The Best Luxury Sneaker Brands In The World For 2025

When thinking of investment pieces, sneakers aren’t typically the first thing to spring to mind. A leather jacket, yes; a navy, cashmere-blend suit, sure; but something that’s going to frequently come into contact with pub carpets and rain-spattered city streets? Not so much.

The usual approach where trainers are concerned is to spend somewhere around the £100 mark on a pair of mid-range kicks that’ll wind up demoted to gym or gardening duties come next year. We’re not saying a man shouldn’t have a pair of beaters or two, but if he’s willing to increase the upper threshold of his sneaker budget, there are bountiful rewards to be reaped.

The luxury sneaker market has seen exponential growth over the last decade. As sports footwear has cemented its place as part of the modern man’s day-to-day wardrobe, spending upwards of £200 on a pair of high-end sneakers has become a perfectly reasonable style splurge.

Better materials last longer, artisanal craftsmanship looks better and classic styling ages more gracefully. In short, premium sneakers offer more, and these are the labels making the best options around.

Common Projects

When Common Projects’ now-iconic Achilles Low sneaker first hit shelves in 2009 it was an instant success. But why? It was, after all, just a simple, minimalist leather sneaker, right? Well, yes and no.

The Achilles Low is certainly minimalist in terms of its aesthetic, but it’s anything but simple. A silhouette pieced together in Italy, using traditional shoemaking techniques, it filled a gap in the market between tennis trainers and high-end dress shoes. A piece of footwear capable of elevating a T-shirt and jeans, while also looking the part with tailoring.

Following its success, the New York/Italian label expanded its range and now applies the same level of design excellence and build quality to everything from Chelsea boots to chunky sneakers.

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Golden Goose Deluxe Brand

Wabi-sabi. For those unfamiliar with this Japanese term, it represents the belief that true beauty lies in imperfections. It’s the cracked pottery, glued lovingly back together. It’s the rusty old bicycle that still gets you from A to B. And, if Golden Goose Deluxe Brand has anything to do with it, it’s the perfectly worn-in sneakers you’re wearing on your feet.

Not everyone gets Golden Goose sneakers, but perhaps that’s part of the allure. These are shoes made from fine Italian leather that come beautifully battered right out of the box for that authentic vintage aesthetic. They’re not cheap either, which is what some consumers struggle to get on board with. For those who subscribe to the wabi-sabi way of thinking, though, it makes perfect sense. Golden Goose’s sneakers’ aren’t pristine and perfect, and that’s what makes them special.

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Gucci

Gucci’s contributions to the world of footwear haven’t traditionally included much in the way of sneakers. However, that (along with many other things) changed when Alessandro Michele took the reins back in 2015.

Michele’s colourful, 1970s-inspired designs and gender-neutral runway shows earned him plenty of praise from the critics. But it was his introduction of the house’s signature sneaker, the Ace, that marked him as a design master in the eyes of the mainstream masses.

Gucci’s Ace sneaker, with its iconic stripes and vibrant embroidery, was an instant classic and was followed by a whole slew of trainer releases, including trend-baiting oversized kicks, retro runners and beyond. It was a move that helped put the Italian label’s name back on the map for footwear, positioning it as one of the leading forces in luxury sneakers.

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Berluti

It’s been 120 years since Alessandro Berluti put his name to the house’s first pair of shoes. In the time that has elapsed since, Berluti (featured image, top) has become synonymous with exquisite craftsmanship, exceptional leather and the most beautiful, deep and rich patinas to be found anywhere on earth.

In the early days, Berluti’s output consisted almost entirely of dress shoes. But as the times have changed so has the brand’s focus, with high-end sneakers now accounting for much of its sales.

The label’s trademark Venezia leather features heavily and is what enables the shoes to take on that trademark lacquer-like richness that makes them so unique. If brown isn’t your colour, look out for the brand’s minimalist white options, too.

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Visvim

Founded by former Burton Snowboards designer Hiroki Nakamura in 2001, Visvim is now recognised as a dominant force in high-end, men’s casualwear.

Based around a fascination with Americana style and an appreciation for Japanese attention to detail and construction techniques, Visvim delivers not only some of the coolest clothing around but also some of the most individual and beautiful luxury footwear.

The FBT is arguably the brand’s most famous silhouette. It takes a fringe moccasin-inspired upper and places it on a high-grade sneaker outsole. The result is a truly outstanding piece of footwear design that has sneakerheads salivating and fashion editors clamouring in equal measures. And that’s before we even mention the label’s Roland running shoe or Skagway canvas sneaker.

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Maison Margiela

It would be remiss of us not to acknowledge that some of Margiela’s footwear designs can be a little… out there. However, we can let all of that slide based on the merits of the Belgian fashion house’s most notable sneaker, the Replica.

Maison Margiela’s Replica model is a premium reimagining of a mid-century, military-issue German Army trainer. Styling is simple, colourways vary from stripped-back to paint-splattered, and materials and construction leave little to desire.

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Tom Ford

If we were playing the word association game and someone shouted, “Tom Ford!” there are likely many things you would say before arriving at the word “sneakers”. In actual fact, though, while he spends every waking hour in a perfectly cut two-piece suit and Oxford shoes, the former Gucci creative director has a genuine knack for designing trainers.

Ford’s sneakers are everything you would expect from a man who values clean lines, restraint and elegance above all else. They’re subtle, versatile and made using only the finest materials and most skilled labour. Expect supremely high quality with price points to match.

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Lanvin

One of the oldest French fashion houses, Lanvin brings a unique approach to luxury sneakers by blending classic elegance with contemporary nods to streetwear. The Lanvin Curb Sneaker, inspired by 90s skate culture, is one of their standout offerings with a chunky silhouette and exaggerated, oversized laces. The label also offers more understated designs, such as minimalist low-tops with subtle detailing, making them versatile for both casual and smart-casual looks. Across the collection, Lanvin sneakers are crafted with premium leathers and suede and have a knack of marrying sophistication with playful design.

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Aurélien

If you want a sneaker that looks the part on the most exclusive promenades of the Med, look no further than Aurélien. The label’s collections embody sun-drenched elegance. Everything’s handcrafted in Italy using full-grain leather and suede, while the brand’s versatile, minimalist designs transition easily from beach to Michelin-starred eatery. The use of neutral colour palettes and simple details also gives a timeless aesthetic that works with tailoring or beachwear. Don’t pack without them.

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Loewe

One of the buzziest labels of the last few years, Loewe produces sneakers that reflect the brand’s playful approach to design. The Flow Runner, with its retro-inspired silhouette and wavy rubber sole, is a standout piece and embodies Loewe’s combo of traditional craftsmanship and innovation. It also has a nice team-up with On, producing a luxury take on the running brand’s eye-caching cloud-like shoes. The label’s sneakers often feature bold colour combinations and unique textures that scream modern luxury.

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Zegna

Want sneakers that embody a true testament to Italian craftsmanship and elegance? Try Zegna. Even among luxury brands, the label is known for using the finest leathers and suede. It also blends performance with style. The Triple Stitch Sneaker is a signature model, featuring three crossover elastic bands for easy slip-on wear. Its clean design gives it that stealth wealth aura that works for casual and formal occasions alike. Zegna emphasises comfort, incorporating lightweight soles and ergonomic construction while most pairs come in earth-toned palettes, reflecting Zegna’s commitment to natural aesthetics.

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Fear of God

Beloved LA label Fear of God is perhaps the most successful brand to take a streetwear aesthetic to luxury levels. Architectural forms, minimalist design and natural colourways define Jerry Lorenzo’s approach, with the Athletic sneaker and Californias being standout models. Those clean designs and understated branding make them perfect for everything from modern loungewear to modern tailoring, while the Italian craftsmanship ensures high-quality construction. Look out for buzzy collabs with the likes of Adidas and Nike, too.

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Axel Arigato

Axel Arigato blends Japanese and Scandinavian takes on minimalism and packages it up with an eye for luxury. Known for timeless designs and subtle branding, the label makes easy-wearing sneakers that work with your whole wardrobe. The Clean 90 Sneaker epitomises the aesthetic, featuring a sleek silhouette and premium leather construction. Axel Arigato is also committed to sustainability, using eco-friendly materials and production methods: a no-brainer for design-conscious guys who like, well, conscious design.

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Amiri

Amiri’s sneakers combine rock-and-roll aesthetics with contemporary luxury. The Skel Toe Sneaker is a standout, featuring leather overlays shaped like bones – because why not? Handcrafted in Italy, Amiri sneakers showcase meticulous attention to detail, premium materials, and bold colourways. The label excels in creating sneakers that are both stylish and comfortable, with padded collars and high-quality soles – but it’s also fond of distressed finishes, reflective of its LA-drenched moodboards. Statement-making luxury.

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Balenciaga

It’s no overstatement to say that Balenciaga redefined luxury sneakers with bold, statement-making designs. The Triple S Sneaker, with its exaggerated sole and oversized silhouette, became an icon of modern sneaker culture. The Speed Trainer took something that looked like a diving boot and made it a futuristic must-have. Beyond the headline-making playfulness, Balenciaga’s sneakers are crafted with premium materials and offer exceptional comfort. They’re not for wallflowers, and all the better for it.

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Balmain

Not many brands would even attempt to outdo Balenciaga when it comes to mould-breaking sneaker design, but Balmain gives it a go. The label’s bold, avant-garde designs include the B-cloud, which looks a bit like a clog that Batman would wear, while the Unicorn sneaker is best described as a half-exploded science fiction running shoe. The French fashion house is unabashedly future-looking, but its heritage in high-quality, artisanal craftsmanship is going nowhere. A very modern take on luxury sneakers.

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Hogan

Part of the always-impressive Tod’s Group, Hogan blends sporty design with refined craftsmanship, so if you’re looking for a luxury sneaker with a throwback aesthetic, it’s a good place to start. Its footwear is crafted in Italy and you’ll find butter-soft leather and nubuck across the collection. The label’s Man sneaker is its take on a Samba, with old-school panelling and a gum sole. If you’re looking for something different, try the Interactive Sneaker, which comes on a chunky sole but still looks elegant. Plus, like all Hogan sneakers, comfort is guaranteed.

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Y-3

A long-awesome collaboration between Adidas and Yohji Yamamoto, Y-3 redefines luxury sneakers through avant-garde designs and advanced technology. By incorporating Adidas’s performance innovations – like Boost cushioning and lightweight Primeknit uppers – Y-3 sneakers offer unparalleled comfort and durability. The brand’s black-and-white colour schemes and experimental shapes cater to anyone who loves monochrome streetwear. Start with the Kaiwa sneaker, with its sculptural silhouette and minimalist details, which exemplify Y-3’s ethos.

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Dior

Dior’s sneakers combine French elegance with contemporary trend-led design. It does sleek high-tops and chunky runners, plus minimalist low-tops that sit somewhere in between. The B27 Sneaker, crafted from smooth calfskin and adorned with Dior’s signature oblique canvas, is a good example of how Dior does things. Crafted with exceptional materials and put together with artisanal techniques, you can add them to casual and semi-formal looks. Either way, they’ll exude sophistication and exclusivity.

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