11 Underground Sneaker Brands to Have on Your Radar in 2023

Having gone from making custom sneakers in his living room, to running a multi-million dollar sneaker brand that now creates all of its products entirely from scratch, Donny the Dybbuk is the definition of “self-made.” The designer, who is experiencing growing popularity, not only never went to college or studied design formally in any capacity, but still doesn’t himself to be technically trained when it comes to design, and that’s one of the things that makes his brand so beautiful.

Sometimes, things are at their best when you remove the technical elements, and that is one of the reasons why Donny the Dybbuk is thriving. A quick look at the brand’s Instagram will show you some of the latest projects they have taken on, along with their growing success. Donny the Dybbuk is definitely someone that you should have on your underground radar in the months and years to come.

Founded by Steven Savoca, sneakerheads can pretty much find all the sneakers of their dreams at Father Steve, with customized low tops being the designer's speciality. The brand just released two new colorways, the Cocoa Supremes and Green Gardens, a couple of weeks ago, and had an accomplished 2022 ending the year with their own booth at ComplexCon. If 2022 was any indication, then 2023 is about to be a huge year for Father Steve.

Ah. The Adventures of Grim Reaper J. It’s always a breath of fresh air when a brand adds storytelling along with their products and releases, and The Adventures of Grim Reaper J is definitely a journey. Founded by Jadeja McFarlane originally as a passion project, The Adventures of Grim Reaper J is now a full fledged brand that has blossomed into hats, hoodies, and of course, sneakers. Some of the finest sneakers we might add.

The brand has developed something of a cult-like following over these past couple of years, and it’s easy to see why when looking at not only their carefully curated selection, but the dedication they have to bringing their releases to life through their storytelling abilities. We’re definitely excited to see what The Adventures of Grim Reaper J have in store for 2023.

The mission behind Zellerfeld Shoe Company is actually very simple—they are on a mission to democratize the footwear industry (and perhaps on a mission to change the world as well) through innovative 3D printing technology. Whether it’s working with specialized studios to design sneakers in VR, or doing collaborations with luxury streetwear brands such as KidSuper and Heron Preston, you’ll be seeing the name Zellerfeld Shoe Company as often as they want you too in the near future.

If you happen to be in the vicinity of VICINITY at any point, then consider yourself lucky. Some of their stand out sneaker releases have been the AKIMBO LOWS “BLACK PHANTOM,” the AKIMBO LOWS “STONE GREY,” and the AKIMBO LOWS “BLOODY LOWS,” all of which are very sick we might add. And while the brand’s sneakers are the main focus of this article, we do have to recognize the fact that their streetwear products are quite epic as well. So what we’re really saying is that you should give their website a browse ASAP.

Designed and developed by Tanushi Tomoki, PRAS SNEAKERS is the creation of Japanese brand Anachronorm. PRAS SNEAKERS are simple and rare in the sense that they are one of the few remaining brands in the world that is able to create Vulcanized Sole Sneakers as there are only two factories remaining in Japan with the ability, and none here in the United States. Now with that being said, you would think that would make the sneakers very expensive right? Wrong. The average price of PRAS SNEAKERS tend to be roughly $160 making them an incredible buy.

OBRA is a footwear brand that is committed to making sneakers with an emphasized focus on premium utilitarian comfort, which is true to the meaning of the Brazilian term OBRA which means construction or work of art. OBRA’s sneakers are definitely a quality work of art with a wide range of styles including slip-on sneakers, low-tops, high-tops, and mules. There’s also a variety of canvas and suede picks at your disposal as well. We recommend having a look through their website to check out all of their catalog as it’s pretty neat.

Founded in Mathieu Hagelaars 2015, Studio Hagel has quickly become a leader in experimental footwear design, with a dedication to designing and developing collections that are both rooted in a creative concept and can be applied to everything. Settling for the ordinary is out of the question with Studio Hagel, and their approach has certainly been appreciated in the world of couture with the brand boosting collaborations with the likes of Botter, Valentino, Off-White, and Moncler to name a few.

A Los Angeles-based brand created by Trevor Gorji, FUGAZI hones in on post-structuralist commentary on streetwear and the modern-day consumerist phenomenon. Rooted in the sincerity of metamodernism with their designs, FUGAZI is an excellent place to cop the most unique of sneakers. At the time of this writing, their current colorway is the FATs Milk, tumbled calf leather sneaker with rubber sole and mesh accents that is made in Portugal.

One of the many things about FUGAZI that captures your attention is their ability to take simple everyday garments that hold power within contemporary society while at the same time partaking in the grand charade that is “fashion”.

ZESPÀ produces high-quality craftsmanship in the South of France. Founded in 2009, their designs are inspired by their Mediterranean roots. ZESPÀ uses noble ingredients that are long lasting while remaining chic, further using their mastery to create shoes which are made for the customer who likes quality crafted products yet we are democratic when it comes to their prices. With nearly fifteen years of work to their name, ZESPÀ is a brand that is always evolving while never straying too far away from the things that make them who they are.

If you are looking for a futuristic brand that gives you exclusive made-to-wear sneakers, then SWEAR London is your place to go. In addition to being a made-to-order brand, SWEAR London is also a place that focuses on sustainability, striving to always contribute to environmental goals. It takes roughly five weeks to have a sneaker made from SWEAR London, but the wait is worth it with some of our favorites being the Air Rev. Nitro Sky Multi/Clear, the Air Rev. Xtra Black, and the Air Fatalis Nitro White.