As a Gen Zer myself, I know first hand how hard it can be to keep up with the best sneaker styles. Lately, it feels like there’s a new trend starting everyday! This makes it very hard to know what shoes are trendy and what shoes are no longer in style.
Luckily, I was able to ask my friends, mutual friends and Instagram followers what shoes they are actually wearing. Whether you’re a guy or girl, this is an accurate list of the best sneakers for Gen Z, that Gen Zers are wearing today.
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Top 15 Sneakers for Gen Z
1. Nike Air Force 1
The Nike Air Force 1 is the most popular sneaker for Gen Zers. Whether you’re a guy or girl, you’ve either owned or know multiple people that have this shoe.
Nike did a great job designing this shoe, making a versatile and stylish sneaker. Typically, the Air Force 1 is worn in all white or all black.
This shoe has been popular for the last few years and there are no signs of it going out of style. The Air Force 1 is affordable, stylish and versatile.
2. Yeezy Boost 350 V2
When Kanye West originally came out with the Yeezy Boost, it was made fun of and became a meme on social media. Once the shoe was released it became extremely sought after, especially by Gen Zers.
The Yeezy Boost 350 V2 are unisex and come in many different colors. The shoes have a super unique design and look different than any other sneaker on the market.
The Yeezy Boost 350 V2 is a personal favorite of mine. They are comfortable, long lasting and trendy. I’ve had one pair of Yeezys that i’ve worn daily for over 5 years and they are still in great condition.
Now that the Yeezys have been out for a few years, they are easier to get your hands on. If you’ve never owned a pair of Yeezys I would highly recommend getting some.
Related: Are Yeezy’s Worth it? and Why They Are so Expensive
3. Nike Dunks
In the last two years, Nike Dunks have made a major comeback among Gen Z guys and girls. The unique colors and sleek design of the Nike Dunk has proven to be a favorite for Generation Z.
Nike Dunks have become so in demand and sought after that some pairs are reselling for more than 375% over their retail price. The Nike Dunk has allowed for Gen Zers to express themselves through their sneakers and wear the colors they love.
Related: Can You Wear Champion With Nike ? Everything You Need to Know
4. CDG Converse
Since 2020, Converse have become more and more popular. The Converse brand has been around for over 100 years and was acquired by Nike in 2015.
Nike tried to make some changes to the original Converse design, which was met with heavy criticism and low sales. Which meant that Nike had to find other ways to make Converse popular again.
Enter the Converse and Comme Des Gaçons collaboration. These shoes were flying off the shelves and selling out online.
Converse collaborating with a high fashion brand brought the shoes back to life. Gen Zers absolutely love this collaboration and these sneakers were seen everywhere at my college.
Recommended Converse:
5. Off-White Jordan 1’s
There’s no secret that Nike is the most popular sportswear brand for Generation Z. Coincidentally, Off-White is one of the most popular streetwear brands on the market.
This collaboration was a match made in heaven designed by the late Virgil Abloh. The Off-White Jordan 1 is an iconic sneaker that will forever be in high demand.
This shoe is very popular among Generation Z and especially sneakerheads. The vibrant colors, the unique shoe design, the scarcity of the shoe and the Off-White touches are what makes this shoe so loved.
6. Jordan 1 Retro High Travis Scott
Travis Scott is one of the biggest artists in the whole world and is admired by Gen Zers. When it comes to his shoe designs, they are always popular and always selling out.
The Travis Scott 1’s have some distinct features that separate them from any other Nike shoes. The reverse swoosh is something different has been seen a handful of times on other Nike shoes.
This shoe is very popular among Generation Z sneakerheads and it can be quite hard to get a pair.
7. Vans Old Skool
The Vans Old Skool are affordable and stylish shoes that Gen Zers love. Whether they are for a guy or a girl, the Vans Old Skool look really good.
These shoes are great for school, work or everyday shoes as they are extremely durable. These versatile shoes are satisfying to look at as they have a simple design.
Recommended Vans:
- Vans Old Skool (see price on Amazon)
- Vans Sk8-hi
- Vans Unisex Slip-On
8. New Balance 550
New Balance has been popular among the running community for years but only recently has it seen mainstream success. Consumers have started to catch on to the fact that New Balance makes extremely comfortable shoes.
In the past, New Balance was known to be a “dad shoe” but now, they have released some new sneakers that have some really sleek designs. The New Balance 550 is super cool shoe that Gen Zers absolutely love.
The New Balance 550 oftentimes sold out and really hard to find. This shoe has taken Generation Z by storm and has revived the New Balance brand.
9. Adidas Ultraboost
The Adidas Ultraboost is the most comfortable running shoe and the most comfortable shoe on this list. This is a great gym sneaker that Generation Z loves.
This shoe is unisex and comes in many different colors. Adidas really outdid themselves with the Boost technology. These shoes really do feel like you’re walking on clouds.
Recommended Adidas Ultraboost:
10. Nike Blazers
Nike Blazers have become very popular among Gen Zers in the last year. This shoe has been popping up everywhere on social media apps like Tiktok and Instagram.
The Nike Blazer has a retro look and is a super versatile shoe. This sneakers comes in many different colors and has a nice look for a high top shoe.
It’s no surprise that this shoe is so love by Generation Z as this sneaker does have a very cool look. This shoe fits very well with the skater boy aesthetic.
Recommended: Nike Blazers (see price on Amazon)
Related: Can You Mix Nike and Adidas – Is Mixing Brands Okay?
11. Crocs
As much as it pains me to say this, Crocs are in style for Generation Z. Personally, I don’t love the style, but there is no denying that Gen Zers are wearing crocks.
Recently, two of my best friends started to wear crocks. In all honesty have to respect them for wearing crocks with such confidence.
Crocs are very comfortable, practical and come in many different colors so I can see why people around my age like to wear them.
Recommended Crocs:
12. Adidas Stan Smith
The Adidas Stan Smith is a classic sneaker that has been around for years. This simple shoe is both versatile, affordable and loved by generation Z. If you’re a college, high school student or in the work force I would recommend picking up a pair of Stan Smiths.
These shoes are unisex and are very durable sneakers. When it comes to those situations where you have to dress a little nicer, the Stan Smith is the perfect shoe.
Recommended Stan Smith:
13. Converse All Star
The Converse All Star has kept their original design for decades. This sneaker is a classic and one of the most recognizable shoe designs worldwide.
Gen Zers love the Converse All Star. This shoe goes well with so many outfits and the design is iconic.
Recommended Converse:
14. Adidas Superstar
The Adidas Superstar is one of the best sneaker for Generation Z. This shoe is super accessible, affordable and looks cool.
The various colors make this shoe so well loved by Gen Zers. When I was in high school everyone was wearing Adidas Superstars.
Recommended Adidas Superstar
15. Nike Air Max 90
The Air Max 90 was created by Tinker Hadfield back in the 1990’s. This shoe was designed to be a comfortable running shoe and has turned into a stylish sneaker.
This shoe has a really cool look that different from most shoes. This sneaker is a favorite among Gen Zers as it is comfortable, unique and comes in many different colors.
Recommended Products
If you’re looking into getting some new shoes, these are some products you absolutely need!
Shoe Cleaner
It’s no secret that shoes get dirty super easily. Whether they’re white shoes or black shoes you are going to want to use a shoe cleaner.
A shoe cleaner can really bring your shoes back to life. Nothing looks better then having some clean and shiny sneakers.
Recommended Shoe Cleaner:
No Show Socks
No matter what sneaker you have, you are going to want to have a few pairs of no show socks. No show socks, sit below the ankle which gives a nice contrast to your sneaker.
Paying attention to the little details is super important. Having low socks will make your sneakers look so much better!
Recommended Low Socks
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Final Thoughts on Best Sneakers for Gen Z
As a Gen Zer myself, I know how hard it can be to keep up with the latest sneaker trends. It feels like just yesterday, “dad shoes” were popular, and now they are no longer in style.
The culture is shifting to slim and simpler sneaker designs (excluding the Yeezy). It’s very clear that Generation Z values comfort above all when it comes to their sneakers!
What are your favorite sneakers? Please let me know in the comments below.
