TThe best sneakers to gift to sneakerheads are like time machines full of excitement, transporting recipients – regardless of their age or cynicism – to a world of sporting wonders. (Bonus: They come in a pre-packaged box that surpasses the packaging of even the trendiest AirPods.) In addition to their sentimental value, sneakers offer a practical solution to the perennial challenge of gifting clothing items like jackets or jeans, eliminating the need for precise dimensions.
When it comes to sneakers, knowing the recipient’s shoe size is enough to ensure the pair integrates seamlessly into their collection or takes center stage in a carefully curated display in their bedroom. However, navigating the world of sneaker purchasing requires caution, as dedicated sneakerheads are known for their discerning tastes. With a never-ending stream of new releases flooding the market on a regular basis, selecting the perfect pair can be a daunting task. Don’t be afraid though; this time we are here to provide a guiding hand.
Here are the best sneaker gifts to give a sneakerhead this season…
#1. For the new sneaker lover
For the newly initiated sneakerhead in your life, you can’t go wrong by gifting a pair of Jordans in the basketball legend’s colorway Michael Jordan himself played on the hardwood. A general guideline suggests that the models MJ wore during his Bulls days (numbers 1-14) are top picks, with the 1s, 3s and 4s often considered absolute must-haves. There’s no need to break the bank for an NBA-worthy pair, though; you just need to choose a timeless shoe that has stood the test of decades, complements any outfit and maintains its undeniable cool factor in the long run.
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#2. For the cool dad
In recent years, dad shoes have surprisingly gone from a fashion faux pas to a wardrobe essential. This transformation makes it easier than ever to gift your dad a pair of sneakers that will not only provide the comfort he deserves, but also add a touch of coolness he may be missing. Just advise him to keep a poker face when younger people are admiring his shoes, and he’ll probably be genuinely amused: brace yourself for a classic dad joke in response.
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#3. For those who actually wear their sneakers
Not everyone fixated on sneakers considers them high-quality works of art; some simply look for a pair that they can casually throw on, knit up and wear until the soles give out. These pragmatically rebellious individuals likely need a sturdy pair of canvas shoes that will effortlessly complement their entire wardrobe, whether it’s roomy loads or frayed trousers.
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#4. For the walkers
Is the person you are shopping for more accustomed to the peace of the forest than the hustle and bustle of the subway? Well, here’s some good news: these rugged sneakers are specifically made to provide solid traction in a variety of off-the-beaten-path terrain. Even though he’s a stylish city dweller who likes to pretend to be something else, these shoes will serve as a nostalgic reminder of the outdoors, without the camping discomfort and bug bites.
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#5. For the real fashion man
Do you have a man in your circle who spent Thanksgiving complaining about the conclusion of… Raf Simons‘ eponymous brand or lament by Alessandro Michele departure from Gucci? Gift them a pair of high-fashion sneakers to ease their grief, whether it’s a coveted relic from Prada’s early 2000s or a contemporary collaboration between Adidas and Grace Wales Bonnera rising star in the fashion industry.
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#6. For the subtle flexer
A stylish pair of sneakers can serve as a gateway to online recognition and bragging rights in real life. However, not every shoe lover has the ambition to show off. If a subtle and understated approach suits his preferences, consider gifting him a pair of aesthetically pleasing, versatile stairs that will be recognized by connoisseurs without attracting undue attention or criticism.
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#7. For the gym rat
Looking for the perfect gift for a man who truly embodies the concept of showing off? While these workout shoes may not be the fastest way to rack up Instagram likes, they’ll have your favorite fitness enthusiast ready for their next workout session — and they won’t disappoint in those mirror selfies, either.
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#8. For the retro obsessive
Do you have a friend who has been collecting Jordans since MJ’s days with the Alan Parsons Project? They may fondly remember the nostalgia of buying the latest J’s in brick-and-mortar stores, a concept that now feels like a distant memory. Take advantage of their sentimental journey and gift them a pair of sneakers that probably graced the pages of a ’90s Eastbay catalog, and you’ll watch their childhood dreams rekindle with joy and nostalgia.
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#9. For the chill guy
If you have a young person on your gift list who is constantly engrossed in the social media timeline, consider gifting them a stylish pair of sneakers that they and their followers are sure to admire. Each of the shoe options below have had their standout moments this year, and they’ll be a perfect complement to the baggy, millennial-inspired jeans the recipient loves. However, it can be a challenge to convince them to put their phones aside and join the living room festivities before unwrapping the gift.
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Featured image: @nike/Instagram
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