Adidas Samba
Adidas introduced the Samba in 1952, but soccer fashion — referred to as “Blokecore” — and the permeation of Terrace culture, born from the attire fans wear in standing areas of soccer stadiums, has kept the shoe relevant.
Greatest Shoes of All Time: A Look at the Icons of Footwear
From Nike to Christian Louboutin, FN highlights a curated lineup of The Greatest Shoes of All Time.
By Peter Verry
Courtesy of brands
Every era has its hero. From the 1800s to today, footwear’s most enduring shoes stand the test of time and continue to thrive in an ultra-competitive climate. Here, FN highlights a curated lineup of The Greatest Shoes of All Time.
The list was compiled with the help of a diverse range of sources including input from editors and industry experts. Additionally, data and other relevant metrics were analyzed to ensure a well-rounded and authoritative selection across categories and markets — including sneakers, luxury, comfort, contemporary, along with men’s and women’s. The alphabetical lineup below is meant to reflect historical significance but also current trends. Take a look.
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Adidas Stan Smith
“When you can bring together the world or sports, fashion and streetwear, you have an iconic shoe. That’s what the Stan Smith is.It’s a very wearable shoe and easy to match outfits with. It has also had a great transition between the youth and adults — it organically became vintage for adults but still cool for the kids. And it is managed very well from a brand perspective.” — Eric “Shake” James, owner of Clicks, Sneex and Black Market
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Adidas Superstar
“Superstars are the greatest kicks of all time because it’s the one shoe that symbolizes hip-hop culture as a whole. Thanks to Jam Master Jay and Run-DMC, this legendary rap group created a song called ‘My Adidas’ and the streets made it No. 1. The black with the white stripes is classic — I just rocked them with a suit for a black-tie event. It’s probably the only sneaker you can rock with a suit and rock with street gear.” — Fredro Starr of the rap group Onyx
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Altra Lone Peak
The Altra Lone Peak is frequently spotted on the Pacific Crest Trail, the Continental Divide Trail and the Appalachian Trail — with good reason. “A set of simple yet unique concepts — Zero Drop, a roomy FootShaped toe box combined with innovations like a sandwiched Stoneguard and a velcro Gaiter Trap — make the Lone Peak way ahead of its time and one of the greatest trail shoes of all time,” Altra co-founder Brian Beckstead said of the franchise, which debuted in 2011. “Throughout the evolution Altra has successfully modernized it without needing to overhaul the shoe. That consistency along with minor improvements like better grip, less overlays, more breathable upper, waterproof models, and great designs have kept this shoe relevant.”
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Amina Muaddi Begum
To launch her eponymous brand in 2018, Amina Muaddi created a modern silhouette, the Begum, with a distinctive heel shape. Helen David, chief merchant of luxury at Kurt Geiger (which operates the shoe departments at Harrods, Selfridges and other top stores), told FN in 2022 the Begum pump in clear plexi has always been a top item. “You can always spot an Amina shoe — it’s a masterclass in subtle, elegant branding,” she said.
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Allen Edmonds Park Avenue
More than 2 million pairs of the cap-toe oxford have been sold since its introduction in 1982. Each pair is crafted by 48 pairs of hands through a 212-step process, and there are over 200 options across extended sizes and widths. Notably, over 20,000 variations can be created in Allen Edmonds’ custom shop.
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Allbirds Wool Runner
Image Credit: Courtesy What does the Wool Runner mean to Allbirds? For co-founder and chief innovation officer Tim Brown, it’s everything. “Our history and future can both be found in that product,” he said of the shoe, which debuted in 2016 and remains popular today. “It was the start of the business in the sense that after seven years of iteration, hundreds of prototypes and a successful Kickstarter campaign, it was the singular product Allbirds was launched on and found success with. Even still, the Wool Runner represents the essence of our design DNA and is a large clue for how we define our product roadmap going forward.”
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Asics Gel-Lyte 3
Asics recognizes the Gel-Lyte 3 as one of the most meaningful silhouettes in its history. “The model highlights our rich heritage as a brand and is a key pillar of our product archive,” Go Suzuki, senior general manager of Sportstyle and Asics Corp. executive officer, said of the shoe, which will mark its 35th anniversary in 2025. “Rooted in innovation and function when released as a running silhouette in 1990, it has always stood out due to the progressive design, specifically with its signature split tongue and vibrant use of colors. Collaborations have also played a large part in why it’s such a truly special style, establishing the Gel-Lyte 3 as an iconic shoe within Asics history.”
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Balenciaga Triple S
Balenciaga’s Triple S sneaker, which dropped in September 2017, has been widely credited with sparking the ‘ugly’ sneaker trend, thanks to its chunky silhouette. According to Lyst, Balenciaga’s Triple S was the hottest sneaker of 2018 and it continues to be the No. 1 volume-driving style for the brand on
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Birkenstock Arizona
Introduced in 1973, Birkenstock’s Arizona became a symbol of counterculture, worn by musicians at Woodstock and tech moguls such as Steve Jobs. The appeal remains the same, said Birkenstock chief communications officer Jochen Gutzy, citing its anatomically shaped footbed: “Its timeless design has allowed it to remain trendy across decades, proving that you can be ugly for a reason while being trendy forever.”
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Blundstone Chelsea Boot No. 500
Blundstone has sold more than 25 million pairs of its No. 500 Chelsea boot to date, and the look is now 55 years old. “Our iconic 500 boots are loved for the same reasons now as they were in the 1960s. They are comfortable, durable, long-lasting and ready to accompany you on any of life’s adventures,” Blundstone joint CEO Adam Blake said of the 500, which debuted in 1969. “In a world of fast fashion and quick-fire seasonal trends, Blundstone is an authentic and timeless breath of fresh air.”
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Bottega Veneta Lido mule
In 2019, the quilted square-toe sandals by then-creative director Daniel Lee were the most-coveted product at the time with fans including Rihanna, Katie Holmes and more. Today, the brand’s hand-woven intrecciato design remains instantly recognizable and a signature pattern throughout the line.
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Brooks Adrenaline
Former Brooks chief executive officer Jim Weber credited the Adrenaline as the shoe that saved the company. Consistency, Brooks believes, is why the franchise — which includes the heralded Adrenaline GTS 4 that released in 2002 — remains a favorite among runners. “When we decided to focus solely on running in the early 2000s, one of our main goals was to make the sport more accessible for all. The Adrenaline 4 was born out of this idea,” said Pete Humphrey, Brooks vice president of research and development, who has been with the company for 25 years. “We created a new fit that accommodated more people, a new support technology that enabled more people to run healthy, an experience of on the run comfort that made running more enjoyable. We’ve continued to evolve and innovate around these with every edition of the Adrenaline since, and we’ve taken those attributes and applied them across our line.”
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Chaco Z/Sandal
“Our Chaco Z/Sandal has been the ultimate choice for outdoor lovers for a reason. Chacos are for life. They are durable, dependable and designed for the day in and day out business of living,” Chaco senior brand director Jon Golub said of the sport sandal, which debuted in 1989. “The greatest shoes of all time show up season after season and engage timelessly with new generations of consumers. That level of heritage comes from the core features — comfort, durability and style — of the Z/Sandal, along with the ability to adapt with consumers’ ever-changing taste in style and expectations for their footwear.”
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Chanel Two-Tone Flat
Image Credit: Getty Images Chanel’s first two-tone shoe appeared in 1957, but it wasn’t until the 1980s that Karl Lagerfeld reinvented the look as a ballet flat in beige with a black-capped toe. “Around for more than three decades, the Chanel two-toned flat continues to be a cult classic that exudes the timeless luxury of Chanel. Its [resale] value withstands time and continues to sell on average for over $500, even in ‘good’ and ‘fair’ condition,” said Heather Klein, associate merchandising manager at The Real Real.
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Christian Louboutin Pigalle
It’s a classic for a reason. The Pigalle, introduced in 2004, celebrates the Parisian quarter it’s named after. The design, featuring its iconic low-cut vamp and pointed-toe, has since inspired the So Kate by Louboutin, in which he said: “It’s an extension of the Pigalle which gives all the power to legs of whoever wears them with no distraction and just elevation.”
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Christian Louboutin So Kate
The Christian Louboutin Kate heel was released in 2012 and the So Kate in 2013, with over 500,000 pairs of the Kate and its variations sold since its launch. Said the designer: “Kate is a sharp style, simple and very complex at the same time. If the line is not very perfect, you do not have any embellishment to hide it. It sounded so much like Kate Moss, simple yet very sophisticated. I felt this pump just had to be named after her, because it was so Kate.”
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Clarks Wallabee
Although it debuted in 1968, the Wallabee is a look that continuously gets adopted by new generations and is a silhouette Clarks Originals credits for making the brand recognizable globally. “It is one of the greatest shoes of all time because of its unique design, insane comfort and total versatility. No matter who wears it, where they wear it or what they wear it with, this shoe always looks cool,” said Clarks Originals chief marketing and digital officer Tara McRae. “It’s a beautiful blank canvas that will always stand the test of time, and its iconic status and amazing canvas has allowed us to co-create exciting iterations of the shoe with the likes of Ronnie Fieg, Moncler, Supreme and music legends Wu-Tang.”
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Cole Haan ZerØgrand
In 2014, Cole Haan debuted its hybrid dress shoes. Since its launch, millions of pairs have been sold and it’s the top volume driver for the brand. This year, Cole Haan celebrates 10 years of the Zerøgrand with new remastered styles.
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Converse Chuck Taylor All Star
“It has stood the test of time since the early 1900s, and as someone whose life revolves around basketball, I love that it has its roots in the sport. The Chuck Taylor was my go-to concert shoe. In my teens and early 20s, I was lucky to have seen many of my absolute favorite bands — Oasis, The Strokes, Smashing Pumpkins — and my Chucks were there with me at each show. I had a pair of white highs I would wear at shows and I would Sharpie the band name on the shoe. After a year or so, they were completely covered and they served as a fun keepsake of all the bands I was able to see.” — Abby Albino, co-owner, Makeway
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Crocs Classic Clog
When the whacky shoes first launched 20 years ago, they were aimed at boaters, then gardeners, service-workers, nurses, children and more. Now, the clog has become one of fashion’s greatest canvases for coolness, creativity, self-expression and even the runway. Top collabs have included Christopher Kane, Balenciaga, Justin Bieber, Salehe Bembury and more. “Five years ago, a sneakerhead wouldn’t be caught dead walking downtown New York City in Crocs,” said another collaborator Jeff Staple. “The incredible thing about it is that they have forced their way in whether people like it or not. To me, it’s one of the great brand turnaround stories.” In 2023, the Crocs brand sold 120 million units (which includes all products – Clogs, Jibbitz, Sandals), and its Clogs category (which includes Classic Clogs) grew 12%.
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Dr. Martens 1460
The Dr. Martens 1460 boot launched on April 1, 1960, and soon became a mainstay of the counterculture. Its fame continues with today’s generations. Between 2015 and 2024, the brand sold 30 million pairs. And last year, Dr. Martens reached 1 billion British pounds ($1.25 billion, based on current exchange) in annual revenue for the first time.
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Dr. Scholl’s Original Sandal
Dr. Scholl’s Shoes first introduced the Original Wooden Exercise Sandal in 1959. The style continued to make noise, first on Jean Shrimpton and Twiggy in 1965, followed by Martha Stewart in 1972. Then in the early 2000s, stars such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Brooke Shields, Alicia Silverstone, Cindy Crawford, Courtney Love, Kim Catrell, Kirsten Dunst and more wore the style. And this summer, Parker reignited buzz around the look once again while filming “And Just Like That.”
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Ferragamo Vara
In 1954, Salvatore Ferragamo created a ballerina flat to pay homage to actress Audrey Hepburn’s past as a ballet dancer. The classic style has been reinterpreted through the years, with the most recent Vara plate featuring a pouch construction with pleats on the square toe and the double Gancini motif on the upper.
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Fila Grant Hill 2
Fila bolstered its presence in basketball when it signed Grant Hill in 1994, a college hoops superstar who was drafted No. 3 overall by the Detroit Pistons. Two years later, the brand delivered the Grant Hill 2, a shoe defined by a strip of patent leather on the upper. It was also adopted by hip-hop culture and was famously worn by 2Pac in a photo that appeared in the booklet for his classic “All Eyez on Me” album.
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Gianvito Rossi Portofino Sandal
“Originality, simplicity and modernity are the key design elements for a timeless style. In the Portofino, they are coded into the graphic lines, bolder straps, strong higher back and the discrete leather covered buckle. All features that contributed to transform it into something timeless. Its minimalist look still reflects an elegance that goes beyond seasons and trends.”
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Giuseppe Zanotti Cruel Sandal
The Cruel was introduced with the spring 2013 collection and the gold leaf is inspired by baroque motifs. “About 12 years ago, Kanye West saw this shoe and asked me to create an all-white version to coincide with the launch of his ‘Cruel Summer’ album. I realized then the shoe was a moment,” Giuseppe Zanotti explained. “He [and Virgil Abloh] also visited our showroom in Milan, which is located within a historical palace. Virgil took a picture of the Medusa and leaf motif across the showroom fireplace and they then used that for the cover of the album. At that time, we fused their vision with mine and we were able to create something that is vibrant and still resonates.”
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Golden Goose Super-Star
Designed in 2007, the Super-Star, a distressed luxury sneaker, has become Golden Goose’s most iconic design. On sustaining that success, CEO Silvio Campara said, “Staying authentic — that’s the most important. People today want a brand with values, they want to belong to communities that take action in order to make the world a better place. Our way is to do that through self-expression. That’s why personalization is the key to Golden Goose.”
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G.H. Bass Weejuns
“Weejuns represent the G.H. Bass signatures: quality, craftsmanship and timelessness,” said G.H.Bass president Chris Paulk of the penny loafer, which debuted in 1936. “The Weejuns brought American style to the global stage. What started as a signature shoe of the New England prep lifestyle grew into moonwalking across pop culture moments, the punk scene, the fashion landscape — and farther. This style defies tradition for every generation.”
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Gucci Horsebit Loafer
Introduced in 1953, the Horsebit Loafer was Gucci’s first shoe. The launch also coincided with the arrival of Gucci’s first American boutique in New York. Its distinctive design, featuring a miniaturized horse bit (a double ring connected by a bar), has become a hallmark of the house. In 1973, the Metropolitan Museum of Art welcomed the style into its permanent collection.
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Havaianas Top Flip Flop
“Havaianas is the original flip-flop from 1962, so it’s really special to see how the Top Flip Flop has evolved over the years. Through different prints and collaborations, it has become a staple of the Havaianas DNA and one of the most iconic styles to date.” — Diane Bekhor, president North America & Caribbean
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Hoka Speedgoat
When it comes to the trail, there is nothing more important to Hoka than Speedgoat. “It is a pillar of what trail running means to us and one of our iconic franchises,” Colin Ingram, vice president of global product at Hoka, said of Speedgoat, which debuted in 2015. “The Speedgoat has created a signature Hoka ride on the trails and taken countless athletes reliably across ultra distances, over gnarly terrain and into new levels they never thought possible. With each iteration of the shoe, we have continuously innovated the Speedgoat, pushing the boundaries on the trail.”
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Hunter Original Tall Boot
For Nick Woodhouse, president and chief brand officer of Authentic Brands Group, the owner of Hunter, what makes a shoe iconic is its ability to transcend generations. “Hunter’s Original Tall Boot is steeped in history, from its origins in Scotland to its iconic status among festivalgoers and tastemakers. For over 160 years, the Original has preserved its classic silhouette and wearability, cementing its place as a true icon that seamlessly navigates the rugged outdoors and refined city streets. It remains the gold standard in versatile, durable footwear.”
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Jimmy Choo Romy
Over 400,000 pairs of the Romy have been sold since its launch in 2016. “The idea of a pointy-toe pump is one of the biggest challenges of a shoe designer. Every shoe brand makes a version, so it requires a lot of thought to make yours really stand out,” said creative director Sandra Choi. “Romy is an art form when it comes to both the design and the silhouette. It’s the perfect pump. A blend of refined glamour and elegance for those moments when you need to present yourself with a pulled-together polish. From Lady Gaga to members of the royal family, first ladies to Beyoncé, its appeal is universal, and once worn, it becomes a trusted friend.”
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Johnston & Murphy Oxford
Johnston & Murphy’s Oxford has been in the line since at least the 1890s and has become a menswear staple. By 1930, the brand had more than 40 different styles of Oxford shoes, each tailored to a specific need or occasion, from business to formal attire to outdoor sport. Throughout history, its Oxfords have been made for U.S. presidents including Lyndon Johnson, Woodrow Wilson, Barack Obama, Joe Biden and more. Today, the shoes account for nearly half of Johnston & Murphy’s men’s footwear business.
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Jordan Air Jordan 1
“I used to watch NBA Films shows after school with my dad. They’d show Michael Jordan highlights and I always loved the 1 on court. As I grew up, I appreciated the way the culture adopted the AJ1, from hip-hop to skate to the [basketball] court. These became the go-to for so many of us. The color blocking is endless, and they go together with pants perfectly. Simple as that.” — Matt Tomamichel, owner, Corporate
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Jordan Air Jordan 3
“The model is a cultural icon. [Michael Jordan] performed culture miracles while playing in the shoe. Culture happened while other legends performed in their respective industries in the AJ3. Jordan is as connected to culture as our feet are to walking.” — James Whitner, owner and founder of The Whitaker Group
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Jordan Air Jordan 11
The more things change, the more things stay the same. The Air Jordan 11 arrived in 1995 with a $125 price tag, dressed in white, black and dark concord hues. The silhouette’s popularity was aided by NBA icon Michael Jordan’s impressive return to the court after a brief retirement, as well as a major pop culture moment, having appeared in the hit film “Space Jam.” The shoe in the countless colorways that have hit the market, including the original that is simply known as “Concord” today, remains a favorite among sneakerheads nearly 30 years later.
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Keds Original Champion
Founded in 1916, Keds launched with the Champion — a simple white sneaker that has remained virtually unchanged over the last 100 years. The four-eyelet lace-up sneaker is known for its feminine profile and flexible, textured rubber outsole. Stars such as Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Yoko Ono and Taylor Swift have all worn the iconic look. Plus, the shoes famously hit the silver screen on Baby in “Dirty Dancing,” which drove over 10 times the average revenue growth for Keds at the time.
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K-Swiss Classic 66
“People’s relationship to their shoes are very personal,” Barney Waters, international brand president at K-Swiss, said of the appeal of the Classic 66 style that debuted nearly 60 years ago. “A lot of customers wore them during their high school years, so there are real memories and emotions attached to the sneaker. In a world of throw-away consumption, it’s nice to have proven icons that have meaning.”
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L.L. Bean Bean Boot
Leon Leonwood Bean created the Bean Boot in 1912, known then as the Maine Hunting Shoe. It was made with long-term durability in mind and, more than a century later, remains a core item in people’s closets. To date the brand has sold more than 12 million pairs. Following the silhouette’s 100th anniversary, sales jumped 50 percent from 2012 to 2013 and continued to trend upward, hitting an all-time high in 2018, when the brand sold 663,000 pairs. Although the Bean Boot has been reimagined with different colors and uppers over the years, some things remain the same, including its signature rubber sole. And all Bean Boots are still made in Maine.
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Maison Margiela Tabi Boot
Created in 1988, after designer Martin Margiela took a trip to Japan, he made his own version of the split-toe shoe. The provocative style continues to garner attention, from the recent Louboutin collaboration that stole the show at the 2024 Met Gala to the viral stolen Tabis TikTok that earned 1.6 million views. According to Launchmetrics, since 2023, the Margiela Tabi has generated $35.3 million in Media Impact Value.
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Manolo Blahnik Hangisi
Manolo Blahnik‘s Hangisi crystal-buckle pumps have been a footwear phenomenon for the past decade. Ever since it launched for spring 2008 and it had its memorable moment on Carrie Bradshaw in “Sex and the City,” the designer has seen the style blow up in more ways than he could have ever imagined. “It’s one of those things that I cannot explain, but I do thank God for it. I never do things thinking they are going to be iconic. It was just a coincidence,” Blahnik told FN on the Hangisi obsession. “It just goes on and on.” The shoe has been seen in more than 100 materials and colorways.
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Manolo Blahnik BB Pump
“It has taken me decades to find the perfect shape and cut for my court shoe, BB. I named the BB after Brigitte Bardot because I have always been inspired by her enduring elegance and timeless style. There is something about the shape of the toe and the proportion of the heel that works perfectly. It is a good shoe for every occasion…an ultimate wardrobe staple.” — Manolo Blahnik
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Manolo Blahnik Mary Jane
“Throughout the early ’90s I had gone through a bit of a baroque period, creating very elaborate and ornate shoes. I felt I needed a reset, so I looked at a classic style and thought how I could make it modern for the contemporary woman. It started off with the idea of a classic Mary Jane, but then I made it incredibly sexy with a pointed toe, high heel and patent leather!” — Manolo Blahnik
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Merrell Moab
“The Moab is an essential part of our hike heritage, having long served as inspiration for new and seasoned hikers to get outdoors and offering consistency when needed most,” said Merrell chief marketing officer Pallav Tamaskar of the Moab, which was named after a town in Utah. “It’s helped us earn our place in outdoor heritage, quality and performance and the global leader in hike footwear. We’ve led the hiking revolution into the mainstream with the Moab as our hero product since its original launch in 2007.”
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Naturalizer Vera
The Vera sandal debuted in fall 2019 and has sold over 425,000 pairs. According to the brand, 10 Veras sell per hour, with over 250 pairs selling each day online.
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New Balance 574
“The 574 is deeply rooted in our heritage and is the most recognizable silhouette from New Balance — and arguably one of the most iconic in the sneakers in the world,” Paul Kaseumsouk, senior business unit manager of inline lifestyle at New Balance, said of the running shoe turned fashion staple that debuted in 1988. “The 574 has been able to withstand the test of time because of its accessibility, versatility and timeless appeal. The fact that it’s been around for decades and hasn’t changed, says it all.”
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New Balance 990
New Balance introduced its 990 franchise in 1982, a high-performance running shoe at the time made with premium materials. More than 40 years later, the purpose of the shoes has changed, as they’re worn with style in mind rather than running; however, the use of top-tier materials remains the same. What’s more, collaborators including Ronnie Fieg, Aimé Leon Dore and Joe Freshgoods have kept them in favor with today’s most ardent sneakerheads.
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Nike Air Force 1
“The first time I saw them in 1982, they became my favorite, but when they became a staple on the feet of NYC hustlers in 1984/85, it became a shoe of legendary proportions. It has always been simple, beautiful, easy to wear and style — without costing too much — perfect shoe. Air Force 1s are beautiful. And the importance came from the real influencers: The people in the streets.” — DJ Clark Kent
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Nike Air Max 1
“I didn’t become a super fan of the model until I worked at Finish Line in 2004. Before that, I was into Michael Jordan [shoes], Deion [Sanders], [Charles] Barkley. It was a combination of me getting older and wanting cleaner shoes to throw on that I found the AM1. They were always done in amazing colors and materials, and the sleek timeless design makes it easy to wear with just about anything. The AM1 was released in a color option that was unheard of at that time and it changed the way that Nike showed off their technology. Air became a movement and still is a big part of sneaker culture to this day.” — Derek Curry, owner of Sneaker Politics
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Nike Dunk
“Outside of the overall simplicity, countless retro revivals and agreeable price point, it’s the chameleon aspect of the Dunk that has stood the test of time. It transcended multiple sports, all genres of music, all while continuing to evolve. It has been signed off by every organism within streetwear — Zoo York, Futura, Levis, De La Soul, Heineken, Alphanumeric, Supreme, Virgil, Iron Maiden, Stussy. Quite possibly the most thorough list of collaborators in history. That, coupled with some of the most legendary color schemes to date, and it is easy to see why it is so coveted.” — Deon Point, creative director at Concepts
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On Cloud
Swiss running brand On disrupted the global marketplace in 2014 with the release of the Cloud, a franchise with a distinguishable look that continues to resonate with consumers today. “It’s a super-strong visual representation of our CloudTec technology. It’s got a really strong design DNA, very minimalistic, engineered down to the bare essentials,” said On chief commercial officer Britt Olsen. “And then, of course, everyone loves a nice slip-on shoe, especially our triathletes in transition time. It’s performed as a running shoe, a casual walking shoe and one that our elite athletes could use for triathlons.”
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Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66
For nearly 60 years, the Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 has had countless resurgences and moments in the spotlight. Whether its Uma Thurman lacing them up in “Kill Bill Vol. 1” in 2003 (a nod to Bruce Lee’s outfit in the film “Game of Death”) or today’s most style-savvy celebrities such as Bella Hadid and Kaia Gerber keeping a pair in their rotations, the Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 remains time-tested and beloved.
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Prada Hot Rod Heel
In 2012, Miuccia Prada debuted a 1950s-esque collection with shoes dubbed the “Hot Rods.” Inspired by vintage cars, the heels featured sleek automobile-like hardware, as well as cutout leather flames trailing off the heels. Then for fall 2018, Prada brought back the style. The shoes were an instant hit — selling out within days — and having been seen on celebs from Beyoncé to Kim Kardashian.
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Puma Suede
The Suede — originally known as the Crack — has been good to Puma since its debut in 1968, and has proven itself to be a time-tested look that is loved by all. “The Puma Suede’s greatness lies in its timeless design, versatility and cultural significance. It was embraced by athletes, hip-hop artists and street culture, becoming a symbol of style and individuality for over 56 years,” said Puma chief product officer Maria Valdes. “It has evolved with fashion trends while maintaining its classic appeal. Proper care and maintenance also play a role in its longevity.”
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Reebok Club C
One year after entering tennis, Reebok delivered its Club Champion in 1985, a sneaker marketed toward “club players.” Nearly 40 years later, the shoe — which was shortened to Club C in June 1989 — is still revered, no more so by the style conscious. Today, Reebok confirmed it sells more than 5 million pairs of the Club C globally each year, and since its relaunch as a style proposition in 2016, it has sold approximately 23.5 million pairs. “Club C strikes the ideal harmony between style and practicality,” said Reebok head of product Portia Blunt. “In a market filled with fleeting trends, Club C remains steadfast in its simplicity.”
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Rick Owens Sneakers
What happens when you take inspiration from the iconic punk scene in New York City that revolutionized the genre in the 1970s and ’80s, and the Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars that these rockstars were known to wear? You create an icon yourself, like Rick Owens did with his high-top sneakers which debuted in 2009.
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Roger Vivier Belle Vivier
In 1965, Roger Vivier had a meteoric rise after designing a classic black pump, embellished with an oversized chrome-plated buckle for Yves Saint Laurent’s presentation of his Mondrian collection. A few years later, the shoes were featured on Catherine Deneuve in Luis Bunuel’s “Belle de Jour” film and has since been known as the “Belle Vivier” — the designer’s most iconic style.
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Sam Edelman Gigi Sandal
Since its introduction in 2009, more than 1 million pairs of the Gigi sandal have been sold. Said Tacey Powers, Nordstrom EVP and GMM for shoes: “Its sleek design, great quality and ease of wear make it the perfect bare summer sandal. Customers love the simplicity of its design, making it a truly timeless style.”
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Saucony Jazz
The Jazz franchise was Saucony’s largest revenue driver in the early 1980s, and the brand stated its U.S. manufacturing often could not keep up with demand. In the years since, Saucony has had several standout years with the shoe, including 2018 when it sold 1.8 million pairs of the Jazz Original. “When we relaunched the Jazz in 1998, it was a response to the progressive footwear of the time,” Saucony chief product officer Brian Moore said. “The original Jazz, first launched in 1981, symbolized Saucony’s heritage and dedication to innovation and understated style. This made it the perfect crossover into lifestyle footwear, and it continues to embody Saucony’s core values of innovation, culture and heritage.”
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Sergio Rossi SR1
Introduced in spring 2017, the SR1 heels were inspired by archive pieces from the label’s fall/winter 1996-1997 collection. The shoes require 120 steps and 14 hours of artisanal work to create. Since the launch, 170,000 pairs have been sold, excluding wholesale, with a peak in 2021 of 34,000 pairs.
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Skechers Uno
Released in 2017, the Skechers Uno has become a versatile hit shoe for the brand, bridging the gap between loyal customers and trendier fashion-focused consumers. At the time of its launch, the style sold out in many key markets and the demand outweighed its inventory, according to Skechers. Successful collabs with the style have come from Snoop Dogg and The Rolling Stones, along with Diane Von Furstenberg.
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Sorel Caribou
For over 50 years, Sorel’s Caribou boot has been the go-to winter shoe, from North Pole expeditioners to celebrities attending the Sundance Film Festival. The style, with two distinct parts — a waterproof nubuck upper and a vulcanized rubber shell bottom — has become a cold-weather icon.
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Sperry Top-Sider
Sperry has sold more than 200 million pairs of its Top-Sider — also known as the Authentic Original boat shoe — since its 1935 debut, and demand hasn’t waned. “Being the first-ever boat shoe, it will always find itself in the fashion cycle, embraced by trendsetters and various subcultures, while remaining a fashion mainstay for boat shoe lovers,” said Jonathan Frankel, president of Aldo Group, which produces the line. “The Top-Sider also remains popular with the help of strategic collaborations with established and rising brands, including Todd Snyder, Chris Echevarria, Pleasures, Fresh Rags, Concepts and others. The evolution and reinvention of our hero silhouette embodies the innovative spirit of Paul Sperry and allows the shoe to reach new audiences.”
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Steve Madden Slinky
Here’s when founder Steve Madden knew his 1994 Slinky sandal would be a hit: “We had been working closely with a factory in Spain to develop some shoes. I took a trip to see our new developments, I walked around the corner and was stopped dead in my tracks by the Slinky. That’s when I knew, to be honest, the moment I saw it,” he said. “It blew up. It was everywhere, and everyone was talking about it.” After being discontinued in 2000, the Slinky relaunched in 2017 for a limited run, only to be reinstated in 2020, due to demand. Now called the Slinky30, the updated version features a more modern shape. The brand has sold more than 2 million pairs of the new version.
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Stuart Weitzman Nudist
“Mr. Weitzman transformed a classic sandal into an iconic masterpiece of craftsmanship. The shoe became iconic almost immediately after it launched in 2013, which is so rare for a shoe. Diane Kruger may have been the first to wear it, but it has since been worn by thousands of women around the globe. And it’s become part of the most important milestones in women’s lives, from red-carpet awards shows to graduations and weddings. It is not just Hollywood’s favorite stiletto — it’s the world’s favorite stiletto.” — Giorgio Sarné, CEO & brand president
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Teva Original Universal
Image Credit: Steve Hoskins Teva created the Original Universal in 1984 so river rafters’ shoes wouldn’t float away. Forty years later, the sport sandal remains a favorite among adventurers and casual wearers alike. And pairs still fly off store shelves (since 2016, Teva has sold 7.1 million pairs). “There are only a few icons in the footwear industry. This is ours, the sports sandal in the simplest form,” said Teva director of product and merchandising Jess Bensley. “It allows people to get outside and step away from our everyday stresses. I can’t think of anything better.”
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The Frye Company Harness Boot
The instantly recognizable boot features a signature harness ring and rivets, which are inspired by U.S. cavalry soldiers and were initially designed for functionality and durability. The design was further influenced by the boots worn by everyday Americans, providing a rugged and sturdy option for horseback riding and rough terrain.
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Timberland 6-Inch Boot
Image Credit: Courtesy of Amazon Arguably the most ubiquitous shoe of all time, the Timberland 6-Inch Boot was created in 1973 for workers in need of sturdy, waterproof footwear. However, its adoption by the hip-hop community made it an icon. Rap artists including The Notorious B.I.G., Mobb Deep and countless others throughout the 1990s wore the silhouette during the culture’s most profound moments. That fandom has never waned, and some of the biggest names in fashion, such as Kith, Veneda Carter and Louis Vuitton, have since reimagined the look.
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Tory Burch Miller
“When we launched our Miller sandal in 2008, we had no idea it would be such a success. We didn’t create any marketing around it, so the response was organic,” said Tory Burch of the style, inspired by vintage sandals that her mother, Reva, had custom-made in Capri in the 1960s. On making a hit shoe, Burch added: “We don’t have a formula; it’s about instinct, and I know it when I see it.”
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Ugg Classic Short Boot
In 2003, Oprah Winfrey included the brand’s Classic Short boots on her famed “Oprah’s Favorite Things” list, sending the style into the stratosphere. That year, Ugg chalked up $23.5 million in sales, and it completely sold out of its Classic boot that fall. Since then, the boot has evolved with new colors and comfort improvements, but the essence of the shoe has remained the same through the decades.
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Under Armour Curry One
Four-time NBA champion Stephen Curry’s first signature shoe, the Under Armour Curry One, was an undeniable hit. Aside from elevating its position in basketball, the shoe — which came in mid- and low-cuts — put Under Armour’s impact-absorbing and responsive Charged Cushioning in the spotlight. “Stephen took the NBA by storm in 2015 as the Curry One was making waves in the sneaker industry,” Curry Brand general manager Ryan Drew said. “It quickly became a must have for every Curry fan and now has become a nostalgic shoe that true Curry fans must have in their collection.”
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Vans Authentic
Image Credit: Vans The Authentic, born in 1966, was the first deck shoe from The Van Doren Rubber Co. Because of its durability and grip, the look — originally named the No. 44 — became a favorite among skateboarders. Decades later, the Authentic scored a big pop culture moment, when the cast of the 2005 movie “Lords of Dogtown” wore the shoe to honor the Z-Boys skate team.
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Vans Old Skool
You might not be able to skate like longtime Vans ambassador Tony Trujillo, but you can both wear his go-to shoe, the Old Skool. The look debuted in 1977 and was the first to have its Jazz Stripe branding, which Steven Van Doren has explained started out as a doodle by his father, Vans founder Paul Van Doren.
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Vans Slip On
Image Credit: Courtesy Image Sean Penn as Jeff Spicoli in “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” made them famous in 1977, but the classic Slip On sneaker from Vans — with or without the brand’s iconic checkerboard print on the upper — remains a favorite today.
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YSL Tribute
Image Credit: Courtesy of Saint Laurent Launched in 2009, the YSL Tribute platform heel has become synonymous with the early aughts after “it” girls galore stepped out in the 5-inch heels. The best-selling style sparked copycat legal battles and is still the No. 1 most-searched style for the brand on The Real Real.
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