Sneakerheads, 2023 was a whirlwind year where brands pushed boundaries, remixing classics and dropping collaborations like Tiffany & Co. x Nike AF1, Patta x Converse, and KITH x adidas x Clarks Sambas, creating a frenzy that defined sneaker history.
With so many high-profile releases, it’s easy to miss out if you’re not winning raffles or paying resale prices, but while the biggest names dominate, many incredible sneakers go unnoticed, waiting for their moment to shine.
This phenomenon isn’t new; it happens every single year. Some truly brilliant designs live life under the radar, awaiting their moment to shine. That’s precisely why we’re here: to cut through the noise and shine a much-needed light on the unsung heroes of the sneaker kingdom. These aren’t just random kicks; they’re smart buys, curated for fashion enthusiasts who understand that true style and value often lie beyond the loudest hype cycles. Get ready to elevate your rotation with some serious gems.
1. **Merrell Moab Speed GORE-TEX 1TRL**
Merrell has cemented its reputation for crafting comfortable, utilitarian footwear, with silhouettes like the Winter Moc and Hydro Moc becoming synonymous with cozy, adventure-ready style. Yet, amidst these well-loved offerings, the Moab Speed GORE-TEX 1TRL stands out as one of the brand’s most criminally underrated sneakers. It’s a true workhorse cloaked in an aesthetic that’s surprisingly versatile, a testament to Merrell’s deeper capabilities beyond its more casual fan favorites.
The inclusion of GORE-TEX isn’t just a branding detail; it’s a robust stamp of approval for performance and durability. This means the Moab Speed GORE-TEX 1TRL isn’t afraid of a little (or a lot of) messy weather, making it an ideal companion for those unpredictable days when you need both protection and style. It seamlessly bridges the gap between rugged outdoor functionality and urban exploration, offering peace of mind no matter what elements you encounter on your journey.
This particular silhouette shines because it effortlessly matches various styles, from minimalist streetwear to adventurous gorpcore, proving that functional design can enhance any outfit without being overly flashy.
For the fashion enthusiast who values substance as much as style, the Moab Speed GORE-TEX 1TRL is a no-brainer. It delivers on comfort, protection, and a subtle yet distinct aesthetic that often gets overlooked in the crowded market. This is your chance to snag a high-performing, stylish kick from a brand respected for its quality, all while staying ahead of the curve before everyone else catches on.
2. **Nike Air Max 96 II Sneakers**
The Nike Air Max lineage is legendary, a cornerstone of sneaker culture, and the Air Max 96 has been a significant player since its original debut in 1996. For years, it might have flown slightly under the radar compared to its more celebrated siblings, but 2022 marked a pivotal moment. The sneaker world spoke, loud and clear, and Nike truly listened, giving this retro silhouette the attention it so richly deserves, bringing it back into the conversation with a renewed vigor.
There’s been a noticeable and incredibly welcome shift in the sneaker landscape, with a refreshing emphasis on retro silhouettes over the futuristic, technical designs that once dominated. This pivot has been astounding, signaling that the big names are keenly tuned into the desires of their core audience. For discerning collectors and style mavens, this means more re-releases of underrated gems, and the Nike Air Max 96 II is a prime example of this exciting trend finally coming to fruition.
This particular iteration, the Air Max 96 II, embodies that sweet spot of vintage appeal and modern wearability. Its design, with those distinctive wavy lines and layered panels, is instantly recognizable as a product of its era, yet it feels entirely relevant in today’s fashion climate. It’s a silhouette that carries a rich history without feeling dated, offering a fantastic opportunity to own a piece of sneaker heritage that’s been given a fresh lease on life by the Swoosh itself.
Opting for the Air Max 96 II now is a smart move for anyone looking to diversify their rotation with a sneaker that’s both historically significant and currently trending. It’s a testament to timeless design, proving that some kicks are simply too good to stay in the archives. As more retro drops continue to hit, securing a pair of these puts you squarely in line with the most astute tastemakers, showcasing an appreciation for design that transcends fleeting hype.
3. **Converse x Awesome Louie Lopez Pro Mid**
In the dynamic and often fiercely competitive skate scene, Louie Lopez isn’t just another name; he’s heralded as one of the very best skaters to emerge within the last 15 years. His style on the board is characterized by its fluidity, power, and undeniable flair, and it’s this very essence that’s captured so perfectly in his pro model with Converse, designed in collaboration with the iconic Awesome.
The resulting sneaker, the Louie Lopez Pro Mid, is a masterpiece of skate-specific design, exuding a smoothness and vividness that mirrors Lopez’s distinctive approach to skateboarding. It’s a shoe built for performance, engineered to withstand the rigors of the streets and parks, yet its aesthetic transcends its functional origins. The collaboration with Awesome adds an extra layer of street credibility and an edge that appeals far beyond the confines of skate ramps.
This isn’t just a skate shoe; it’s a statement. The mid-cut silhouette offers a unique profile that sets it apart from more common low-top skate sneakers, while the colorways, often bold and eye-catching like the Cyan Tint/Black, make it a focal point for any outfit. It’s a shoe that confidently occupies the intersection of high-performance sport and authentic street style, making it a versatile addition to any fashion enthusiast’s collection.
For those looking to inject a genuine dose of skate culture and individuality into their wardrobe, the Converse x Awesome Louie Lopez Pro Mid is an absolute must-cop. It’s a testament to genuine collaboration, a reflection of a legendary skater’s style, and a bold piece of footwear that stands out without relying on generic trends. It’s a solid investment in authentic cool, providing both comfort and serious drip.
4. **Gucci Run Sneakers**
While the fashion world was collectively losing its mind over Gucci’s headline-stealing collaboration with adidas, particularly the much-hyped luxury Gazelles – and deservedly so, as it was a truly great project – a lesser-known gem was quietly making its own waves. Amidst all that frenzy, smart fashion enthusiasts had a golden opportunity to sidestep the stratospheric resale prices and ‘cop’ something equally compelling, yet infinitely more accessible: the mainline Gucci Run sneakers.
The Gucci Run, released this year, redefines luxury sneakers by moving beyond traditional high-end leathers and embracing technical mesh for a lightweight, performance-driven shoe that still carries Gucci’s unmistakable charm.
This innovative approach positions the Gucci Run as a truly unique offering in the luxury market. It showcases Gucci’s willingness to experiment with materials and functionality, offering a sneaker that feels modern, athletic, and sophisticated all at once. The technical mesh not only contributes to its lightweight feel but also gives it a distinct texture and visual appeal, setting it apart from its leather-clad counterparts.
For the fashion-forward individual, the Gucci Run presents a compelling argument for a ‘smart buy’. It offers the prestige of a luxury brand without the typical hefty premium associated with hyped collaborations, and its technical design makes it incredibly versatile for both casual and elevated streetwear looks. It’s a testament to knowing where to look for genuine value and cutting-edge design, proving that you don’t always need to chase the loudest releases to make a powerful style statement.
5. **Salomon x Ciele Athletics Phantasm Trainers**
It feels almost paradoxical to label any Salomon release as ‘underrated’ in today’s sneaker landscape, given the brand’s undeniable dominance in general sneaker coverage. Salomon silhouettes like the XT-4 and XT-6 have become ubiquitous, practically cornering the market on gorpcore and technical-chic aesthetics. Yet, even within this celebrated catalog, we find ourselves championing the Salomon x Ciele Athletics Phantasm as one of the year’s most surprisingly overlooked gems.
The Phantasm is a highly versatile sneaker, performing well and looking great, but it often gets overshadowed by its popular siblings, the XT-4 and XT-6, making the Ciele Athletics collaboration a crucial element in boosting its appeal.
The addition of ‘tasteful polka-dot detailing’ by Ciele Athletics provides that crucial bit of ‘pop’ that transforms the Phantasm from a solid, utilitarian runner into a truly eye-catching piece of footwear. It’s a subtle yet impactful design element that speaks to those who appreciate thoughtful detailing and a unique narrative behind their kicks, differentiating it from the more minimalist or monochrome versions of Salomon’s other popular models.
This collaboration makes the Salomon x Ciele Athletics Phantasm an exceptionally smart buy. You get all the revered performance and design integrity of a Salomon sneaker, enhanced by a unique artistic touch that ensures it stands out from the crowd without being overly loud. It’s a testament to finding the sweet spot between established excellence and fresh, collaborative innovation, offering a distinctive look for those who want to flex their informed taste.
6. **Athletics Footwear One.2**
In the vast and ever-expanding universe of sneakers, some brands are quiet contenders, diligently building their foundation and honing their craft away from the deafening roar of mainstream hype. Athletics Footwear can certainly be seen as an underdog in the industry, yet make no mistake, this brand is strategically ramping up to make serious strides in 2023. Their dedication to quality and design, though not always shouted from the rooftops, is palpable, and the One.2 silhouette is a shining example of their quiet ambition.
The One.2 silhouette is not just a new shoe; it’s an intelligent adaptation of their very first model, a clear indication of a brand that learns, refines, and perfects. It’s engineered in all the right places, meticulously designed to provide unparalleled comfort with every single step you take. This focus on foundational excellence, rather than fleeting trends, is a hallmark of a brand building for longevity and a loyal following, making it a truly astute choice for discerning collectors.
The Athletics Footwear One.2 is a smart buy because it offers a chance to invest in a brand on the rise, with meticulous engineering and thoughtful design focused on the wearer’s comfort and an understated aesthetic.
This is a sneaker for those who value intrinsic quality and a clean aesthetic over overt branding. It’s a sophisticated choice for the fashion enthusiast who recognizes that true value often comes from brands that are quietly innovating and consistently delivering. The Athletics Footwear One.2 is more than just a shoe; it’s a statement of informed taste and an investment in a promising future.
