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The Best Sneakers That Go With Everything (And We Mean Everything)

Expert Advice

The Best Sneakers That Go With Everything (And We Mean Everything)

Aug 14, 2025

It's hard to overstate the value of sneakers that go with everything, particularly for students. Versatile sneakers pair well with uniforms, streetwear and athleisure, delivering comfort and style across school-day settings — a must-have for any grade level.

This post takes a look at some famously versatile kicks, while also offering styling tips and recommendations for the back-to-school wardrobe.

Classic Sneakers That Pair Seamlessly With Any Outfit

Let's start with the classics. Iconic silhouettes like the timeless adidas Samba OG never go out of style and match outfits for almost any occasion. Meanwhile, white sneakers are a wardrobe staple. They're all-star picks for versatility. Black kicks are similarly easy to style with a variety of looks. Plus, they're a little easier to look clean than their all-white counterparts.

A top-down view of two athletic sneakers placed on a two-toned surface, which is half teal green and half magenta pink. On the top left is a light pink sneaker with a white sole. On the bottom right is a black sneaker with a multi-colored design, including shiny gold, fuchsia, yellow, and blue accents. Both shoes have the Saucony logo on the side.

Sporty Sneakers to Energize Your Everyday Looks

At their core, sneakers are sports shoes, so there's no reason to hide from a sporty get-up. An athletic-looking shoe can power up your look, bringing a subtle verve and energy to your fit. 

 

Saucony sneakers have a classic running shoe look, while the New Balance 9060 brings the 2000s chunky Dad shoe charm. Both are fashionable sneakers that go with everything.

 

If you want to keep a sporty vibe but favor a more understated, old school approach, you'll find adidas Stan Smiths are iconic sports shoes that pair with any outfit.

New Balance 9060 "Sea Salt"

Neutral-Toned Sneakers for Maximum Matchability

Neutral tones like black, beige or grey will complement a broad range of fits and occasions. New Balance excels at neutral colorways, especially greys. For a sneaker color that offers maximum matchability, the NB 9060 "Sea Salt" colorway is king of the neutrals.

 

Neutral-toned sneakers style perfectly with everything from colorful summer dresses to earth-toned fall clothes to simple workwear basics. 

A pair of white and blue Nike sneakers are shown up close, leaning against a textured outdoor wall. The shoes feature a dotted blue gradient pattern on the upper, a bright blue swoosh, and a chunky, translucent blue sole. The background is a blurry street scene.

Bold Sneakers to Make a Statement Without Sacrificing Versatility

The best sneakers that go with everything aren't always plain black or white or wallflower neutral. A bold, colorful choice can be surprisingly versatile. Make a flashy pair of Nike Air Max kicks the focal point of an otherwise neutral outfit, or match a bright pop of color on your shoes to your accessories. Match bright shoes with team-branded socks or tees for a strong athleisure look, or use the same sneakers to add flair to a minimalist fit.

 

Sometimes the silhouette is the star. Sambas are frequently tagged as some of the best women's sneakers that go with everything because the understated design teams well with work wear, streetwear and athleisure. Or for a more modern, sporty vibe, check out the Hoka Clifton 10 (available in some super bright colorways).

Sneaker Styling Tips for Middle, High School, and College Students

Students might need versatile sneakers more than anybody else. Nike Air Force 1s are so well-known that Nelly wrote a song about them. But for a middle schooler, a pair of all-black AF 1s can be a way to balance dress codes with personal style. 

 

If middle schoolers look for sneakers that speak to their style preferences while meeting uniform requirements and standing up to the demands of the day, high schoolers perhaps need a different sort of versatility. Chunky soled New Balance or sleek Sambas carry you to class in style, but also pair well with joggers or cargos for an elevated athleisure or streetwear look.

 

And in college, it's a different story entirely. Timeless choices like Stan Smiths or Converse will see you right at campus events, but also fit the vibe if you're just heading to the cafeteria in your sweatpants.

 

It's overstating to say that sneakers go with everything. But if you know yourself and your style preferences, the right sneakers will go with pretty much everything you want to do.

Shop the Look: Back-to-School Sneaker Picks and Accessories from Hibbett

Don't get overwhelmed by back-to-school choices. When it comes to sneakers, shop the look you want online or via the Hibbett mobile app. Or stop by your local Hibbett store to try on a pair or two of your new favorite kicks. At Hibbett, you'll also find a wide selection of on-trend apparel and accessories for all age groups. 

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