Modern sneakers are ubiquitous all over the world today, worn by people of all ages and backgrounds. However, their origin was not what one might expect.

The earliest athletic shoes were rubber-soled with canvas uppers and there was no distinction between the right and left feet. They were far from the stylish fashion pieces they are today. 

In the late 1890s, the U.S. Rubber Company changed sneakers’ trajectory when it designed much more stylish and functional shoes. Those were Keds, which are still considered some of the most successful casual sneakers of all time. 

Fast forward 130-plus years, and sneakers are very much a part of modern fashion. Whether you prefer bold colors and patterns, sleek tech-focused trainers, or retro classics, there are sneakers to suit every possible taste and budget. Here our top 10 picks. 

1. adidas Originals Stan Smith

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There’s something to be said for a shoe that’s truly stood the test of time, remaining largely the same for several decades. That’s the case with the iconic adidas Originals Stan Smith sneakers, an immediately-recognizable pair of shoes.

Stan Smiths were some of the hottest shoes in the 1980s, universally popular because of their clean, understated design and extreme comfort. Today, 30-some odd years later, nothing has changed. 

adidas brought the Stan Smiths back and instead of drastically changing them to fit the times, the company left the shoes’ best aspects unchanged. These minimalist smooth leather sneakers are just as comfortable as ever, though they do have a subtle modern twist. Instead of the traditional three stripes, the Stan Smith Originals have perforated striping detail.

There’s also a signature Stan Smith logo on the tongue and a “callout” on the heel cup. 

2. Cole Haan ZERØGRAND All-Day Trainer