The Sneakers Everyone Will Have on Their 2020 Wish Lists

(Image credit: ABC Photo Archives)

By Katie Attardo , Marina Liao 2020-07-10T10:34:07Z

The sneaker was initially created out of necessity: In 776 B.C., runners competed at the first Greek Olympics in sandals, as being barefoot was too unbearable. In the 1500s, people added moss into their shoes at an attempt to find comfort. Finally, in the 1870s, rubber soles were put into shoes, and the sneaker was born. Today, sneakers are pieces of both function and style. For 2020, our favorite staples received some style upgrades, featuring brand-new colors and sustainable materials. Plus, we finally get to say au revoir to dad sneakers, and hello to fresh new styles. But it begs the question: what's next? Will it be the neon sneakers we saw at Versace? The high-tops at Margiela? Or, perhaps, the python Lanvin pairs that ruled the fall '20 runway? Our opinion: there's room for all. Ahead, we select some of the best sneakers to buy now.

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1/20

Reebok DMX Thrill Shoes

The Red-Hot Pair

This orange ombré pair has a lot of cushion and support, making it a stylish yet comfortable choice.

2/20

Karhu Champion Air Contrast Panel Sneakers

The '70s Pick

The '70s-inspired tennis sneaker gets a twist in this black colorway.

3/20

Vans Vault OG Old Skool LX

The "Classic Blue"

Pantone's color for 2020 is "classic blue," so use that as inspiration for your next sneaker hue. This lace up pair from Vans is easy to wear, gives you a little height boost, and comes in at under $100. The dark color makes it a versatile pick to have in your closet.

4/20

Puma Deva 90's POP

The Glitter Pick

A colorful platform with a pop of glitter. What could be more fun?

5/20

Golden Goose Distressed Finish Low Top Sneakers

The Distressed Pick

These distressed sneakers pair perfectly with a tapered jean.

6/20

Acne Lace-up Sneakers

To Go With Everything

If you're over the chunkiness of "dad sneakers," try these white and cream styles from Acne. They're super casual and a very versatile addition to your wardrobe.

7/20

Axel Arigato Platform Sneaker

The Sleek Pair

These black leather platform sneaks pair perfectly with black leggings.

8/20

Nike Shoe Nike Cortez Basic

The Street Style Fave

While Farrah Fawcett put this style on the map, this versatile sneaker is also a street style hit.

9/20

Prada Logo Band Sock Sneaker

For Effortless Style

A sporty sneaker you can slide into and out of without dealing with bothersome laces. This designer kick is for those who gravitates towards a black and white sneaker with a twist.

10/20

Veja net-a-porter.com

Super Sustainable

In the past couple of years, almost every fashion brand has made strides towards being more sustainable. These lowtop Veja best-sellers are made from upcycled materials and were just restocked—yay!

11/20

Converse Leopard Platform Chuck Taylor All Star

The Statement Sneaks

These animal print sneakers are subtle enough to wear every day, but are bold enough to be a standout piece.

12/20

Adidas 4D RUN 1.0 Parley Shoes

The Do-Gooders

Adidas has joined forces with Parley, an organization focused on ocean conversation. Together, they've repurposed marine plastic litter into sneakers.

13/20

Sole Rebels runAROUND Bilt 2

The Summer Go-To

These printed canvas sneaks with a jute sole feel like the summertime shoe we’ll be living in.

14/20

Nike X Off-White Zoom Vapor Street Sneakers

For Collab Lovers

Fashion collaborations rule the sneaker market, so expect brands to continue putting out products symbolic of the pair's creative geniuses. Off-White x Nike is one obvious cool partnership that brings you colorful kicks like these—a must for any color lover's wardrobe.

15/20

Perry Co. The Prelude in Mid-Pink

Best Unisex Style

When you and your boo want to match, this his-and-hers style couldn't be chicer. We stan a dude who wears pink!

16/20

Reebok Experiment 4 Fury Trail by Pyer Moss

Most Directional

As technical as they are fashionable, this Reebok collab with Pyer Moss will definitely turn heads.

17/20

All Birds Women's Tree Loungers

Easiest to Wear

These are by far the slippiest slip-ons you’ve ever put on your feet.

18/20

Fini Classic White

Most Versatile

The modular design come with three additions that are easy to add on or change when you want to switch things up.

19/20

Eytys Sonic Sneakers

The All-White Pick

Looking for a statement sneaker in white? You'll capture everyone's attention with these this textured pair from Eytys.

20/20

Maison Margiela Replica Open-Back Sneakers

Best Open Back

This backless sneaker from Maison Margiela is perfect for warmer months. Don't worry about the back heels/tab digging into your skin for this sneaker—they don't exist!