8 Must-Have Sneakers Gen Zs Are Keeping in Their Shoe Rotation
Sep 18, 2023 • Kyzia Maramara
If you’re looking for inspo for new sneakers to add to your shoe rotation, look no further than the shoe racks of all the Gen Zs out there. What to expect: a good mix of trendy footwear plus classics that will never go out of style. Here are a few of the best sneakers Gen Z are wearing in 2023:
FENTY x PUMA Avanti
Global icon Rihanna and sports company PUMA have officially launched their newest product franchise together. The FENTY x PUMA Avanti is a fashion take on the football trend with buttery soft vintage leather, plus a fold-over tongue with a debossed and printed gold-foil FENTY and PUMA CAT logo.
It’s an unconventional mix of two PUMA icons blending the high-quality leather design of the King football boot with the outsole of the heritage running shoe, Easy Rider. The black and white version is complimented by a chrome execution with laser-etched logos and leather chrome details. It’s also available in kids sizes!
Where to buy: PUMA Shangri-La, PUMA website
Adidas Samba OG
The Adidas Samba OG was originally designed for indoor soccer when it was first released in 1950. Modern times have converted it into one of the most popular and versatile fashion sneakers. It boasts a simple minimalist design — soft leather upper, suede overlays, gum rubber outsole — making it a staple in everyone’s closet.
Where to buy: Adidas outlets and stockists, Footlocker Philippines
Adidas Gazelle
The Adidas Gazelle, over 70 years later, remains an iconic pair made for runways, podiums, skateparks, and everything in between. Depending on the Gazelle version you’re eyeing, you’ll get a low-profile silhouette made with Adidas’ iconic leather upper and rubber outsole in a wide range of colors to fit your style.
Where to buy: Adidas outlets and stockists, Footlocker Philippines
New Balance 530
For the comfiest running shoes that you can dress down or up, check out the New Balance 530. Originally released in 1992, it has gone on to charm generations — even the Gen Z — and has become one of the brand’s bestselling pairs. The New Balance 530s are made with a mesh upper for breathability and cushioned with AZORB technology for shock absorption. It’s available in a variety of colors and can be worn for running, casual wear, or streetstyle.
Where to buy: New Balance outlets, Footlocker Philippines
New Balance 2002R
Since “dad shoes” are in, the New Balance 2002R is still on everyone’s radar despite being released over a decade ago in 2010. It comes with the same features as the NB 530s: cushioned midsole, AZORB technology, and a rubber outsole for traction. It’s got an upper that’s made with mixed durable suede plus lightweight mesh. The charm of the 2002R is that it can fit well with any OOTD whether it’s a sundress, jeans and a plain white tee, slacks and blazers, or simply shorts and skirts.
Where to buy: New Balance outlets, Footlocker Philippines
Hoka Bondi 8
One of the best things about the fashion sense of today’s generation is that you can turn running shoes into lifestyle footwear and no one will bat an eye. Take the Hoka Bondi 8, for example. It’s one of the best running shoes in the market offering comfort and stability — both qualities that make it great everyday footwear. Outside of exercising, you can wear it anywhere you like. To the office on a casual day, on a weekend stroll at the mall, even to work events if you wanted to. The Hoka Bondi 8 is made in a wide range of colors and styles with the same softer midsoles, wider bases, and rubber outsole for traction.
Where to buy: Hoka Philippines
Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66
Is it even a good sneaker list if Onitsuka isn’t on it? A timeless classic, the Mexico 66s have withstood many sneaker trends and cemented themselves as a wardrobe staple. It comes in a number of colors and styles combining the features of the original Onitsuka Limber-Up training shoe that debuted in 1961. Features include leather upper with suede overlays plus the iconic pull tab and stripes.
Where to buy: Onitsuka Tiger stores, Onitsuka Tiger website
Veja Refice Sneakers
More and more folks are out there sporting French brand Veja’s sneakers and for good reason. For starters, the Recife Sneakers come with nostalgic velcro straps that remove the stress of having to tie and untie laces. And let’s face it — we all need a pair of shoes like that in our wardrobes. The Chromefree versions are also made from recycled materials. This pair looks clean and minimal, you could wear it with jeans or a skirt, a tank top, and your favorite dainty accessories.
Where to buy: Zalora
Check us out on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, and YouTube, to be the first to know about the latest news and coolest trends!
