By providing your information, you agree to our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy. We use vendors that may also process your information to help provide our services. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Footwear News may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
The Oxford English Dictionary defines “Sneakerhead” as “an enthusiast for or collector of trainers,” but that’s only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the cult-followed footwear category. A sneakerhead is someone who deeply understands shoe design, loves to immerse themself in sneaker history, and collects new, coveted drops as shiny new trophies. If you’re shopping for someone shoe-obsessed, it may be tricky to find a unique sneaker gift they don’t already own and aptly speak to their particular passion. So, to help simplify your footwear fanatic holiday gifting, we’ve curated the best gifts for sneakerheads that they’ll appreciate for years to come.
Of course, there are levels to being a sneakerhead — they may be a novice collector on the hunt for the hottest new drop, or they may be a self-made expert who methodically studies sneaker design. Whatever the case, they likely already know their taste, so, unless they’ve pointed out a specific new shoe they’re coveting, it’s best to think outside the (sneaker) box to find a present they wouldn’t normally pick out themself. It’s a great opportunity to snag them an epic sneaker coffee table book that they can use as decor or learn from on a daily basis, or upgrade their stock with sleek organization systems so they can put their kicks on display. They may also be in need of some basic essentials, like new Nike socks, personalized insoles for heel pain or plantar fasciitis, or even comfy recovery slides they’d normally pass up for a fresh pair of sneakers.
If you’re on the hunt for a simple gift that a sneakerhead will actually use, you also can’t go wrong with a comprehensive shoe cleaning kit or shoe scuff erasers to preserve their most cherished assets. Or, since you already know that they go starry-eyed for an iconic sneaker silhouette, grab them home decor like a shoe-shaped candle, sneaker box planter, or neon sign to accessorize their space.
Either way, there’s no doubt that a love for sneakers is what bonds all sneakerheads together. And, luckily, you don’t have to be one yourself to shop for one. If you’re looking for the best gifts for men or women who treat their sneakers like precious gems, browse our top picks below. Whether they love the best Adidas or Nike sneakers of all time, or constantly keep their ‘fits looking fresh with the most on-trend walking shoes, we did the heavy lifting for you and compiled the 35 best gifts for sneakerheads and all kinds of shoe lovers.
Olivia Cigliano is a Commerce Writer & Producer at Footwear News and WWD where she writes shopping content on the best-rated footwear, TikTok style trends, and more. Olivia received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Emerson College, and her byline can be found in publications including Elite Daily and CR Fashion Book. In her free time, Olivia can be found scouring the internet for deals on unique combat boots and trendy sneakers to gift her loved ones during the holiday season.
By providing your information, you agree to our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy. We use vendors that may also process your information to help provide our services. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.