There’s a pair of sneakers for everyone. From die-hard sneakerheads to heel fanatics and everyone in between. A true style stalwart, in 2023, a good pair of trainers are a must for your wardrobe. But in a world of highly anticipated drops, sell-out collections and ample choice, it can get a little overwhelming. The true trick to winning at the sneaker game? It’s all about understanding what works for you.

To help, we’ve put together a guide to the wonderful world of trainer shopping. From fit to style and brand, this is everything you need to know to pick your pair.

Question: when should you wear sneakers? Answer: whenever you like. What started out as the uniform of street stylers, hip-hop icons and sports stars, the humble sneaker has shifted from a subculture staple to a firm fixture in the world of luxury fashion. Starting out on basketball courts and baseball fields, the advent of streetwear in the ‘80s and ‘90s changed the way we style sneakers, paving the way for more experimentation, bridging the gap between sport and fashion.

And in 2023? There’s almost no difference between the two, as fashion is influenced by sport and vice versa, read: the rise of aesthetics like tenniscore (perfected by the likes of Lacoste and Miu Miu), and the football mania movement. In 2023, it’s not unusual to see a collaboration between your favourite football club and your favourite label. You don’t need to play tennis – or football – to make sneakers work. No longer just for sport, there are no rules. Your key takeaway? Trainers are more prominent in our wardrobes than ever. And there’s no end to the ways you can wear them…

In 2023, there are no rules to how you should style trainers. If you’re keeping things laid back, they’ll pair easily with sweats or a statement tracksuit. For your day to day, they’ll go just as well with jeans and a t-shirt. And for your nights out? Go for a pair of all black trainers to take you to the dancefloor, or style a chunky pair with tailored trousers to dress down a look. From the low-key to the high-low look, a good pair of trainers go with everything. The possibilities are endless.

While the rules are gone, what’s non-negotiable is your sneakers should always do you a turn – they should feel good, look good and never let you down. And the FLANNELS sneakers offering? Needless to say: it’s one of the best in the game. Think comfort, style and cult classics.

Finding the one? It’s no easy feat. And yes, by the one we mean the perfect pair of sneakers. The key styles to know? High Top, Low Top, Dad and Pre-Distressed.

One of the most important styles in the sneaker world? The high top. A firm fixture of the streetwear set, the humble high top has long been a fashion fixture, from the NBA to the hip hop scene. Big and chunky, the style is characterised by a high height that extends slightly passed the ankle. It’s difficult to pinpoint the O.G. high tops, but many sneakerheads say the style was first popularised way, way back in 1917 when Converse released the very first version of the Chuck Taylor All Stars. With over a hundred years of history, high tops have long been cemented in pop culture and today, the style just keeps getting bigger…

These are the high-top trainers to have on your radar for 2023. If you’re in the mood for a classic, Kenzo’s School Sneakers don’t miss. For an edge? Rick Owens Drkshdw high tops are gothcore’s answer to trainers. The MA-1 sneakers by Amiri bring logo-heavy style, a chunky sole and a pop of pink, while Off-White’s Court 30 Sneakers are complete with zip ties and a vibrant fuchsia colouring for easy, statement-making style. Feeling athletic? A Cold Wall X Roa’s Andreas Boots combine hiking-ready styles with classic streetwear codes with a high-top silhouette and gorpcore-inspired straps and chunky soles.

Low tops are, simply, trainers that sit below the ankle. The style is characterised by a minimal design and maximum support. Famed for their easy, slick, simple appeal and their uncanny ability to work with any outfit, low top sneakers are a firm fixture of the fashion world. It’s hard to tell when low tops first came into circulation, but the original version of the style, the plimsoll, has been around since the early 19th century. Since then, low tops have (hugely) evolved. The ‘60s gave us cult styles like the Adidas Stan Smiths and as the century turned, brands like Prada started to show low tops on the runways. And today? There’s a whole host of styles to get excited about.

These are the key low-top sneakers to invest in for 2023. If you’re looking for a style that’s on the smarter end, The Achilles by Common Project will hit the brief. In crisp white, they’lll work just as well with jeans as they will with tailored trousers. Axel Arigato’s Dice Sneakers are serious versatile, thanks to the monochrome colourway, smooth leather and minimalist branding. Represent’s Bully Sneakers are a simple yet elevated take on the style, thanks to the chunky sole and coloured laces. No risk, high reward. And for a cult touch? Opt for Off-White’s Out Of Office Trainers in a pop of blue.

Your old man knew a thing or two about sneakers. In 2023, the dadcore aesthetic continues to reign supreme, and one of its hottest exports is the ‘dad sneaker’. But what exactly is a dad sneaker? In short, it’s a performance sneaker that typically has an exaggerated silhouette, keeping comfort and stability at its heart. Generally, they’re of the ugly variety, but that only adds to the charm. Today, they’re beloved by all from hype beasts to the Scandi style set, and to date #dadsneakers has 14.8 million views on TikTok, so it’s safe to say, the look is going nowhere.

If you’re after a pair of dad sneakers, these are the key styles for 2023. The New Balance 610 Sneakers go all out on gorpcore energy. And if you’re feeling sporty? Axel Arigato’s Marathon Runners combine athletic appeal with statement-making style. For a pop of colour, Moncler’s mountain inspired Trailgrips will bring some added energy to your wardrobe, as will Lacoste’s Runway sneakers. It’s in Dad we trust.

One of the most controversial styles in the sneaker world? The pre-distressed look. Ripped, shredded, dunked in dirt: they imitate the look of a trainer that’s spent six months at the skate park, but none of the hard work is required. The style was catapulted into the mainstream after brands like Saint Laurent and Gucci released pre-distressed sneakers back in 2017. And in 2023, a pair of pre-cooked kicks still has some serious street cred.

If you’re looking to add an already-worn style to your wardrobe, these are the ones to know. Mihara Yashurio has perfected the look with the Hank Low Tops, a reimagined basketball shoe that’s crafted from suede that’s ripped in all the right places, atop a wavy midsole that’s anything but uniform. Y3’s take on the trend roughs up the classic Gazelle, while Visvim’s Skagway sits on an dirty augmented sole. Feeling it? Get faded with Palm Angels Low Top Sneakers.