The Sneaker Expert Has Spoken—These Are the 10 Styles to Be Seen In Right Now

Not that fashion girls didn’t care about sneakers before, but there’s something about the past year that has really brought the novelty to life among the sartorially obsessed crowd. What was once an oversaturation of gray New Balance sneakers has turned into fashion girls carefully curating and investing in their sneaker collections. Where do they find the coveted pairs that are sold out everywhere? GOAT, of course. In case you aren’t familiar with GOAT, it’s basically your one-stop shop for sneakers, period. From new releases to vintage pairs you can’t find anywhere else, GOAT’s got ’em—probably in your size, too.

Since I am no sneakerhead myself (although I wish I was), I reached out to an expert to tell me all the current sneaker styles fashion girls are dying to be seen in right now. Ahead, listen to Annie Burton, product manager of merchandising at GOAT, spill the tea on the top 10 sneakers to buy right now. Featuring Air Jordans, Yeezys, and more, the selection ahead is sure to impress from start to finish.

“Every sneaker enthusiast should have a pair of Jordan 1s, and this women’s-only colorway is one of the cleanest to drop all year. Purple has historically been the color of royalty, and this release represents sneaker history in taking inspiration from 1986’s OG Metallic Purple Air Jordan 1. This is a drop that not only looks modern but has the historical chops for those in the know.”

“These porous, sock-optional sneaker hybrids have all the makings of this summer’s It shoe. What it lacks in laces it makes up for in ease, making it the perfect transition shoe for those of us getting comfortable with the idea of going out again.”

“The iconic Dunk Low silhouette has made its return in a big way, with significant drops and collabs in the headlines announcing its place as the sneaker to be seen in. This wearable monochromatic colorway can be styled with everything from sweats to skirts.”

“Chuck 70s continue to hold their place at the top of timeless sneaker styles, with platform, deconstructed, and even furry iterations making appearances. This pair, in Yves Klein blue, emblazoned with the instantly recognizable Comme des Garcons Play hearts will add style to even the most minimal of outfits.”

“Yoon Ahn’s Ambush Dunk High is arguably one of the most talked-about silhouettes of the year, and this royal-blue colorway only enhances its appeal. Drawing inspiration from Japanese car culture with the exaggerated swoosh and paneling, this drop has generated buzz well ahead of its June 15 release date.”

“Beyond its brand resurgence with new silhouettes and much-hyped collabs, New Balance has remained the unofficial sneaker of the off-duty model set with its retro but never-more-relevant 992. Although it exists in a multitude of colors, I stand by the classic Grey with an oversize top and bike shorts for maximum ’90s yuppie-cool mobility.”

“Although retro styles and rereleases are often at the top of most-hyped lists, futuristic silhouettes deserve a place in fashion-forward rotations. No one is better at combining what’s to come with what’s current than Demna Gvasalia, as evidenced by the X-Pander, Balenciaga’s latest must-have sneaker icon. I’ll be ditching my chunky soles in favor of this mounted-spring bounce heel for that extra push to rejoin society for summer.”

“This list would not be complete without this Jordan 3 made in collaboration with the legendary Atlanta retailer. Women and men alike were clamoring over this women’s Jordan drop when it first released in April, and its June 10 restock is no different due to its use of elevated materials such as tumbled leather and suede in a neutral palette. Hopefuls like myself are counting down the days.”

“Margiela is king of trompe-l’oeil, and this recent drop plays homage to this signature, deepening his collaboration with Reebok with a 2D spin on the Club C in an eye-catching colorway. There’s so much to love about this collaboration, but the logos on the tongue are my favorite part.”

“One of the most interesting new Nike silhouettes of the year is Matthew M. Williams’s Zoom 004. I love this futuristic style in Triple Black, but it comes in Stone and Rust colorways as well. The textures and shape of the sole lend themselves to being dressed up. These Nikes are impossible not to notice.”