The Top 10 Back-to-School Sneakers of 2023

How to buy the most popular sneakers for the 2023 school year.

It is hard not to get nostalgic when thinking about the first day of school. The smell of freshly waxed hallway floors, searching for strange classrooms, reuniting with your old buddies, and of course, the crispy clean sneakers that come with the new school year. 

Just like there is only one first day, most students get just a single pair of new shoes to last for the entire academic calendar. With that in mind, FanNation Kicks has highlighted the ten best back-to-school sneakers of 2023. Our list factors in affordability, durability, and style.

Nike LeBron 20

© John Jones-USA TODAY Sports

Why You Need It: LeBron James' signature Nike sneaker line enjoyed a renaissance over the past year. The Nike LeBron 20 was a hit with athletes and fans. Even better, Nike continues to create exciting new colorways for the performance basketball shoe.

How to Buy It: Nike has a wide-ranging selection of new and retro sneakers from LeBron James' signature line on its website. Online shoppers can find the Nike LeBron 20 at a discount in most sizes and styles on the Nike website.

Jordan Luka 1

© Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Why You Need It: Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic's first signature Jordan Brand sneaker was an immediate hit with athletes and fans. The Jordan Luka 1 is lightweight, sleek, and, most importantly, affordable to the average fan.

How to Buy It: The Jordan Luka 1 is still available in multiple colorways, but it is going fast. Back-to-school shoppers can choose between several colorways of the model at a discount on the Nike website.

Nike Freak 4

© Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports

Why You Need It: In many ways, Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo has the best back-to-school sneaker. The Nike Freak 4 is ultra-comfortable and comes in several exciting colorways. The shoes were already affordable before Nike began slashing prices on Antetokoumpo's fourth signature model.

How to Buy It: Online shoppers can purchase the Nike Freak 4 at a 49% discount in select styles and colorways on the Nike website. Just act fast because these deals will not last long.

Air Jordan 1 Low

Nike

Why You Need It: There are several sneakers from the legendary Air Jordan line that could be considered the best model. But for back-to-school purposes, it is hard to top the Air Jordan 1 Low. It's low-cut, lightweight, and the leather upper gives a crisp look for the new school year.

How to Buy It: Fans of Michael Jordan's first signature basketball shoe should have no problem finding the right sneaker for them. The Air Jordan 1 Low is available in several styles and colorways on the Nike website.

Nike Air Force 1

Nike

Why You Need It: We can't call the Nike Air Force 1 old-school because the retro basketball shoe refuses to age. With each passing decade, a new generation of sneakerheads adopts the Nike Air Force 1. This is especially true for Gen-Z, who love to wear the shoe until it is completely cooked (aged and dirty).

How to Buy It: Back-to-school shoppers can choose between several versions of the already-affordably priced shoe. The Nike Air Force 1 is available in multiple colorways on the Nike website.

adidas Forum Low

adidas

Why You Need It: Since making its triumphant return, the adidas Forum line has quickly become the go-to shoe for fans of the three stripes. The adidas Forum Low offers sneakerheads a sharp-looking shoe with exciting colorways at an affordable price compared to its competitors.

How to Buy It: There are several versions and colorways of the adidas Forum Low to meet the aesthetic of every individual, no matter how unique. In fact, the more unique, the better. Online shoppers can buy the throwback hoop shoe on the adidas website.

New Balance 550

New Balance

Why You Need It: The New Balance 550 made its name on the basketball courts during the 1980s before being hidden away in the Boston-based brand's archives for decades. The vintage basketball shoe came roaring back to remind fans why we loved it so many years ago. The premium materials give the New Balance 550 a classic look that everyone can get behind.

How to Buy It: Back-to-school shoppers should have no problem finding the right New Balance 550 for them. The old-school hoop shoe is available in multiple colorways on the New Balance website.

New Balance TWO WXY v3

© Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Why You Need It: For New Balance fans who want a sportier sneaker, look no further than the TWO WXY v3. The performance basketball shoe was all over the NBA Finals thanks to Jamal Murray and is available in several exciting colorways at a discount online.

How to Buy It: Online shoppers can choose between multiple colorways of the New Balance TWO WXY v3 at a discount online. The New Balance TWO WXY v3 is available in men's sizes on the New Balance website.

Curry Flow 10

© Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Why You Need It: Whether it's swishing shots, hitting hole-in-ones, or selling sneakers, there is nothing Stephen Curry cannot do. Curry's tenth signature sneaker with Under Armour has been a hit with fans thanks to its UA Warp upper and UA Flow technology. Plus, we cannot forget the Curry Flow 10 has so many memorable colorways.

How to Buy It: The Curry Flow 10 has flown off the shelves in most colorways. However, fans of all ages should be able to find their size in a style they like on the Curry Brand website.

UA SlipSpeed

Under Armour

Why You Need It: For student-athletes who need one reliable shoe to last them through every situation imaginable, we have to recommend the UA SlipSpeed. The training shoe features a revolutionary design that allows it to meet every need of an athlete. The machine-washable shoe features a collapsible heel and laceless technology that leaves its competitors in the dust.

How to Buy It: The UA SlipSpeed is available in multiple styles and colorways. Online shoppers can purchase the shoes for $150 in adult sizes on the Under Armour website.

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