The 18 Best Sneakers of 2022, Bar None

I’d like to think that I love all of my shoes equally, but I have a soft spot for my sneaker collection. I can always find room in my apartment for another pair, no matter how crowded my shoe rack becomes. But with a new year comes a bevy of new trends, especially in the sneaker world, and summer 2022's shoe trends are simply to die for. It also feels like brands are dropping new colorways and silhouettes on a near-monthly basis these days, so I took the time to round up the best sneakers of 2022—so far. 

To help you find your new perfect pair of sneakers right now, I divided my picks into a few general trends for you to keep in mind while you browse. These trends are anything but boring: Brightly hued picks are trending, as are pastel picks that will make you feel blue in the very best way. Or, opt for a minimal pair of cool white sneakers to spice up your monochromatic outfits, no matter the season. Finally, high-top sneakers are officially all the rage this year, proving that the chunky sneaker trend will never truly go away. It's officially time to have fun with your footwear in 2022, and these pairs are proof. 

Keep scrolling to see all of the best picks, and check back soon to see a new batch of options once the seasons change in the fall. Here’s to putting your best foot forward this year. 

Sporty Sneaks 

 Luxury car manufacturer McLaren and sneaker branad Athletic Propulsion Labs have teamed up to create the thelimited-edition APL McLarenHySpeed™, an all-purpose running sneaker in the form of an entirely new silhouette for APL. The new sneaker is available in five bold  colorways inspired by McLaren’s race cars and retails for $450. Also available is the newest sneaker from Lululemon, the Chargefeel. Versatile by design, the Chargefeel has the bounce of a typical running sneaker tied in with the stability of a training shoe. It’s available in two silhouettes for your preferred way of moving: the Low offers added stability and the Mid (which I have been testing out for weeks) gives you more freedom to move. 

Pretty in PUMA

PUMA's latest collection with Dua Lipa, Flutur 2, dropped on July 28, and it's an ode to '90s rave culture. Shades of purple, pink, and orange run throughout the unisex clothing and footwear collection, as does metallic detailing. If you're looking for a sneaker that's bound to stand out from the crowd (and is Lipa-approved!) this collection is for you. 

New Balance, New Drops 

So many of your favorite shoe brands are dropping new silhouettes this spring. New Balance, for instance, just released of their fifth and final collection with STAUD as a part of their best-selling  collaboration with the brand. The surf-inspired launch is inspired by the surf scene in Southern California throughout the 80s and 90s, and is accentuated with bright pops of pink and red:

Fun Run 

The best running shoes needn't be boring. In fact, 2022's iterations are anything but. They come in just about every color, print, and pattern to add the perfect amount of pop to your next workout. 

Flower Power

Florals? For Spring? Groundbreaking! This season is all about sneakers that are covered in floral-inspired prints, including neon iterations from Adidas' recent collaboration with Marimekko and Keds' recent collaboration with Rifle Paper Co. 

Color Play 

White sneakers are a wardrobe, staple, sure, but sometimes you want to add a little *spice* to your look. Luckily, these pairs from Reebok and Cardi B's latest collaboration and the recent Pangaia prove that springtime-ready colorways are key to making your look feel fresh this season. 

 Step it Up

 Platform sneakers are one of this summer’s biggest trends, pun very much intended. Whether you’re on the petite side and are craving some added inches, or just in the mood to buy a new pair of chunky sneakers for 2022, these are the ones for you. 

Back to Basics 

If wearing sneakers that are decked out in tons of prints, patterns, and colors isn't your thing, consider checking out one of these more subdued options from sustainable favorite Veja and Margaux. 

Baby Blues 

Feeling blue? Us too—at least when it comes to our sneakers! The color has made its way into our wardrobes and into our shoe collections this year at Marie Claire, if these sneakers are any indication. Shop options from Superga's recent collection with Baja East and Nike's tie-dyed take on their best-selling Blazer Mid '77 sneaker.