10 Affordable Sneakers That Are Perfect For Summer

How to buy the top ten affordable sneakers for summer 2023.
10 Affordable Sneakers That Are Perfect For Summer
10 Affordable Sneakers That Are Perfect For Summer /

We have made it to Memorial Day weekend, which means it is finally the unofficial start of summer. It is always important to adjust your footwear to fit the weather and mood of the season.

This summer is sure to be unlike any other, given how unusual the past few years have been. We are already spotting new and recurring trends, and luckily for online shoppers, most of them are affordable. Below are the top ten sneakers under $200 that are perfect for summer 2023.

Air Jordan 1 Low

Side view of aqua and white Air Jordan shoe.
A detailed look at the Air Jordan 1 Low / Nike

Why You Need It: Inspired by Michael Jordan's first signature shoe, the Air Jordan 1 Low is built for warmer weather months. The iconic low-cut silhouette features a genuine leather upper and an encapsulated Air-Sole unit for lightweight cushioning.

How to Buy: The Air Jordan 1 Low is available in ten colorways ranging from $78-$110 in adult sizes on the Nike website.

Nike Waffle One

View of tan and black Nike shoes.
A detailed look at the Nike Waffle One / Nike

Why You Need It: The Waffle franchise has been a staple in Nike's history for most of the past 50 years. The brand has done an excellent job of revitalizing the line to keep it fresh while remaining true to its roots.

How to Buy: The Nike Waffle One is available in an abundance of styles and colorways, ranging from $53-$120 in select adult sizes on the Nike website.

Nike Dunk Mid

Side view of black and white Nike Dunk shoes.
A detailed look at the Nike Dunk Mid / Nike

Why You Need It: The Nike Dunk Low, specifically the 'Panda' colorway, has dominated the past few years. Nike appears ready to move on the mid-cut version, which features a stellar stone-washed canvas upper and plush padded ankle collar.

How to Buy: The Nike Dunk Mid is available in four colorways for $115 in adult sizes on the Nike website.

Nike Pegasus 40

Side view of white and orange Nike running shoes.
A detailed look at the Nike Pegasus 40 / Nike

Why You Need It: The Pegasus franchise is the flagship model for Nike running and continues to outdo itself every year. This improved version provides neutral support with high responsiveness, perfect for any scenario.

How to Buy: The Nike Pegasus 40 is available in myriad colorways for men and women, ranging from $130-$140 in adult sizes on the Nike website.

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star

Side view of black and white Converse sneakers.
A detailed look at the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star / Converse

Why You Need It: This school doesn't get old. The Converse Chuck Taylor All Star is a quintessentially American sneaker with a timeless appeal. The old-school basketball shoe has found a generation of fans after watching Zendaya's character on Euphoria run laps around East Highland in the model.

How to Buy: The Converse Chuck Taylor All Star High is available in three colorways for $65 in adult sizes on the Nike website.

New Balance Made in USA 990v4

Side view of a grey New Balance shoe.
A detailed look at the New Balance Made in USA 990v4 / New Balance

Why You Need It: This interaction of the New Balance 990s series was originally introduced in 2016. However, the brand has continued to refine the silhouette with a streamlined take on the mesh and pigskin suede overlay upper construction and improvements to the cushioning.

How to Buy: The New Balance Made in USA 990v4 Core is available in the 'Grey' colorway for $185 in adult sizes on the New Balance website.

New Balance 1906R

Side view of silver and black New Balance shoes.
A detailed look at the New Balance 1906R / New Balance

Why You Need It: Named after the year New Balance was founded and inspired by the early 2000s, the 1906R has the potential to be the shoe of the summer. The lifestyle shoe features an N-ergy shock absorbing outsole with an ACTEVA LITE midsole and ABZORB SBS heel for cushioning.

How to Buy: The New Balance 1906R is available in seven colorways ranging from $155-$175 in adult sizes on the New Balance website.

adidas Samba

Side view of a white and black adidas shoe.
A detailed look at the adidas Samba / adidas

Why You Need It: Born on the soccer field, and adopted by street style, the adidas Samba refuses to go away. This is another classic sneaker that has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity just in time for the summer.

How to Buy: The adidas Samba is available in an abundance of styles and colorways ranging from $90-$130 in adult sizes on the adidas website.

adidas Ultraboost

Side view of a tan adidas shoe.
A detailed look at the adidas Ultraboost 1.0 / adidas

Why You Need It: The Ultraboost line recently turned ten years old and has undergone several redesigns over the years. What stays consistent is its plush cushioning, making it one of the most comfortable sneakers on the market year after year.

How to Buy: The adidas Ultraboost is available in several styles and colorways starting at $190 in adult sizes on the adidas website.

Under Armour UA SlipSpeed

Side view of white and green Under Armour shoes.
A detailed look at the UA SlipSpeed / Under Armour

Why You Need It: The UA SlipSpeed is the most versatile shoe ever created by Under Armour. The training shoe is capable of competing in the most strenuous of workouts and providing a relaxing experience for recovery thanks to its innovative design.

How to Buy: The UA SlipSpeed is available in ten colorways for $150 in adult sizes on the Under Armour website.

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Published
Pat Benson
PAT BENSON

Pat Benson covers the sneaker industry for Sports Illustrated's FanNation. Previously, he has reported on the NBA, authored "Kobe Bryant's Sneaker History (1996-2020)," and interviewed some of the biggest names in the sports world. You can email him at 1989patbenson@gmail.com.