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Ten Sneakers That Make Perfect Graduation Gifts

Ten Sneakers That Make Perfect Graduation Gifts

Highlighting ten affordable sneakers that make perfect graduation gifts.
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© Mickey Welsh / Advertiser / USA TODAY NETWORK

Highlighting ten affordable sneakers that make perfect graduation gifts.

Graduation season is the best time of the year. Even if the graduation ceremony is outside in the hot sun, as soon as the band starts playing Edward Elgar's "Pomp and Circumstance March," we get goosebumps. 

Not even the cringe quotes from Dr. Suess' Oh, the Places You'll Go! cannot dampen the mood. We can all agree that the Class of 2023 has been through a lot over the past several years, and they deserve to revel in their academic success. 

Luckily, it's not too late to find an affordable gift for the student in your life. Nike is currently running a summer sale, and other brands have plenty of discounted kicks. Below are the ten best Gen-Z-approved sneakers for walking across the stage.

Nike Air Force 1

Side view of white Nike sneakers.

Why You Need It: The Nike Air Force 1 has been around since the 1980s and continues to find a new generation of fans thanks to its classic silhouette. Perhaps no age group has embraced the old-school basketball shoe more than Gen Z. 

How to Buy: The Nike Air Force 1 is available in multiple colorways for $110 in adult sizes on the Nike website. Use the code "CAMPNIKE" for an extra 20% off before the summer sale ends on May 19.

Air Jordan 1 Low

Side view of red and black Air Jordan sneakers.

Why You Need It: It has been almost 40 years since Michael Jordan's legendary sneaker line first took flight. While the Air Jordan sneaker line is still going strong, the Air Jordan 1 Low might have one of the most timeless silhouettes of the collection.

How to Buy: The Air Jordan 1 Low is available in multiple colorways for $110 in adult sizes on the Nike website.

Air Jordan 1 Mid

Side view of green and white Air Jordan sneakers.

Why You Need It: Like most middle children, the Air Jordan 1 Mid is often overlooked for its low-cut and high-cut counterparts. However, the model is actually the closest version to what Jordan wore on the court during his second season. Plus, it gets all of the best colorways.

How to Buy: The Air Jordan 1 Mid is available in multiple colorways for $125 in adult sizes on the Nike website. 

Nike Blazer High

Side view of white and black Nike sneakers.

Why You Need It: It is impossible to walk through a college campus without spotting the Nike Blazer High. The old-school hoop shoe is ubiquitous thanks to its versatility, making it a staple in every sneakerhead's rotation.

How to Buy: The Nike Blazer High is available in multiple colorways for $90 in adult sizes on the Nike website. Use the code "CAMPNIKE" for an extra 20% off before the summer sale ends on May 19.

adidas Samba

Side view of a white and black adidas shoe.

Why You Need It: The adidas Samba was created in 1950 for soccer players competing on frozen pitches. Fast forward almost 75 years, and the lifestyle model is a favorite among celebrities and athletes alike.

How to Buy: The adidas Samba is available in multiple colorways for $75 in adult sizes on the adidas website.

Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star

Side view of black and white Converse sneakers.

Why You Need It: Parents recognize the Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star has a retro basketball shoe, while Gen Z knows it as the shoe Zendaya's character wore heavily in the HBO show Euphoria. Regardless of how the classic shoe was introduced to you, we can all agree that it is one of the best silhouettes of all time.

How to Buy: The Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star Classic is available in over 12 colorways for $65 on the Converse website.

Converse Run Star Hike Platform

Side view of a black and tan Converse sneaker.

Why You Need It: For graduates looking to make a fashion statement as they walk across the stage, we recommend the Converse Run Star Hike Platform. Converse reimagined the Chuck with a chunky platform and jagged rubber sole to put an unexpected twist on an everyday shoe.

How to Buy: The Converse Run Star Hike Platform is available in five colorways for $110 on the Converse website.

New Balance 9060

Side view of grey and white New Balance shoes.

Why You Need It: Our regular readers know how strongly we feel about the New Balance 9060. The lifestyle shoe finds its way onto every one of our lists. New Balance blended elements of its classic models with a techy Y2K-inspired twist to create one of the best shoes of the year.

How to Buy: The New Balance 9060 is available in multiple colorways for $150 on the New Balance website.

New Balance 550

Side view of white, red, and blue New Balance shoes.

Why You Need It: The New Balance 550 made a name for itself on basketball courts in the 1980s. New Balance brought it out of the archives, and a whole new generation (most notably rapper Jack Harlow) fully embraced the old-school basketball shoe.

How to Buy: The New Balance 550 is available in multiple colorways for $120 on the New Balance website.

Puma Clyde OG

Side view of red and white Puma shoes.

Why You Need It: Puma recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Puma Clyde OG. New York Knicks legend Walt "Clyde" Frazier was known for his basketball skills and fashion prowess. It is no surprise that Frazier's first signature shoe withstood the test of time.

How to Buy: The Puma Clyde OG is available in two colorways for $110 on the Puma website.

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