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The Best New Boots, Sneakers & Shoes of 2023

From anime-inspired stompers to AF1 collabs with a jewelry icon, this year has been an interesting one for footwear.

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By Sean Tirman

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This story is part of our end-of-year series This Year in Gear, rounding up the most notable releases of 2023. For more stories like this, click here.

2023 has been kind of a wild year for footwear, with releases running the gamut between bizarre, never-bef0re-seen styles, iconic revivals and everything in-between. But whether you’re a fashion-forward trendsetter or an only-the-classics curmudgeon, there’s probably been something released that suits you perfectly. And we can prove it with our collection of the best new boots, sneakers and shoes of 2023.

MSCHF Big Red Boot

These boots spread like wildfire when they were first announced, appearing on the streets, courtside at basketball games and all over social media. The BRB (Big Red Boots) — inspired by Astro Boy — are one of MSCHF’s latest internet-breaking projects. Whether they’re your cup of tea or not, they clearly caught on. There’s even a Crocs version.

Learn more about MSCHF’s Big Red Boots here.

Nike x Tiffany Air Force 1 1837

A truly polarizing pair of sneakers, the Tiffany x Air Force 1 1837 dropped via Tiffany and select retailers on March 7th after months of teasing and previewing. And it promptly sold out. If you want a pair now, you’ll have to pay the eye-watering resale price, which is now over $1,500.

Learn more about the Nike x Tiffany Air Force 1 1837 here.

1964 Buck Knives x Nicks Boots Collab Knife and Boots

Two great companies based in the Northwest teamed up on a collab that pays homage to a pivotal year for both brands. In 1964, Buck Knives sold its first 110 folder and Nicks Handmade Boots sold its first loggers. Now you can buy the Nicks BuilderPro in 1964 brown with a knife pocket that perfectly holds the 110 (this version of the 110 has smaller pins like the knives of the ’60s).

Learn more about the 1964 Buck Knives x Nicks Boots Collab Knife and Boots here.

Red Wing Abilene Classic Moc

Originally only available overseas, Red Wing brought its Abilene Classic Moc stateside in 2023. The roughout leather boots will break in differently than traditional hide, but these are harder to find and just as hard-wearing.

Learn more about the Red Wing Abilene Classic Moc here.

Action Bronson x New Balance 990v6 ‘Baklava’

A manic mishmash of colors and textures, Action Bronson’s collaborative New Balance 990v6 represents many things, the rapper says, from the colors he uses when painting to the waves he rides when boogie boarding.

Learn more about the Action Bronson x New Balance 990v6 ‘Baklava’ here.

Todd Snyder x Vans Dirty Martini Lace-Up 73 DX

Todd Snyder prefers his martini dirty — hence the name of his limited-edition lace-up Vans, which are a reference to the olive (and olive juice) included in any good one. Exclusive to Todd Snyder, this fresh take on these classic SoCal kicks are very nearly sold out as of this writing (and probably won’t be coming back).

Learn more about the Todd Snyder x Vans Dirty Martini Lace-Up 73 DX here.

Greats The Park Hiker

Greats wants you to get out there in style. Its all-new-for-2023 Park Hiker is ready for wet sidewalks and squishy grass, but not much more — not Everest, is what I’m saying. It has a sneaker-inspired sole with leather and suede accents. And, to be honest, we like the yellow laces, but we’d be eager to swap them some for tonal ones.

Learn more about Greats’ Park Hiker here.

Lucchese x Chris Stapleton Old Friend Boots

Famed Texas bootmaker Lucchese teamed up with country singer Chris Stapleton on a collection of well-made cowboy boots. The most affordable and understated pair in the group is the Old Friend, an Italian-suede boot with mule ear pull straps and a Torero side seam — Stapleton calls it part of the “songwriters’ uniform.”

Learn more about the Lucchese x Chris Stapleton Old Friend Boots here.

Tom Sachs x Nike General Purpose Shoe

Tom Sachs’s boldly boring General Purpose Shoe dropped again this year (in an all-new colorway) via Nike and Nike Craft, his growing hub for all things Nike x Tom Sachs. This all-brown pair embodies the design’s utilitarian spirit.

Learn more about the Tom Sachs x Nike General Purpose Shoe here.

Casablanca Atlantis

Few luxury brands have, well, universally appealing signature shoes. But Casablanca’s Atlantis design feels like it’s been around forever — in a good way. It’s a cool cross between a sportswear design and something super luxe.

Learn more about the Casablanca Atlantis here.

Unmarked Yulka 02GXL Eco White

Tanned using aluminum salts, Mexican footwear brand Unmarked’s Eco White Yulka 02GXL Boot sticks out, but for good reason. It’s a unique color, sure, but it’s the sturdy construction that strikes the eye most.

Learn more about the Unmarked Yulka 02GXL Eco White here.

Raleigh Denim Workshop x Allen Edmonds Strand Dahlia Oxford

Debuted during New York Fashion Week, Raleigh Denim Workshop’s exclusive Allen Edmonds Strand Dahlia Oxford is made from black selvedge denim. That means these will fray, not patina, but that’s part of the fun. Imagine how these will look 10 years from now.

Learn more about the Raleigh Denim Workshop x Allen Edmonds Strand Dahlia Oxford here.

American Trench Scout Boot

Made in Maine by Easymoc for American Trench, the Scout Boot mixes colors and materials but in a cohesive way. From suede to leather to the off-white Vibram sole, each part looks better than the last.

Learn more about the American Trench Scout Boot here.

Timberland GreenStride Motion 6 Waterproof Mid Hiker

In August of this year, Timberland released its Motion 6 Hiker boots. They have a high-cushion sole made with EVA, and are waterproof. Pair that with their modern styling and it makes them a great middle-ground between outdoor-only boots and those you might wear in the city.

Learn more about the Timberland GreenStride Motion 6 Waterproof Mid Hiker here.

Reese Cooper Lanier Boot

Reese Cooper is a talented designer, and his debut boot impressed even the staunchest critics. Now, his follow-up, the Lanier Boot, is here — and in six different colorways, no less. It’s really good.

Learn more about the Reese Cooper Lanier Boot here.

Paglia Moto Boot

Handcrafted in Italy with a fully-lined upper of pebbled cowhide, the Paglia Moto Boot is tough, sleek, and easy to slip into with an antique brass zipper and zipper pull. And while you might look at these boots and think they’re more fashion than function, they’re definitely built to stand up to motorcycling usage.

Learn more about the Paglia Moto Boot here.

Clarks NXE Lo Sneakers

Clarks’ new NXE Lo sneakers are a super sporty option from the brand known for its chukka boot. It comes in three colorways with a 3D molded footbed for air circulation and rubber pods in the sole to offer maximum traction.

Learn more about the Clarks NXE Lo Sneakers here.

Todd Snyder Suede Espadrilles

These summer slip-ons are the perfect mix of relaxed and refined. Made in Spain, they feature an Italian suede upper, a non-slip rubber bottom and a breathable jute footbed. The heel is also collapsible if you want to just slide into them. (Note: Suede will stretch over time, so order down if you’re between sizes and use a shoe horn for the first few wears.)

Learn more about the Todd Snyder Suede Espadrilles here.

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