblings.

$975 AT BERGDORF GOODMAN
Loewe Flow Mixed Leather Runner Sneakers

These Loewe sneakers offer a comfortable spin on a retro style and some loopy “L” branding.

$650 AT NEIMAN MARCUS
$650 AT BERGDORF GOODMAN
Maison Margiela White Tabi High-Top Sneakers

Margiela’s signature “Tabi” toe lends an edge to these otherwise simple sneakers.

$600 AT SSENSE
Alexander McQueen Leather Exaggerated-Sole Sneakers

The British brand updated its ubiquitous sneaker with an exaggerated, translucent sole. It comes in a ton of color options.

$560 AT SAKS FIFTH AVENUE
Bottega Veneta Quilt Sneakers

Designer Daniel Lee has been making Bottega Veneta a destination for cool accessories, and his sneakers are some of the most coveted among industry insiders.

$850 AT BOTTEGA VENETA
Valentino Garavani 20mm Open VLTN Metallic Leather Sneakers

A classic sneaker shape gets the Valentino treatment in a metallic silver with stud details on the back.

$690 AT LUISAVIAROMA
Gucci New Ace Platform Bee Sneakers

A subtle Gucci flex on some otherwise unassuming platform sneakers.