Image via Complex Original
Underrated is, of course, in the eye of the beholder. So what may be an underrated sneaker to some, may not be to another. That said, some styles are certainly more underrated than others—for example, limited releases that don't immediately sell out, or new styles that wind up on the clearance racks. The discerning sneakerhead should look at this as a chance to cop cheaply and still have people wondering where they scored. Peep The Most Underrated Sneakers Available Right Now and feel free to share. After you get your size, of course. And let us know what other styles you feel are underappreciated in the comments section below.
Nike FC247 Lunar Gato II
Available At: Nike Store
Now that the Gato has slid over to SB, it won't be long before everyone has a pair. We say skip the basic black SBs, and get something more colorful made for the (indoor) pitch. Then tell everyone they were SB quickstrikes.
adidas Originals ZX 9000
Available At: Overkill
adidas's entire ZX line is legendary, yet some seem to get more respect than others. The ZX 5000 might be the flavor of the year thanks to a certain BAPE collab, but this baby blue ZX 9000 shouldn't be overlooked.
Outlier x Vans OTW Bedford
Available At: Premier
We shouldn't have to tell you anything about an Outlier x Vans collab except where to buy it. We good?
Under Armour Micro G Gridiron Trainer
Available At: Under Armour
With the lines of a classic Nike turf trainer and all the tech Under Armour can manage to squeeze in, the Gridiron Trainer is literally the best of both worlds. Come correct for the new NFL season.
11. Vans OTW Lynwood
Available At: Premier
These are not boots. The OTW Lynwood is more like a Half Cab Lite and a half, rising above the ankle. Don't limit yourself to Old Skools and Eras when checking out Vans.
Nike Air Max Stutter Step
Available At: Zappos
Not all of Nike's dope basketball shoes are signature models. The budget-minded Air Max Stutter Step combines the look of the latest Jordan Brand offerings with a tried and tested Air Max unit in the heel. Proper.
Jordan Trunner Dominate Pro
Available At: Finish Line
Don't think of it as a pure training shoe, think of it as an all-around sneaker with Flight Plate for $125. Which, if our math is correct, is half the price of the flagship Air Jordan XX8. Sick colors, too.
adidas Busenitz Vulc
Available At: CCS
The adidas Busenitz has been one of the best skate shoes on the market from the second it dropped, but its vulc makeup hasn't gotten quite as much love (which means you can cop for $45). Help change that.
Nike Skateboarding Project BA
Available At: Kinetic
Brian Anderson's newest Nike SB doesn't have the cache of a Koston or the heritage of a P-Rod, but it's not going to be a shoe you'll see in every Pac Sun, either. Take a step outside the skate mainstream.
Emerica The Reynolds Low
Available At: Zumiez
Sometimes it seems like everyone forgets about the core skate brands. Emerica's Reynolds low combines a classic look with new tech, perfect in black and gold. And if you don't know who Andrew Reynolds is, fix that.
New Balance 890v3
Available At: New Balance
Think high-tech runners aren't suitable for street wear? Think again. And if your experience with New Balance is limited to the greys and blues of their classic models, definitely take a look at the performance range. This limited edition Boston Marathon model is still available in plenty of sizes.
Vans OTW Prelow
Available At: Tilly's
The Vans OTW Prelow is a strange one - is it a shoe, or is it a sneaker? It's essentially a lace-up shoe on a free-type sole, only made from ballistic nylon. Probably not the most skatable silhouette, but feel free to wear them to work.
Road Runner x Nike Pegasus 30
Available At: Road Runner Sports
Not your usual collab. The Pegasus has been a Nike Running staple for 30 years now, and this Road Runner version gives the newest model some where'd-you-get-those flair.
Reebok GL 6000
Available At: Sheiks
Yup, Reebok made technical runners. They still do, of course, but back in the '80s they weren't just producing garment leather aerobics shoes and bulky basketball Pump predecessors. The GL 6000 is a cool alternate to the ubiquitous Classic Leather.
Nike Trainer 5.0
Available At: Finish Line
Think of it as a Free Inneva Woven that you can actually afford. Sure, it doesn't have that hand-done weave, but it's a great everyday shoe that can go from the gym to the block.
