These are the must-have sneaker collabs you can actually afford

Giovanna Osterman Aug. 27, 2021 Style Eight A-list partnerships, and sleeper hits — all at under $300.

When it comes to sneaker design, two minds are often better than one. Collaborations are a great way to bring different aesthetics, or cultural forces, together. Whether its between two brands or with a celebrity, everyone has their own version of a collab sneaker grail.

Collaborative sneakers have a reputation for breaking the bank, or simply being too hard to get, but there’s plenty more to explore outside of the Jordan 1 universe. We’ve put together a few collab sneakers that aren’t just cool, but are currently on the market for less than $300.

Bricks & Wood x New Balance 57/40, $250

New Balance has been killing the collab game lately — but while everyone else prays for an Aimé Leon Dore restock, get your hands on this LA-inspired mossy suede pair by Bricks & Wood.

JJJJound x Vans Sk8-Mid Vault LX, $177

This sleek remix should be instantly recognizable for JJJJound fans: it’s minimal, yet laced with intentional detail (like contrast stitching and a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it logo).

Fragment Design x Nike Dunk High “Beijing,” $119

Fragment has a long history of Nike collabs, but nothing stands out like its “City Pack” dunk trio. The subtle versatility of its “Beijing” color scheme was aging like fine wine (get it?), until it was finally retroed earlier this summer, making pairs slightly more accessible.

Angelo Baque x Asics Gel Kayano 14, $160

Awake New York designer Angelo Baque is the first person to ever collaborate on this iconic silhouette. His take on the running shoe is a colorful nod to Y2K, packed with Asics’ stride-enhancing components.

AMBUSH x Nike Dunk High “Cosmic Fuchsia,” $199

Nike’s collaborations with the Tokyo-based label Ambush always see plenty of hype, but these monochromatic Dunks were a standout of the past year. Never, ever, worry about your outfit’s “pop of color” again.

Wacko Maria x Vault by Vans Classic Slip On, $80

Vans’ checkerboard slip-on is arguably one of the most recognizable shoes of all time. Wacko Maria gave the classic a cheeky twist with vinyl records, but the shoe remains as versatile as ever.

Sacai x Nike VaporWaffle “Dark Iris,” $270

Sacai’s platform take on the Nike VaporWaffle is one of streetwear’s most recognizable collaborations, partly thanks to its eye-grabbing color combinations. With a new pack of Sacai VaporWaffles on the way, this partnership is definitely a good investment.

Comme des Garçons x Nike Air Force 1 Mid, $188

For reasons unknown, some sneakerheads consider black Air Force 1s a cardinal sin. Rei Kawakubo thought otherwise, and gave this classic silhouette the avant-garde remix only a CDG collab could provide, including panel cut-outs and raw edges.