Updated On: April 07, 2024 by 
Nouran Ashraf
The unspoken fashion rule says no outfit is complete without a statement piece; by statement piece, we mean luxury sneakers. Owning a pair of luxury sneakers has become a way to express personal style and personality.
Luxury sneakers are not simply about hype and limited-edition releases. Skilled artisans often meticulously crafted them using traditional shoemaking techniques passed down through generations.
When looking for shoes, it is recommended to consider going with a luxury sneakers brand because you are investing in new design elements, premium materials such as exotic leathers and high-tech fabrics, and thorough construction techniques. So, what brands are we going to talk about today? Let’s find out.
Step into the world of sneakers with these luxury sneak brands:
8 Luxury Sneaker Brands
The world of luxury sneakers is fascinating, where brands push the boundaries of design, craftsmanship, and exclusivity. The luxury sneaker market has exploded in recent years, with brands offering high-quality, innovative designs at premium prices.
Here are the top 8 luxury sneaker brands to keep an eye on:
Loro Piana
Each pair displays the brand’s characteristic blend of sophistication and comfort, from classic low-top sneakers to sleek and contemporary high-tops. We’re talking about Loro Piana, a luxury company created in 1924. A family-owned and operated business that ensures its values and traditions are passed down through generations.
The Italian luxury sneakers brand is known for its use of the finest materials, such as supple calfskin, buttery suede, and luxurious virgin wool, which are meticulously crafted to create stylish and durable sneakers.
Today, Loro Piana has expanded its offerings to include a wide range of luxury goods, including clothing, accessories, and, of course, sneakers.
Popular Loro Piana Luxury Sneaker Styles:
- Summer Walk: This iconic slip-on sneaker is crafted from Loro Piana’s exclusive “The Gift of Kings®” Merino wool and features a comfortable, relaxed fit.
- Walk Lace Up: This versatile lace-up sneaker is available in various materials, including calfskin, suede, and canvas. It offers a timeless design and a comfortable fit for everyday wear.
- Open Walk: This contemporary slip-on sneaker features an open heel and a sleek, minimalist design. It’s perfect for adding a touch of luxury to casual looks.
- Tech Walk: This technical sneaker is designed for both performance and style. It features a water-resistant upper, a comfortable Ortholite footbed, and a Vibram rubber sole for optimal traction.
Golden Goose
Golden Goose is an Italian luxury sneakers brand that has taken the world by storm with its unique and instantly recognisable distressed sneakers. Founded in 2000 by Francesca Rinaldo and Alessandro Gallo, the brand has carved its own niche in the fashion industry, attracting loyal followers worldwide.
Rinaldo and Gallo, both outsiders to the fashion world, were inspired by their travels and experiences to create a brand that reflected their personal style. They wanted to offer something different from the mainstream, something that was both stylish and comfortable. And so, Golden Goose was born.
The brand’s first collection featured a single style of sneaker: a distressed, vintage-inspired tennis shoe. This unique design resonated with customers who were looking for something different. Golden Goose quickly gained a cult following, and the brand has continued to grow and evolve ever since.
Popular Golden Goose Luxury Sneaker Styles:
- Superstar: This iconic low-top sneaker is the brand’s best-selling style. It features a distressed finish and a star logo on the side.
- Ball Star: This high-top sneaker is a more recent addition to the Golden Goose line. It features a clean and classic design with a touch of vintage flair.
- Old School: This low-top sneaker is inspired by classic basketball shoes. It features a distressed finish and a chunky sole.
- Slide: This casual slip-on sneaker is perfect for everyday wear. It features a comfortable fit and a minimalist design.
Common Projects
In the world of luxury sneakers, this American brand is known for its iconic Achilles sneakers; Common Projects stands out for its minimalist aesthetic and commitment to exceptional quality. Founded in 2004 by Prathan Poopat and Flavio Girolami, the brand has gained a cult following among fashion-forward individuals who appreciate understated elegance.
Poopat, a former art director, and Girolami, a footwear consultant, were dissatisfied with the need for more high-quality, minimalist sneakers on the market. They set out to create a brand that would offer timeless designs and exceptional craftsmanship, using only the finest materials. The brand name “Common Projects” reflects their philosophy of creating everyday shoes with an elevated design.
Common Projects sneakers are characterised by their clean lines, minimal branding, and premium materials. The brand’s most iconic style, the Original Achilles, features a sleek silhouette with a rounded toe and a contrasting heel tab. Each pair is handcrafted in Italy using premium Italian leather and suede. The sneakers are also known for their signature gold serial number embossed on the side, which adds a touch of luxury and exclusivity.
Popular Common Projects Luxury Sneaker Styles:
- Original Achilles: The Original Achilles is the brand’s most iconic style and the one that started it all. It features a sleek silhouette with a rounded toe and a contrasting heel tab. Available in low-top and mid-top versions and a variety of colours, it’s a versatile and timeless choice.
- Retro Low: This retro-inspired low-top sneaker has a slightly thicker sole and a vintage aesthetic compared to the Original Achilles. It offers a slightly more casual and relaxed look while still maintaining the brand’s signature minimalist style.
- Tournament Low: The Tournament Low is a canvas sneaker with a minimalist design, perfect for casual wear. Its lightweight construction and comfortable fit make it a great option for everyday use. It comes in a variety of neutral colours, making it versatile and easy to style.
- Track 90: The Track 90 is a running-inspired sneaker with a vintage feel and a modern twist. Its chunky sole and mixed materials add a unique touch to the classic runner silhouette. This style is perfect for those who want a comfortable and stylish sneaker for everyday wear.
Visvim
Visvim is a Japanese luxury fashion brand founded in 2000 by Hiroki Nakamura. The brand is known for its unique blend of traditional Japanese craftsmanship, American-inspired aesthetics, and high-quality materials. Visvim sneakers are coveted by collectors and fashion enthusiasts worldwide.
Nakamura, a musician and designer, originally started Visvim as a way to express his personal style. He was inspired by his travels around the world, and his designs often incorporate elements from different cultures and eras. Nakamura’s vision for Visvim is to create timeless and functional clothing that will last for generations.
Visvim is committed to sustainable practices and ethical sourcing. The brand uses recycled materials in some of its products and sources its leather from tanneries that meet high ethical standards. Additionally, the brand’s shoes are made in Japan, where labour laws are stricter than in many other countries.
Popular Visvim Luxury Sneaker Styles:
- FBT: This low-top sneaker is one of Visvim’s most iconic styles. Inspired by vintage military trainers, the FBT features a comfortable Vibram sole and a unique lacing system.
- Skagway Low: This classic low-top sneaker features a timeless design. Available in a variety of materials and colours.
- Folk: This high-top sneaker has a vintage-inspired design. The Folk features a padded collar and tongue for added comfort, making it ideal for long walks or hikes. Its unique details and Japanese-inspired aesthetic make it a collector’s favourite.
- Christo: This modern take on the classic basketball shoe features a sleek silhouette and a chunky sole. The Christo offers a contemporary look while still retaining a timeless appeal. Its bold statement and comfortable fit make it a popular choice among fashion-forward individuals.
Dries Van Noten
Dries Van Noten is a Belgian luxury fashion brand founded in 1986 by the designer of the same name. Known for its vibrant colours, unconventional prints, and intricate embroidery, Dries Van Noten has carved a unique niche in the fashion world. The brand’s foray into luxury sneakers offers a contemporary twist on its signature aesthetics, attracting a new generation of fashion enthusiasts.
Dries Van Noten is committed to sustainability and ethical practices. The brand uses some recycled materials in its clothing and accessories and sources its materials from suppliers who meet high ethical standards.
Popular Dries Van Noten Luxury Sneaker Styles:
- Panelled Running Sneaker: A classic running shoe silhouette with a modern twist.
- Oversized Sneaker: A bold statement piece with a chunky silhouette and exaggerated sole.
- Floral Printed Canvas Sneakers: Low-top sneakers with an all-over floral print on multicoloured canvas.
- Panelled Low-Top Sneakers: Clean and classic design with contrasting panels.
Axel Arigato
Axel Arigato is a Swedish luxury footwear and ready-to-wear brand founded in 2014 by Max Svärdh and Albin Johansson. The brand has quickly gained a loyal following for its sleek and minimalist designs, high-quality materials, and affordable prices.
Svärdh and Johansson, both passionate about sneakers and fashion, started Axel Arigato from their apartment in Gothenburg, Sweden. They initially sold their shoes online, using social media to build a community of fans. Their focus on quality, design, and affordability resonated with customers, and the brand quickly grew in popularity.
The brand’s design philosophy is focused on creating timeless and minimalist footwear that is both stylish and comfortable. They use premium materials such as Italian leather and suede, and their shoes are handcrafted in Portugal by skilled artisans.
Popular Axel Arigato Luxury Sneaker Styles:
- Clean 90: The brand’s iconic low-top sneaker features a clean silhouette, rounded toe, and tonal stitching. Available in a wide range of colours and materials, making it a versatile choice for everyday wear.
- Orbit: A statement-making chunky platform sneaker with a bold silhouette and contrasting upper. Perfect for those who want to add a touch of edge to their outfit.
- Aeon: A modern take on the classic basketball shoe with a clean silhouette and padded collar and tongue.
- Clean Court: A low-top tennis-inspired sneaker with a clean design and comfortable fit.
Velasca
Enrico Casati and Jacopo Sebastio launched Velasca, a luxury sneakers brand, in 2013. The label is recognised for its exquisite, timeless designs, high-quality materials, and precise Italian craftsmanship.
Casati and Sebastio, who are both passionate about Italian artistry and fashion, founded Velasca with the goal of creating luxury sneakers that are both fashionable and comfortable. They began by choosing the highest-quality materials from local Italian artisans and producing their shoes in tiny, family-owned factories. Customers responded well to their emphasis on quality and style, and the brand swiftly gained popularity.
The brand’s design concept revolves around producing timeless and elegant sneakers that can be worn for any occasion. Expert artisans construct their shoes utilising traditional methods and fine materials such as Italian calfskin leather and suede. Velasca’s designs are typically inspired by classic Italian styles, but they also incorporate contemporary elements to keep them fresh.
Popular Velasca Luxury Sneaker Styles:
- Belèratt: This smooth calf leather the low-top sneaker, is available in a range of colours. Light, unlined, and soft to the touch, it’s ideal for summer and is considered one of Velasca’s most iconic designs.
- Camoscio: A chunky platform sneaker with a bold silhouette and contrasting upper. Perfect for those who want to add a touch of edge to their outfit.
- Diego: This classic high-top sneaker is perfect for both casual and dressier occasions. It features a padded collar and tongue for added comfort and is known for its timeless and versatile style.
- Malnatt: This low-top sneaker is inspired by 70s tennis shoes, with a sporty silhouette that maintains a sleek aesthetic.
JAK:
JAK is a luxury sneaker brand founded in 2014 by Isabel and Jose Maria, a couple with a passion for design and craftsmanship. The brand is based in Lisbon, Portugal, and is known for its minimalist and timeless designs, high-quality materials, and meticulous Portuguese craftsmanship.
The design philosophy of JAK is based on simplicity and clean lines. Each pair of sneakers is created with a focus on functionality and wearability in mind. This minimalist approach highlights the high-quality materials and craftsmanship.
Popular JAK Luxury Sneaker Styles:
- Atom: A sleek and minimalist low-top sneaker available in a range of colours. It features a clean design with a round toe and a contrasting heel tab.
- Royal: A timeless high-top sneaker with a classic silhouette. It features a padded collar and tongue for added comfort.
- Cosmo: A modern low-top sneaker with a chunky sole and a contemporary design. It offers a bold statement while maintaining JAK’s minimalist aesthetic.
- Nova: A versatile low-top sneaker with a comfortable fit. It features a clean design with contrasting panels and is available in a variety of colours.
Finally, Stepping into Luxury
We gathered all of the luxury sneaker brands from across the world for you to choose which one you want to try. What we can guarantee you is that the quality is more than great, and the fit is, of course, comfortable. And what we love about the majority of the luxury brands we listed is that they are sustainable. So, which luxury sneaker brands would you choose?
