The 10 Best Back-to-School Sneakers for 2023

Going back to school in style doesn’t have to mean blowing a bag, entering endless raffles, or jumping through other hoops to get your hands on a pair of decent sneakers.

Whether you’re looking to get in on the 2010s mesh runner wave, mix it up with classics from Nike and Vans that have been given a twist, or just keep it simple, you’ll find those and more here.

Make your back-to-school shopping a bit easier with this list.

Where to Buy It: Nike

The Vomero wave is in full effect. Nike is doing everything it can to juice the popular silhouette, and now is your chance to own this Mystic Navy and Worn Blue variety with reflective details. Whether it’s a clean GR or a special release the likes of the pair that released as part of the Doernbecher Freestyle collection, it seems like the model is here to stay. The SNKRS app said it best: This Vomero is “your go-to for complexity, depth and easy styling.” —Ben Felderstein

Where to Buy It: Vans

Remixing a classic shoe isn’t an easy job. People are used to what they’ve come to know, and messing too much with an iconic sneaker can push away fans instead of bringing in new ones. But Vans was able to get it right with the Knu Skool. It gives the beloved Old Skool a different edge that actually works. It’s puffy in the right places, and the exaggerated Sidestripe is bold but not gaudy. Buy these in black and white and you’ll be able to run them through the winter easily. —Riley Jones

Where to Buy It: Asics

A number of different Asics mesh runners could’ve taken this spot, but the Gel-Kayano 14 is arguably the best looking (and most comfortable) of the current offerings. Originally released in 2008, the late-aughts look has become one of the most popular types of sneakers recently, and these are about as good as the trend gets. For $150, you’ll want to take care of them and give them a nice cleaning from time to time, but you won’t regret the purchase if you’re looking for something a little different that’s still plenty stylish. —Riley Jones

Where to Buy It: New Balance

Perhaps no brand has championed the current mesh runner wave quite like New Balance has, and there’s no better example of it than the 1906R. We’ve seen the model gain popularity due to collabs with Aimé Leon Dore and Ganni, but this perfectly clean metallic silver pair does the trick as well. —Ben Felderstein

Where to Buy It: Nike

It’s one of the most iconic sneakers of all time for a reason. Not much else needs to be said about the Nike Air Force 1. Make a statement this school year with a shoe that has proven its ability to stand the test of time and will only continue to do so. —Ben Felderstein

Where to Buy It: Nike

With a retail price that can climb as high as $185 for premium pairs, getting any Nike Air Max 95 on sale is almost always a smart buy. This particular “Icons” colorway, which mixes OG-style gradient mesh with two hits of color, somehow flew under the radar and has dropped to around $120. If you can find a coupon code to stack, you might have the best budget buy on the whole list. —Riley Jones

Where to Buy It: Reebok

Chances are, plenty of people at your school are going to have New Balance 550s, Dunks, and so forth. If you want that sort of ‘80s look without blending in, the Reebok BB 4000 II is a valid option. They’ve got a timeless look, a sturdy, durable build, and they’re only $90. —Riley Jones

Where to Buy It: Adidas

Need a go-to sneaker this back-to-school season that’s both simple and stylish? This "Terracotta" Humanrace x Adidas Samba collab has you covered. The sneaker’s tonal color scheme makes it easy to wear year-round, while the premium materials help the sneakers last longer. —Victor Deng

Where to Buy It: Bodega

After New Balance and Asics, Saucony is one of those brands that is fully capitalizing on the current direction that the footwear market is heading. Retro running sneakers with colorful mesh and metallic overlays is what’s in, and this bright pair of Progrid Triumph 4s checks all of those boxes. —Ben Felderstein

Where to Buy It: Bodega

The Nike Alpha Force is a sneaker that hasn’t been re-released too often, but the 1980s classic is back on shelves and has strangely gone unnoticed for the most part. And just in case you needed any more convincing to cop a pair for the upcoming academic year, Michael Jordan himself wore this specific colorway during the shoe's initial launch in the 1980s. —Victor Deng