The 10 Best Women's Sneakers of 2023
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By Stadium Goods |The 10 Best Women's Sneakers of 2023
Our picks for the very best women’s sneaker releases of the year.
Matt DeSciora
As the march towards the end of the year continues, we’re releasing the next installment of our year-end “Best of” series, this time focusing on the Best Women’s Sneakers of 2023. Just like our Best Collaborations, Best Air Jordans, and other category lists, this best women’s sneakers post wasn’t easy to put together, as there were so many great candidates we could have included. In the end, we chose what we feel are the releases over the last twelve months that had the most impact on the culture, whether that be via popularity on social media, in the streets, or otherwise.
As we’ve said before, there has never been a more exciting time in women’s sneakers than right now. More women are involved in the culture today than ever in its history, and brands have stepped up their efforts to meet the demands of ladies looking for the latest and greatest kicks in the form of new collaborations, colorways, and/or silhouettes.
In terms of the brands guiding the culture of women’s sneakers, these are the very best of 2023.
Women’s Air Jordan 4 “Frozen Moments”
Next to the Air Jordan 1, the Air Jordan 4 is the most popular retro model in Jordan Brand’s collection. It’s easy to see why that is, as the old school hoops shoe continues to be released in great collaborations and in ultra wearable colorways, like the women’s-exclusive “Frozen Moments.”
Women’s Air Jordan 11 “Neapolitan”
No shoe had a stronger run to close out the year than the Air Jordan 11. The model has been well-represented this holiday season, as Jordan Brand has released both “Gratitude” and women’s-exclusive “Neapolitan” colorways that pay homage to the Jordan 11’s original and most iconic colorway: the “Concord.”
After flooding timelines and city streets, and even a few suburban streets, too, all throughout 2022, the adidas Samba saw no drop-off in popularity in 2023. Adidas restocked the model’s original “White/Black” colorway more times than we can remember, and the retro soccer shoe was also included in several key collaborations over the last few months. In that regard, few people put on more for the adidas Samba than Wales Bonner in 2023. The talented fashion designer released Sambas with unique design elements and materials this year, like a fold-over style tongue that plays to the model’s soccer roots, and eye-catching faux pony hair.
Women’s Air Jordan 1 High OG “Satin Bred”
Originally released in men’s sizing in limited quantities in 2016, the Air Jordan 1 High OG “Satin Bred” was re-released in women’s sizing for the first time earlier this year. The new version was more widely available than the original from a few years ago, meaning this time around everybody that wanted a pair was able to get them. And that’s definitely a great thing.
Cecilie Bahnsen x ASICS GT-2160
The Y2K sneaker trend was the most popular trend in our culture in 2023. In terms of the shoes fueling its popularity, few had a greater impact than the ASICS GT-2160, specifically those designed by fashion designer Cecilie Bahnsen. Featuring floral details and a velcro strap design that transformed the silhouette into a slip-on style sneaker, Bahnsen’s take on the GT-2160 was one of the most creative footwear projects of the year. Shop all four colorways: Black, Silver, Pink, and Blue
A Ma Maniére x Women's Air Jordan 12 “White” and “Black”
There’s no slowing down James Whitner’s A Ma Maniére boutique when it comes to collaborations. After releasing the acclaimed Women’s Air Jordan 3 “Raised by Women” a few years ago, the premium clothing and sneaker retailer delivered yet another great women’s shoe in the Air Jordan 12 “White” and “Black” colorways. Both styles feature A Ma Maniére’s signature upscale design aesthetic.
It’s been close to a decade since the heyday of Nike Basketball, but the line is on the upswing now thanks to Sabrina Ionescu’s new Women’s Nike Sabrina 1. Debuted earlier this year, the model features everything you’d want in a performance basketball shoe technology wise while still being stylish enough to wear on a daily basis with casual outfits. It’ll be interesting to see where Nike takes Sabrina’s signature shoe line next with the Women’s Nike Sabrina 2—and beyond.
From a digital mood board to a full-scale clothing brand, former Complex staffer Emily Oberg’s Sporty & Rich fashion and lifestyle company has been on the come up for a few years now. This year, the brand teamed up with adidas to release several adidas Sambas in colorways with Sporty & Rich’s signature sporty-yet-luxury aesthetic. The brands’ collaborations no doubt played a big role in keeping the Samba at the forefront of sneakers in 2023.
Teyana Taylor x Women’s Air Jordan 1 Zoom Comfort 2 “A Rose From Harlem”
Born in Harlem, recording artist Teyana Taylor has a unique way of dressing that reflects her New York City upbringing. Earlier this year, the sneaker world got a glimpse of this when Teyana debuted her first-ever sneaker collaboration with Jordan Brand on the Women’s Air Jordan 1 Zoom Comfort 2 “A Rose From Harlem.” The lifestyle-ready shoe’s oversized Swoosh with zig-zag stitching, thorn details, and rose lace dubrae all accounted for some first-ever details on the iconic Jordan 1 silhouette, which is no easy feat.
Women’s Nike Air Footscape Woven
Retro performance running shoes weren’t the only sneakers of a certain vintage to return in 2023. This year also saw the reintroduction of the Nike Air Footscape Woven, a shoe that combines elements of the Nike Air Footscape with the Nike Air Woven. The model made its return in the women’s-exclusive “Cow Print” and “Black/Smoke Grey” colorways, which each feature a faux pony hair upper for a bold, unforgettable look. Here’s to Nike giving us more sneaker mash-ups as great as the Air Footscape Woven in 2024.