10 Must-Have Sneakers for Every Collection

Some styles, quite simply, never go out of style. There is never a time when the classic white on white Nike Air Force 1 has been passe. By all means, keep up with the trends if you can, but always have the staples on hand.

Alternatives: adidas Superstar, Reebok Workout

While it's nice to stock up on kicks that are already considered classics, it's also healthy to pick up some current models that have staying power. Look back to what worked in the past, and lay that equation onto what's on shelves now. What are designers turning out that will have kids lining up to cop retros of 30 years down the road? Hard to say, but the Nike Free Run+ 2 should damn well be one. And it's not alone.

Alternates: Nike Zoom Vapor Tour 9, Air Jordan 2011.

You don't have to hail from the left coast and rock Dickies to need a reason to rock vulcanized canvas. The Converse All Star belongs in every closet and even multi-millionares keep them on their feet. The low low price tag make them virtually impossible to pass on and the black and white colorways have been a staple in this country for almost 100 years.

Alternates: Pro-Keds Royal, PF Flyers Center

Nike pioneered what we now know as the modern running shoe back in 1972 with the Cortez and have been pushing the limits ever since. In 1987, their Air technology burst from the midsole, resulting in Visible Air (and millions upon millions in sales). While Max Air worked its way through all categories, running was where its impact was felt most. Sergio Lozano's Air Max 95 is an all-time classic, but it's not alone.

Alternatives: Nike Air Max 90 "Infrared," Nike Air Max 1

Like the GZA once said about something totally different, "you gotta read the labels." The Gucci Tennis 84 has been a legendary sneaker in the game for decades now, and designer-label joints have been poppin' since Ballys first came out of Switzerland. There's been plenty of options since when it comes to the highest of high-end, so save that Flight Club money and step up to the plate.

Alternatives: Atu Matsumoto Cowhide Sneaker, Kanye West x Louis Vuitton Jasper

No way you could just name one New Balance that is a must-have for the sneaker rotation, although the classic "steel grey" 1300 is a good a place as any to start. The brand takes style and comfort to another level and, their "Made in USA" line should be a necessity to the American wardrobe — and any collector's racks. If the 1300 isn't your style (who ARE you?), there are always the custom options of the 574 or 993, or other USA-made classics like the 990 or 998.

Alternatives: New Balance 574, New Balance 998

It's not just Weezy, everyone's got skate shoes in their arsenal these days. And whether they're a basic OG like the Vans Era or some modern joints like the Supra Skytop II, there's something for everyone whether you own a board or not.

Alternates: Nike SB Stefan Janoski, Supra Skytop II

No one's had an impact on the sneaker game quite like Michael Jordan (and Tinker Hatfield). The black/cement Air Jordan III could be considered the greatest Js of all time, you can rock them with virtually anything from khakis, camo shorts, even a suit if you are willing to risk it. No sneaker has ever looked better with jeans and a hoodie. Tinker's elephant-print trimmed mid-cut design helped keep Mike with Nike and did for sneaker design what the '57 Chevy did for cars. That said, it wasn't the only J that flipped the script.

Alternates: Air Jordan I "Black/Red," Air Jordan XI "Concord"

The 1996 NBA Draft Class — which included Allen Iverson, Stephon Marbury, Kobe Bryant, Ray Allen and Steve Nash among others — is widely considered to be the best ever. It was also the first group to hit following the Air Jordan XI, meaning they had quite a head start when it came to sneakers. Thus, plenty of them had signature heat. The recently re-released Reebok Questions may be the best, but there are other musts in the class as well.

Alternates: adidas Crazy 8, Air Jordan Retro XIII "Ray Allen"

Not something to wear every day — or even wear at all. But the fact that adidas Originals lets Jeremy Scott go wild with shoes like the JS Bear, or Nike allows their SB partners to do damn near anything they please eventually trickles down to the everyday product.

Alternatives: Nike Dunk High Pro SB "Supreme," Nike Air MAG