9 designer sneakersAs the likes of Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Balenciaga delve more into street style, we’re seeing an increasing number of sneakers hitting the shelves. There’s clearly a demand for the unrivaled urban appeal and comfort that come with a good-looking pair of kicks. Add in some designer flair and you have yourself a winning formula.

While the chunky “ugly” trend may be all the rage right now, it’s not for everyone. Fortunately, there are more than enough timeless silhouettes out there that are guaranteed to serve you well no matter where fashion decides to go in the next few years.

In this post, we’ll take a look at nine designer sneakers that are worth investing in, whether it be for their versatility, striking designs or just good old comfort.

Alexander McQueen Oversized Sneaker
Alexander McQueen Oversized Sneaker (courtesy)
Alexander McQueen Oversized Sneaker

What happens when you give a legendary designer a pair of good old Stan Smiths? Well, probably something along the lines of Alexander McQueen’s daring but classy oversized sneaker. Featuring a premium leather upper, buttery smooth suede heel and the iconic thick outsole, this shoe is perfect for just about anything.

The extra thick outsole not only adds a good spring to your step, but also a few inches to your height. Who needs to stumble around in heels, right?

Gucci Ace
Gucci Ace
Gucci Ace (Courtesy)

The timeless Ace is now available in more variations than ever, from the simple and clean white leather variant to more striking combinations of snakeskin, monogram-print denim and the iconic three stripes.

While they’re not as pricey as some other designer kicks out there, they’re not exactly “cheap,” so it helps to save when you can.

Fortunately, SSENSE has a great variety of Gucci Sneakers to choose from – and at far better prices than what most high-end fashion retailers can offer.

Even if the Ace isn’t your cup of tea, you can pick up a pair of slides, cozy up in some loafers, or get in on the chunky trend with a pair of Gucci’s new Rhyton sneakers.

balenciaga speed knit
Balenciaga Speed Knit (courtesy)
Balenciaga Speed Knit

No designer sneaker list would be complete without a pair of the iconic “sock shoes” from Balenciaga. The comfy, minimal upper is adorned with nothing more than the brand’s legendary logo. New models are now available with updated outsole designs, giving you more color combinations to play with.

Golden Goose Superstar

While the Speed Knit sneakers focus on being as clean and minimal as possible, Golden Goose’s approach is a little different. The Superstars feature the distressed detailing that the brand has become known for. Add in a premium leather upper, removable insole and the beloved star logo and you have yourself a statement piece and a half.

Golden Goose Superstar
Golden Goose Superstar (Courtesy)

Comme Des Garcons x Converse Chuck Taylor
Comme Des Garcons x Converse Chuck Taylor (courtesy)
Comme Des Garcons x Converse Chuck Taylor

While you’d be lucky to score anything from Comme Des Garcons for less than a few hundred dollars, their Chuck Taylor collaboration sneaker can be picked up for little more than a standard pair of kicks from Converse. There’s not too much to differentiate them in terms of design, but CDG has gone and added their iconic heart logo and given the shoes a clean and recognizable off-white colorway. Just be sure to get them in a size down from your standard as they run pretty big.

Givenchy Strap Slip-On

Givenchy’s loud but effective approach to branding gives the Strap Slip-On sneakers an iconic look that makes sure everyone knows you’re not messing around when it comes to what you put on your feet. As the name suggests, there are no laces to deal with here, just a clean leather upper, rubber outsole and the logo-adorned nylon strap.

Givenchy Strap Slip-On
Givenchy Strap Slip-On (courtesy)

Common Projects Achilles
Common Projects Achilles (courtesy)
Common Projects Achilles

The Achilles is considered by many an essential pair of sneakers for any enthusiast. They’re extremely clean, comfortable and will probably outlast any other shoe in your wardrobe. The monochrome leather upper features their iconic gold-tone model number and nothing more. There are also enough color options available to suit everyone’s tastes.

Burberry Salmond

If the Achilles are a little too clean for you, perhaps the Salmond will entice you more. While fundamentally similar to the Gucci Ace and Achilles in terms of design, Burberry has gone and added their staple British flair to the upper and stamped their logo onto the heel. Be sure to order a size up here, as they tend to run small.

Burberry Salmond
Burberry Salmond (courtesy)

Filling Pieces Mondo
Filling Pieces Mondo (courtesy)
Filling Pieces Mondo

If you’re looking for a clean, logo-free sneaker with a unique silhouette, the Mondos are a solid option. The outsole and high top-style upper are instantly recognizable and now come in a number of materials, including premium options such as quilted leather.

It won’t be easy to choose just one, but regardless of which pair you opt for, you’re set with a great pair of sneakers that will last a lifetime and always make a good impression. Just don’t get them dirty.