One of the biggest complaints we heard during the ComplexCon Sneaker of the Year panel fallout was that we placed too much of an emphasis on retros and bring backs, and didn’t pay enough attention to the best new sneaker models and designs. But that’s what this list exists for. We started ranking these a few years ago, but eventually stopped for one reason or another. But the comments got us thinking that 2025 was the perfect year to bring it back.
This is a sneaker list that isn’t all about hype. Sure you’ll find some sneakers that have hype behind them like the Adidas Jellyfish or the AE 2, but you’ll also find an everyday sneaker like the Nike Vomero Plus or the Salomon XT Whisper. The name of the game here is fresh and new, so if you’re looking for an Air Max 95, you’re going to have to wait until our next SOTY list drops.
Below, you’ll find a list of the 10 best new sneaker designs of 2025.
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10.Nike LeBron 23
Release Date: 09/25/25
Price: $210
LeBron James’ legendary career—the greatest of all time—is winding down. It remains to be seen what will happen to his signature sneaker line once that inevitable retirement comes, but until then, we still have new models to celebrate. And since the rejuvenation of the line with the pivot to low tops with the Nike LeBron 20, they’ve been worthy of celebration. The 23 takes that current direction and ups the symbolism, utilizing the crown from James’ logo as the basis for the model in celebration of moments from his career. It’s always risky when such a literal interpretation of a design element is utilized, with the potential to become corny fast, but it’s abstract enough here to work from both a functional and storytelling standpoint. It allows the shoe to take on drastically different looks through different materials, Swoosh placements, and colors. Above all, it serves the purpose of honoring a milestone in James’ career, while also being able to stand alone as simply a good shoe, which makes it one of the best new sneaker models of 2025.. —Zac Dubasik
9.New Balance 204L
Release Date: 07/30/25
Price: $110
The New Balance 204L proves that the low-profile retro runner trend isn’t going anywhere yet. The sneaker was first unveiled at Paris Fashion Week in the spring before making its retail debut with Kith’s three-shoe project in July. New Balance says that the model is inspired by ‘70s running shoes but updated to fit a more modern-day aesthetic. It’s a sneaker that you can dress up or dress down without breaking the budget, unlike the similarly looking Miu Miu x New Balance 530 SL that retails for $1,120. —Victor Deng
8.Salomon XT Whisper
Release Date: 02/14/25
Price: $140
Hey, how you doing, little sneakerhead? Let me whisper in your ear. Salomon’s got some sneakers that you’d like to wear. People have argued that we haven’t shown enough love to brands not named Nike or Jordan this year. And I hear you. Look, I hardly wear Nike or Jordan. But the year is what it was. With that said, Salomon has been one of the “other” sneaker brands people championed since the pandemic. But the biggest knock on Salomon, too, is that the brand really only makes two sneakers that people want to own. And once you have a pair of two of XT-4s or XT-6s, you really don’t need any more. And that’s true. I have a bunch and never wear them. With that said, the XT-Whisper was a welcomed addition to the brand’s repertoire this year. —Matt Welty
7.Nike Ja 3
Release Date: 08/21/25
Price: $125
The Nike Ja 3 set the tone for basketball sneakers this year. Each new colorway keeps elevating the mode,l and some say there still hasn’t been a miss yet. The design is so versatile that the possibilities feel endless. The performance matches the aesthetics too. I see this shoe on courts at every level and the college PEs really showcase its energy. After playing in it myself, the traction is super sharp and the full length ZoomX gives the shoe a bouncy and energetic feel. You can tell a team of real hoopers helped shape the design. The Ja 3 reminded the sneaker world that basketball shoes are definitely back after some quiet years. Is it a classic? Time will tell. For now, it deserves its flowers as one of the best new sneaker models of 2025. —Douglas Jase
6.Adidas Harden 9
Release Date: 01/25/25
Price: $160
James Harden’s sneakers get thrown into the conversation of “all basketball shoes looking the same,” but I don’t think that’s the case. His signature line has always been solid, and ever since the Harden Vol. 7 we’ve seen a real shift. The Harden Vol. 9 feels like a carefully curated evolution of the line, pulling in the best elements of previous shoes and refining them. There’s nothing wrong with building on what works. The design has a distinct exoskeleton and a cool use of the Three Stripes that you can spot from far away. The cushioning setup is strong, and it’s easily one of the top three most-worn models in the NBA. Harden and Adidas really hit their stride. Even if each year looks familiar, when you look back you can see how matured the Harden line is. —Douglas Jase
5.Adidas Anthony Edwards 2
Release Date: 09/22/25
Price: $130
Any time you’re following up a sneaker that was as good as the Adidas AE 1 was, it’s going to be a lofty task. It’s been talked about countless times at this point, but not only was Anthony Edwards’ first signature shoe the best new silhouette of 2024, but it was also the sneaker of the year last year. It restored a number of feelings. It got folks wearing hoops shoes off the court again, it brought back old school sneaker ads, and it reignited a feeling in basketball sneakers that hadn’t been there since the time of LeBron’s Miami Heat days. Enter the Adidas AE 2. Is the sequel as good as the original? Certainly not. But the Adidas AE 2 is one of the best new sneaker models of 2025, and falls right in line with Edwards’ signature aesthetic: a dynamic looking hoop shoe with unique design language that creates an unmistakable signature look. It might be more geared for the court than the streets, but Edwards and Adidas avoided a sophomore slump with this one. —Ben Felderstein
4.Nike Pegasus Premium
Release Date: 01/30/25
Price: $210
Nike’s Pegasus line is one of the most important in the brand’s history. The original model launched in 1982 and it’s remained a part of Nike’s offerings—save for a brief intermission from 1998-2000—ever since. That said, the sneakers haven’t necessarily been known for looking overly technical. They may be a staple for runners, but flash was typically left for other product lines like the Air Maxes or newer Alphas. So when the rather mundanely named “Pegasus Premium” was previewed in 2024 with innovation like the brand’s first sculpted visible full-length Air Zoom unit (sandwiched between Zoom foam and ReactX foam), it didn’t totally make sense. And it still doesn’t—but that doesn’t take away from how good it is. Sure, it’s a more lifestyle focused design than the typical Pegasus, but it strikes a perfect balance by looking technical while being more casually wearable than the carbon plate-based performance shoes. —Zac Dubasik
3.Nike Vomero Plus
Release Date: 08/07/25
Price: $180
There’s a reason Fat Joe said on the 2025 ComplexCon Sneaker of the Year panel that the Nike Vomero Plus is “a sneaker designed by Jesus Christ.” It’s the middle-of-the-road sneaker in the brand’s popular Vomero running line that’s durable enough to be worn as an everyday trainer while offering plenty of cushioning due to its full-length ZoomX midsole, which is typically reserved for the brand’s higher-end marathon sneakers. It’s also one of Nike’s most comfortable footwear offerings on the market, which is why you’ll see many sneaker fans wearing it as a lifestyle shoe as they’re looking for something that’s both stylish and comfortable. —Victor Deng
2.Converse Shai 001
Release Date: 09/04/25
Price: $125
Following the trend of Anthony Edwards’ signature line with Adidas, Converse had one very clear goal for the Shai 001. It, of course, wanted to create a sneaker that would perform for the MVP on the court, but there was pointed intention to develop a sneaker that would serve Shai Gilgeous-Alexander just as much off the court. Named Complex’s best dressed NBA player right now earlier this year, it would have been a serious miss for Converse not to create a sneaker that functions both on and off the court. You can make the claim that the brand wasn’t ready for the moment and fumbled the initial rollout, as pairs weren’t ready for the Thunder winning the title and Shai being named both regular season MVP and Finals MVP, but the sneaker itself is both unique and carries familiar DNA from signature models of the past. It appears to be some kind of Reebok Answer 4 hybrid with a zipper shroud that can be worn both open or closed depending on your mood. Not only is the Shai 001 the number 2 best new sneaker model of 2025, but it’s also one of the best sneakers of the year, too. —Ben Felderstein
1.Pharrell x Adidas Virginia Adistar Jellyfish
Release Date: 08/23/25
Price: $300
I go back and forth on this sneaker like every other day. Is the Pharrell Jellyfish a truly great sneaker? I’m not sure. But it’s one of the most popular sneakers in 2025. And certainly the most popular new design. Some might argue whether or not this is a “new” sneaker. It’s the Adidas Adistar Cushion 3 that’s been photoshopped to absurd dimensions, but even at $300 it’s been almost impossible to get. Some people knock the sneaker, and others think it’s the best sneaker of 2025. Either way, it’s Pharrell’s return to sneaker greatness after quite a few years off. There was a first-come, first serve release of the triple black pair at the BBC store in New York City last week that caused a “riot.” But that’s not really a good metric at all. NYC releases have been cooked over a decade and it just meant that resellers acted up over the shoes. With all of that said, we’re still talking about the Jellyfish. The white and orange pair was pretty great. White and green, too. Do I think people will still be wanting to wear this sneaker in five years? Probably not, but it’s a real thing right now and there’s no denying that. —Matt Welty