They may spend many of their working hours in high heels — but when celebrities aren’t on a red carpet, they typically prefer to slip into something more comfortable: sneakers.
Frequently spotted in off-duty Instagram snaps and paparazzi photos alike, stylish sneaks work for everything from coffee runs to daytime dates, and pair perfectly with denim, dresses and most looks in between.
But not all casual kicks are created equal. And while stars certainly love their Nikes and Adidas like the rest of us, a few lesser-known labels have managed to make a name for themselves in the game as well.
Below, shop 20 classic sneaker styles celebs like Rihanna, Taylor Swift and Kate Middleton can’t stop wearing.
Nike Air Force
So iconic that Nelly once dedicated a whole song to the shoe, this style was introduced in 1982 — and to paraphrase the rapper, stars are still stompin’ in their Air Force 1s four decades later. Available in high-, mid- and low-top versions, they’re most often spotted in classic white.
Nike Air Force 1
Nike Air Force 1 Pixel SE Sneaker
Nike Air Force 1 07 LE Low
Cariuma
What do Pete Davidson and Helen Mirren have in common? Their love for Cariuma’s vegan footwear, of course. The sustainability-focused sneaker brand sells pairs in a slew of cute colors (including a new version in Pantone’s 2023 Color of the Year, Viva Magenta) and both high- and low-top designs. No wonder Jon Hamm, Whitney Port and Naomi Watts are also among the brand’s famous fans.
Cariuma Oca Low
Cariuma Ibi Low
Cariama Salvas
Adidas Stan Smith
First launched in 1965 and later renamed after the legendary tennis pro in 1978, this on-court staple is beloved for its sleek, minimalist silhouette. While the green-trimmed version is most popular, there are a wide range of accent colors to choose from — and if you’re willing to splurge, designers including Stella McCartney and Raf Simons have put their own spin on the Stan Smith in recent years.
Adidas Originals Stan Smith Sneaker
Adidas Stan Smith Sneaker
Adidas Stan Smith Sneaker
Converse
Nothing screams “classic” quite like Converse. The design of the Chuck Taylor All-Star, with its white rubber toe cap and stitched canvas upper, hasn’t changed much since its introduction roughly a century ago, although the shoe is now available in pretty much every color and print imaginable. No wonder pop stars and vice presidents alike still love their Chucks.
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Lift High Top Platform Sneaker
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Low Top Sneaker
Comme des Garçons Play x Converse Polka Dot High-Top Sneakers
Superga
As affordable as they are chic, these easy canvas sneaks hail from Italy, but gained major visibility stateside when Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen became the brand’s creative directors in 2011. Like many of the other styles featured here, they’re most often seen in wear-with-everything white, but are available in numerous colors as well as stacked platform versions for a boost of height.
Superga 2750 Cotu Classic
Superga 2750 Cotu Classic
Superga 2790 Platform Sneaker
Veja
Thank the Princess of Wales and Duchess of Sussex for making these eco-friendly, Brazil-made sneakers a smash hit. They’re produced from fair trade materials including organic cotton, Amazonian rubber and recycled plastic bottles, and can be instantly identified by the “V” logo stitched onto the side of every pair. Stylish and sustainable!
Veja V-10 Lace Up Sneakers
Veja Esplar Low Sneakers
Veja V-12 Mesh Sneakers
Golden Goose
Unquestionably the priciest kicks on this list, Golden Goose’s designed-to-look-distressed sneakers will set you back around $500 per pair. But for many celebs, the comfort and cool factor of these star-embellished styles make them worth the cost. Unconvinced? Consider these dupes instead.
Golden Goose Superstar Metallic Glitter Low-Top Sneakers
Golden Goose Slide High Top Sneaker
Golden Goose Midstar Sneaker
Vans
For stars with rocker- or skater-influenced personal styles, nothing tops this California brand’s cool slip-ons and lace-ups. Just look for that signature checkerboard print and curved side stripe.
Vans Classic Sneaker
Vans Sk8-Hi Core Classics Sneaker
Vans Old Skool Platform Sneaker
Common Projects
Easily spotted by the line of golden numbers along the heel of each shoe indicating its style, size and color, these sleek and chic sneakers are particular popular amongst off-duty supermodels and fashion-industry insiders.
Common Projects Original Achilles Leather Low-Top Sneakers
Common Projects Original Achilles Leather Low-Top Sneakers
Common Projects Original Achilles Mid-Top Sneakers
Nike Air Jordan 1
You’ll often see stars rocking special-edition styles of these swoosh-sided sneakers. But while those limited versions will easily set you back four figures (assuming you can find a pair in your size, that is), you can scoop up a standard-issue pair of Jordans for under $200.
Nike Air Jordan 1 Mid Sneakers
Nike Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG
Air Jordan 1 High Sneakers
