The 10 Best Sneakers to Wear This Spring

Adidas, Air Jordan, New Balance, and Nike have the ten best affordable shoes for Spring 2023.

The days are getting longer, and the weather is warming up. That means only one thing - it is time to upgrade your sneaker rotation. We can all say goodbye to our dark, clunky winter shoes and start wearing something lighter and brighter.

With so many footwear options, it is easy to get overwhelmed by different styles and models. Luckily, FanNation Kicks is here to help. Below are the ten best sneakers that anyone can easily wear this spring.

Air Jordan 1 Low

View of white Air Jordan shoes.
A detailed look at the Air Jordan 1 Low / Nike

Why You Need It: When discussing sneakers, the conversation always begins and ends with the greatest player of all time. It has been almost 40 years since Michael Jordan's legendary Air Jordan sneaker line took flight, and it shows no signs of slowing down.

Just last week, we saw "His Airness" wearing a pair of Air Jordan 1 Low shoes at an NBA game. Thanks to its respectable materials and unmistakable silhouette, the Air Jordan 1 Low is perfect to wear on any occasion.

How to Buy: The Air Jordan 1 Low is available in several colorways for $110 in adult sizes on Nike's website.

Nike Waffle One SE

View of tan and black Nike shoes.
A detailed look at the Nike Waffle One / Nike

Why You Need It: Michael Jordan helped take the Swoosh to new heights, but Nike was built on a foundation of running shoes. The Waffle franchise has been around for 50 years and has been reimagined in every style and color imaginable.

The Nike Waffle One (or its more premium 'SE' version) toes the line between lifestyle and performance thanks to its sleek design and comfortable materials.

How to Buy: The Nike Waffle One SE is available in several colorways (including some at a significantly discounted price) for a retail price of $115 on Nike's website.

Nike Air Monarch IV

View of white and navy Nike shoes.
A detailed look at the Nike Air Monarch IV / Nike

Why You Need It: Let's face it, Millennials, we are not getting any younger. I, myself, am preparing to cut the yard soon. Much like the fictional character Thanos, the Nike Air Monarch IV is inevitable for men of a certain age.

Luckily for us, bulky "dad shoes" are more acceptable than ever before. The Nike Air Monarch IV sports a classic look thanks to its leather upper. Even better, the full-length encapsulated Air-Sole unit provides top-notch cushion.

How to Buy: The Nike Air Monarch IV has a retail price of $75 and is already marked down in certain colorways on Nike's website.

Nike Air Force 1 Low

Side view of white Nike shoe.
A detailed look at the Nike Air Force 1 Low / Nike

Why You Need It: For those not ready to give up their youth yet, the Nike Air Force 1 Low is a perfectly acceptable option. Kids that are not old enough to remember Nelly's hit song have embraced the old-school hoop shoe in recent years.

The Nike Air Force 1 Low features a leather upper that looks better after more usage. The padded collar and Nike Air cushioning keep providing all-day comfort without sacrificing style.

How to Buy: The Nike Air Force 1 Low is available for $110 in adult sizes on Nike's website.

Nike Pegasus 39

View of white, red, and blue Nike shoes.
A detailed look at the Nike Pegasus 39 / Nike

Why You Need It: Most people are only willing to invest in one pair of shoes for the warmer months. The Nike Pegasus 39 is a wise investment for more frugal online shoppers.

The Pegasus line is the flagship series for Nike running and is currently on its 39th installment. The Nike Pegasus 39 is ultra-breathable thanks to its engineered mesh upper. No matter your activity, this performance running shoe will keep you light on your feet.

How to Buy: The Nike Pegasus 39 is available in over 15 colorways with a customization option online. The shoes carry a retail price of $130 but are marked way down in some colorways on Nike's website.

adidas Stan Smith

View of white and green adidas shoe.
Side view of the adidas Stan Smith / adidas

Why You Need It: Stan Smith was a giant in the footwear industry, and his legacy has aged like fine wine thanks to the careful approach taken by adidas. Over the past several decades, Smith's legendary shoe has found a new fanbase with every generation.

The adidas Stan Smith sports a crisp and clean look thanks to its leather upper and minimalist design. Fans of the old-school trainers can dress up or down the shoes without making any wrong moves.

How to Buy: The adidas Stan Smith is available in over 26 colorways with a retail price ranging from $100-$110 in adult sizes on the adidas website.

adidas Ultra Boost 1.0

Side view of a tan adidas shoe.
Side view of the adidas Ultra Boost 1.0 / adidas

Why You Need It: It is hard to believe the adidas Ultra Boost is turning ten years old. The performance running shoes burst onto the scene last decade and developed a cult following thanks to their unbeatable cushion.

The adidas Ultra Boost series has gone through countless variations over the years, but its original model might be the best version. The adidas Ultra Boost 1.0 can be worn on the run or in the office.

How to Buy: The adidas Ultra Boost 1.0 is available in a plethora of colorways for $200 on the adidas website.

New Balance 990v5 Core

View of grey and white New Balance shoes.
A detailed look at the New Balance 990v5 / New Balance

Why You Need It: When discussing sneakers, the importance of New Balance cannot be left out of the debate. The Boston-based brand is a household name thanks to its trusted catalog of footwear dating back many decades.

One of the brand's classic models, the New Balance 990v5 Core, is proof that quality still exists. The made-in-America kicks feature a suede and mesh upper with an ENCAP midsole cushioning unit.

How to Buy: The New Balance 990v5 is available in full-family sizing but carries a retail price of $185 in adult sizes on the New Balance website.

New Balance 9060

View of tan and blue New Balance shoes.
A detailed look at the New Balance 9060 / New Balance

Why You Need It: Our affinity for the New Balance 9060 is no secret. The lifestyle model has endeared itself to us thanks to its unapologetic, bold style. The new shoes reinterpret familiar elements of older models mixed with a Y2K aesthetic.

The New Balance 9060 features a mesh upper with pigskin suede overlays. The dual-density midsole contains ABZORB and SBS cushioning that makes you feel good while looking good.

How to Buy: The New Balance 9060 is available in nine colorways for $150 in adult sizes on the New Balance website.

New Balance MR530

View of white and blue New Balance shoes.
Side view of the New Balance 530 / New Balance

Why You Need It: New Balance is not done having fun with the resurgence of early-2000s fashion. The New Balance MR530 is a throwback to one of the brand's classic running models.

Only this time, the model features its fan-favorite ABZORB cushioning for ultimate impact protection. Even better, the mesh and synthetic upper keeps your feet cool in any situation.

How to Buy: The New Balance 530 is available in three colorways for $100 on the New Balance website.


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Published
Pat Benson
PAT BENSON

Pat Benson covers the sneaker industry for Sports Illustrated's FanNation. Previously, he has reported on the NBA, authored "Kobe Bryant's Sneaker History (1996-2020)," and interviewed some of the biggest names in the sports world. You can email him at 1989patbenson@gmail.com.