Top 17 best sneaker brands you may not know (Part 2)

The journey to find the best sneaker brands continues with part 2. You will discover many other outstanding shoe brands below.

1, JAK

Luxury minimalist sneakers are great, but they’re all too common. JAK is the exception with its unique high-end sneakers.

The brand’s signature shoe is the Atom – a sleek, comfortable shoe with a classic design. This unique design has helped JAK’s modern high-end brand gain traction at top fashion retailers. It has also helped the brand go viral on social media. However, the brand is still relatively new. It is the perfect choice if you want edgy luxury shoes.

2, OLIVER CABELL

Oliver Cabell, founded in 2016, has always had to prove its worth in the saturated luxury sneaker market. However, it has similar quality to Common Projects at half the price. Its designs balance classic and modern with sophistication. That hasn’t been much of a challenge for Oliver Cabell.

Oliver Cabell’s approach to production is to showcase only what’s necessary, no more and no less. This has resulted in some of the most edgy sneakers from the lesser-known but beloved brand. They have replaced more expensive options that dominate the market.

3, KARHU

Finnish sneaker brand Karhu is not a household name. Perhaps it is because they sold their famous three-stripe logo to Adidas in 1951. The price was a few bucks and two bottles of whisky. Or maybe it is because Karhu sneakers are so good. They don’t need to make a big fuss about promoting them.

Those searching diligently for quality sneakers will eventually find a pair of Karhus. When they do, they will be very impressed with the shoe. The brand is loved by athletes and sneakerheads for its ultimate comfort and unique style. The rest of the world has not paid attention to them yet.

4, BUDDY

Since 2012, Japanese shoe brand Buddy has made simple, colorful shoes in its Tokyo workshop. It exports them in small quantities around the world. Buddy’s products use only the best materials, from vulcanized rubber soles to premium suede and leather. Each pair is handmade and comes with a unique leather tag sewn into the sole as proof.

Granted, these shoes won’t win any technical awards. But Buddy knows its strengths and pursues its own style. The result is recognisable and distinctive. Yes, everyone knows about the brand now.

5, SPRING COURT

For a brand that has thrived since the 1930s, Spring Court is still relatively unknown. It has made a splash with the likes of Serge Gainsbourg, David Hockney and John Lennon. The French tennis shoe brand revolutionised the world with its perforated soles. It was designed specifically for use on clay courts.

Spring Court tennis shoes were game-changers, but as technology advanced, they faded into obscurity. Today, the brand may not be as active on the court. It still has a loyal following of sophisticated fans. They love the simple, classic style.

6, STEPNEY WORKER’S CLUB

Launched in 2018, London-based shoe brand Stepney Worker’s Club is still relatively new. However, judging by their simple, classic debut collection, that won’t be the case for long.

The Hackney label takes inspiration from the integration culture of traditional workers’ sports clubs. It translates this spirit into footwear that blends classic and modern. Their unique style is already being picked up by brands like END and Garbstore. It’s only a matter of time before this new brand goes global.

7, REPRODUCTION OF FOUND

If you pay any attention to menswear, you’ll notice a lot of inspiration coming from the military. From cargo pants to denim jackets, everything has roots in the armed forces. Japanese brand Reproduction Of Found proves that footwear is no different.

Since 2016, the brand has been reimagining military footwear for the public. It recreates classic styles like German army trainers. It also revives lesser-known American and Russian styles. It’s the perfect graduation for the military fashionista.

8, GREATS – one of the best sneaker brands

Greats is a brand founded by a couple of long-time skate and sneaker veterans. Operating since 2013, a long time in the fast fashion industry, Greats is still relatively unknown, especially in the UK.

In addition to making great retro sneakers, Greats products are also much more affordable than some of their competitors. And in the current economic climate, this is an advantage that cannot be ignored.

As these little-known but impressive sneaker brands show, footwear is not limited to the big names. Each brand offers a distinct style, from the elegant minimalism of ARKK and CQP to the sustainable design of Good News. You also get the classic beauty of Novesta and Spalwart. Whether you want uniqueness, high quality or personalization, there are exciting options. There are always fresh sneaker choices waiting to be explored.