Sneakers might be, for some people, just a pair of shoes to wear daily. However, they mean more than that for sneakerheads and fashion fans.
Because we live in an era when this type of footwear is more than just a pair of shoes, we thought why not provide you with some sneaker brands that maybe you still haven’t heard of.
We did the research and selected 9 of the best European sneaker brands. In this article we’ll talk about their history and main products, so let’s begin!
Contents:
1. Adidas
Man wearing Adidas Grand Court sneakers
There’s no way you haven’t heard about Adidas. Adi Dassler started a shoe company in his mother’s wash kitchen in 1924 and then in 1949 registered the Adidas company. From its humble start in Bavaria, Germany, the brand went to be known among millions worldwide.
The brand made its way into fashion in the early 2000s. Since then, it’s been manufacturing some of the most popular sneakers worldwide.
You can see thousands of people wearing Adidas classics, such as Adidas Superstar and Adidas Stan Smith, everywhere in the world.
We also love the idea of the Vestiaire Collective, where you buy pre-owned Adidas shoes and clothes. It’s a small, simple step toward a more sustainable world.
Must read:
Are Adidas Casual Sneakers Good? (Our 2+ Years Experience)
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2. Puma
Puma official website
Puma was listed as one of the most valuable sports brands in 2019 by Forbes. You can see why by the number of athletes wearing its products in the Olympics.
Usain Bolt set his two world records in the Beijing Olympics wearing all Puma products.
Ironically enough, the brand was born from a sibling rivalry. Puma was founded by Rudolf Dassler, Adi Dassler’s brother, after their separation in 1948.
Puma’s casual sneakers are loved by many, including famous artists such as Rihanna, J Cole, and Selena Gomez.
It’s not only about its design and quality but also its efforts to reduce waste and take a more eco-friendly approach.
Some of the all-time Puma sneakers are Puma Clyde and Puma Suede. These should be your first to check out if you’re new to the brand.
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Don’t miss: Puma vs Reebok Running Shoes: Which Brand to Choose?
3. Hoka One One
Hoka One One official website
Hoka One One is a relatively new brand in the game, originating in France in 2009 and with headquarters in California. However, the company knew how to enter the game as a winner and draw attention to it.
Its maximalist design and innovation are what set it apart. You can tell a pair of Hoka sneakers apart by its unmistakable chunky aesthetic.
Hoka is quickly collecting thousands of fans, not just for its running shoes but also for its casual shoes. Some of its famous collections are Clifton, Bondi, and Elevon.
Its fashionable designs will take your athleisure outfits to a whole other level while providing maximum comfort and support. That’s why podiatrists like to recommend them to their patients.
Read also:
8 French Shoes and Boots Brands for Outdoor and Casual Wear
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4. Salomon
Salomon official website
Salomon has started to have its moment in the past couple of years. While people think that the brand gained popularity from nowhere, it’s been manufacturing some of the best sneakers since the early 2000s.
The brand started as a family wood saws and ski edges workshop in 1947 in Annecy, France.
While Georges Salomon focused on skiing shoes and garments in the beginning, the brand later started producing some fashionable sneakers, and we can’t be more thankful.
Salomon’s success goes back to its way of mixing stylish design with functionality. This is obvious in its Salomon XT-4 and XT-6 sneakers.
Read next:
8 Shoes Brands like Salomon for Your Outdoor Adventures
8 European Running Shoes Brands You Should Try
5. Diadora
Diadora official website
Diadora managed to maintain a high reputation through its 70+ years of experience in the sneaker game. It uses high-quality materials and unique designs to create some of the best sneakers you’ll ever wear.
The brand was founded by Marcello Danieli in 1948 in Italy. Since then, it has proudly manufactured many of its products in Caerano di San Marco, Italy.
We believe that big brands should take responsibility for saving the planet. Diadora shares the same beliefs with us, and we’re all here for it.
Diadora has taken its sustainable approach from packaging to also making its iconic, classic sneakers from recycled materials.
Don’t miss: 9 Italian Sneakers Brands: Our Favorites
6. On Running
On Running official website
On Running was founded by duathlon champion and Ironman winner Olivier Bernhard with his athlete friends Caspar Coppetti and David Allemann.
Together in January 2010 in Zürich, they developed their prototype, which a month later won the ISPO BrandNew Award. Now, On is a famous international sneaker brand that is known for its extra comfortable cushioning and style.
Its Cloud sneaker is by far the best of its creation. Not just for its innovative design but its light cushioning and comfort.
On uses its innovation in applying a more sustainable approach to its manufacturing. The brand is dropping its Cyclon sneaker in summer 2022, made from 100% recyclable materials. It’s often marketed as “the sneaker you’ll never own.”
7. Superga
Superga official website
Looking for an affordable yet high-quality brand, then Superga is the brand for you. The Italian-based company is more than 100 years old.
It was founded by Walter Martiny in Turin in 1911. The brand has more of a subtle, classic style than any of the other brands on our list.
This is favored by Kate Middleton, who has been seen wearing Superga on several occasions. The 2750 COTU CLASSIC seems to be her favorite.
We absolutely like the idea behind its Organic Collection. All the sneakers in this collection are made with 100% natural and recyclable materials.
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You might also like: 9 Italian Hiking Boots Brands: Our Top Picks
8. Haglöfs
Haglöfs official website – Leisure men’s shoes
Haglöfs is a big name in the outdoor wear industry. It definitely has some of the best leisure shoes in the game.
Besides great performance, Haglöfs’ sneakers have some of the best designs. Everything from their build to their colors is just effortlessly beautiful.
The brand was started in 1914 in Sweden by its founder Wiktor Haglöf, who started by manufacturing backpacks. Because the brand started in the heart of the Scandinavian peninsula, it takes sustainability very seriously as one of its core aims.
Read also: 7 Swedish Shoes and Boots Brands for Cold, Rainy Weather
9. Helly Hansen
Helly Hansen official website – Casual sneakers
Another big name in the outdoor gear and clothing industry is the innovative Norwegian brand, Helly Hansen. It was the first brand to manufacture waterproof clothes about 140 years ago.
The brand has a great All-Terrain sneakers collection that will support you on any terrain, thanks to the waterproof Helly Tech membrane.
Being a brand that was born from the heart of nature, sustainability is in its soul. True nature-lovers know the importance of sustainability, and that’s what Helly Hansen believes in.
Read next: 6 Norwegian Shoes and Boots Brands: Our Favorites
Conclusion
Here you have it: our favorite European sneaker brands. Whether you’re a fan of sneakers or just looking for a new pair of high-quality shoes, we suggest you check out some of the above-listed brands: we’re sure you’ll find something you like among their collections.
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