If your shoe rack is overflowing with Vans and Converse, you're not alone. These legendary brands have perfected timeless, casual style that works with literally everything. From Vans' laid-back skate vibe to Converse's iconic Chuck Taylor coolness, they're the sneakers we all grew up with and still love today.
But sometimes, it's fun to switch things up without straying too far from that classic canvas comfort. If you're looking to find a new go-to pair that channels a similar iconic feel, here are 20 amazing shoe brands to check out.
Craving a little bit of Italian flair? Superga is your answer. Known for their timeless and minimal canvas sneakers, this brand offers a clean look that’s a bit more polished than your typical skate shoe. While they share the go-with-anything versatility of Converse, their aesthetic leans more towards a chic, European sensibility, making them perfect for summer dresses or tailored shorts.
Expect prices to land in the $60-$80 range, putting them squarely in the same ballpark as the classics you love, but with a refined, understated twist. If you want a comfortable, casual shoe that feels just a touch more grown-up, Superga is the one. Shop now at superga-usa.com
Keds is the original American sneaker brand that champions effortless, simple style. Their canvas sneakers are famously lightweight and comfortable, offering a preppy and often more feminine alternative to the chunkier silhouettes of Vans. Think of them as the perfect minimalist staple - clean lines, classic colors, and occasional fun prints.
Ranging from $40-$70, Keds are super affordable and share Converse's laid-back DNA but with a distinctly polished, almost delicate feel. They're the pair you grab when you want comfort without sacrificing a clean, classic vibe. Shop now at keds.com
PF Flyers brings that heritage, vintage-inspired look that fans of classic Converse will immediately appreciate. Their iconic styles, like the Center Hi, have that same authentic, old-school feel but with a unique focus on enhanced comfort and durability. It’s got a bit more structure and a distinct retro sporty attitude.
At $50-$80 a pair, they're a fantastic alternative if you love the timeless Chuck Taylor silhouette but are looking for something a little different that stands out from the crowd. Consider it a cool, slightly under-the-radar substitute with its own rich history. Shop now at pfflyers.com
Looking for a sneaker with a summery, vacation-ready feel? Soludos is the brand to know. Their specialty is espadrille-inspired casual shoes, often featuring canvas uppers and signature woven jute soles. They offer the comfort of a sneaker with a breezy, bohemian twist that sets them apart from the skate and court styles of Vans and Converse.
Great for casual sunny days, their sneakers range from $60-$100 and bring fun prints, textures, and a relaxed energy to any outfit. It's the perfect mix of beachy and city-chic for when you want something other than standard rubber soles. Shop now at soludos.com
Vagabond offers a dose of Swedish minimalism to the sneaker game. This brand is known for its sleek, contemporary designs and high-quality materials that feel more deliberate and fashion-forward. Instead of a canvas skate shoe, you'll find polished leather sneakers with clean lines and chunky-cool soles.
With prices between $100-$150, Vagabond is a more premium choice for someone who loves the simplicity of Converse but wants an elevated, architectural look. Their styles prove that minimalist shoes don't have to be boring. Shop now at vagabondshoes.com
Another Swedish gem, Tretorn masterfully combines classic style with practicality. Their legendary Nylite sneaker has the same simple, easy-to-wear vibe as Converse, but often comes with a sporty, weather-resistant edge. Tretorn has perfected the simple tennis shoe aesthetic perfect for casual and preppier looks.
At $60-$80, Tretorn sneakers are a durable and fashionable alternative, perfect for transitional weather without sacrificing that classic sneaker style. They are a great choice for when you need something just a little more rugged than basic canvas. Shop now at tretorn.com
If you're drawn to Vans for their streetwear appeal but wish they were bolder, say hello to Eytys. This Stockholm-based brand designs chunky, statement-making sneakers with unapologetically oversized soles. Their aesthetic is a mix of '90s nostalgia and modern minimalism.
While significantly different from the slim profiles of Vans and Converse, Eytys captures that same rebellious spirit in a more high-fashion package. It’s a luxury alternative for streetwear lovers, with prices starting around $200+, making it a true investment piece. Shop now at eytys.com
Native Shoes rethinks casual footwear with a focus on innovative, lightweight materials like EVA foam. Their designs are ultra-comfortable, simple, and machine washable, embodying a similar ease-of-wear as classics from Vans. What makes them different is their "Beast Free" (vegan) philosophy and modern, almost futuristic look.
Priced around $50-$80, they offer a featherlight and highly practical alternative for everyday adventures. They're the sneakers you wear when comfort is your absolute top priority but you still want a cool and simple design. Shop now at nativejeff.com
For the sneakerhead who wants to level up, Common Projects delivers luxury with a whisper, not a shout. Famous for their ultra-clean leather sneakers stamped with a signature gold serial number, this brand offers the ultimate in minimalist elegance. They take the simplicity of a Converse Chuck Taylor and rebuild it with impeccable Italian craftsmanship.
Starting around $400, these are an undeniable splurge, transforming the casual sneaker into a high-end staple that can be dressed up for smart-casual events. They're for those who admire timeless design and are willing to invest in superior quality. Shop now at commonprojects.com
Veja blends cool, modern sneaker design with a strong commitment to sustainability. Known for their signature "V" logo, these sneakers are made from eco-conscious materials like organic cotton, wild rubber, and even recycled plastic bottles. Their style is minimal and chic, offering a thoughtful alternative to a classic canvas shoe.
Ranging from $120-$180, Vejas are more of an investment, but they appeal to shoppers who value transparent production and timeless fashion. If you love Converse's simple aesthetic but want to make a more sustainable choice, Veja is for you. Shop now at veja-store.com
Greats makes high-quality sneakers with a timeless feel and a focus on premium materials. Their designs feel like a sophisticated upgrade to shoes like Converse, offering minimalist leather and canvas styles that are expertly crafted. It’s the kind of sneaker that looks better and better with wear.
Priced around $100-$150, Greats provides an elevated but still accessible middle ground between a mass-market sneaker and a high-end luxury brand. They are perfect for anyone who appreciates quality craftsmanship and versatile, clean designs. Shop now at greats.com
Hailing from Italy, Diadora brings a dose of retro sportswear flair to the sneaker world. While Vans and Converse lean into skate and punk culture, Diadora's heritage is rooted in sports like tennis and running from the '70s and '80s. Their sneakers are known for bold color-blocking, premium materials like suede and leather, and a distinctly vintage vibe.
Costing between $70-$120, Diadora is a fantastic choice if you love the history behind a shoe but want a sportier, more colorful aesthetic that really pops. Shop now at diadora.com
Effortlessly chic and quintessentially French, Bensimon sneakers are the definition of easy-going style. These lightweight, machine-washable canvas shoes have been a Parisian staple for decades. They share a similar simplicity to Converse but are softer, more flexible, and feature a slightly rumpled charm that feels perfectly undone.
Their sneakers are also very accessible, priced around $50-$70. Great for travel or everyday wear, Bensimon offers a refined, minimalist alternative that captures a laid-back European spirit. Shop now at bensimon.com
It’s hard to ignore Adidas Originals, the home of timeless heavyweights like the Stan Smith and Superstar. These icons fill the same role in a wardrobe as Chuck Taylors, offering endless versatility with a distinctly sporty heritage. Their silhouettes are clean, recognizable, and deeply rooted in pop culture.
Generally priced between $80-$120, they deliver that classic, looks-good-with-everything quality that sneaker enthusiasts crave. If you want a similarly iconic vibe to Converse but with Adidas's three-stripe branding, Originals is the obvious choice. Shop now at adidas.com
Nike SB (Skateboarding) is a direct competitor to Vans, offering performance-driven skate shoes with serious streetwear credibility. Models like the Dunk and the Blazer are not only great for skaters but have also become major fashion staples thanks to their classic designs and hyped-up collaborations.
Compared to Vans, Nike SB often incorporates more visible tech and features the iconic Swoosh logo, blending athletic innovation with skate culture. With prices typically falling in the $80-$130 range, they're a great alternative for those who love the Vans aesthetic but want a sportier twist. Shop now at nike.com
Known for its retro-inspired trainers and reputation for comfort, New Balance has solidified its role in the casual sneaker space. While more known for a "dad shoe" aesthetic, their classic models like the 327 offer a stylish, versatile alternative that pairs just as well with jeans or skirts as a classic pair of Converse.
Generally ranging from $80-$150, New Balance puts a heavier emphasis on support and function without sacrificing that cool, vintage-running vibe. It's a slightly sportier and often more comfortable take on the everyday casual shoe. Shop now at newbalance.com
Autry, "the shoe with the American flag," is a brand reborn from the '80s that's mastered the vintage tennis shoe look. Their designs are clean, classic, and constructed with soft leathers, giving them a more premium feel than a standard canvas sneaker. Imagine a classic court shoe that's simple enough to go with anything, yet luxe enough to feel special.
If you're looking for an upgraded alternative to Converse that feels effortlessly cool, their styles are a perfect fit. With prices around $170-$200, Autry sits in that sweet spot between everyday classics and designer footwear. Shop now at autry-usa.com
While Clarks might be famous for its Desert Boots, a different silhouette altogether, the brand's core values - quality materials and timeless comfort - extend to its sneaker collection. Their sneakers often feature clean lines, simple silhouettes, and quality leathers and suedes that bring a smart, mature feeling to a casual look.
Priced around $70-$110, Clarks sneakers serve a similar function as Converse or Vans but for a slightly more polished and grown-up audience. They provide an understated option that's less about trends and more about classic, reliable style. Shop now at clarksusa.com
Sperry may be synonymous with boat shoes, but their canvas sneaker offerings deserve recognition. Their shoes capture a similar relaxed, preppy, and all-American feel as Keds or Converse but with a distinctly nautical twist. You'll often find features like barrel-tied laces and salt-washed colors that evoke a summer-by-the-sea mentality.
Falling in the $50-$90 price range, Sperry's sneakers are a fantastic option if you love the laid-back vibe of Vans slides but want a more classic, East Coast-inspired look. They're comfortable, casual, and perfect for weekends. Shop now at sperry.com
A true classic in the sportswear world, Puma deserves a spot in any iconic sneaker discussion. With staples like the Puma Suede, the brand offers a retro design with deep roots in hip-hop and streetwear culture, much like Converse's connection to rock and pop. The simple suede upper and signature Formstrip create a look that's both athletic and effortlessly cool.
With prices for classics sitting around $60-$90, Puma is perfectly aligned with the accessibility of Vans and Converse. They offer a great alternative for anyone who wants a time-tested sneaker with a slightly different cultural story and a sportier aesthetic. Shop now at us.puma.com
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