New Balance

Sometimes it pays to be in a league of your own, and this strategy seems to be what New Balance has in its favor.

NB is the granddaddy of Nike– founded over 60 years earlier in 1906 – and likely led the way for casual athletic sneakers for its successor.

Ironically, while they never fully played the hype game, hypebeasts recently picked up the dad shoe trend heavy with vanilla walking shoes like the 2002R and 990v3 going for $400-$500+ on the aftermarket.

Every now and then a hyped New Balance release comes out, so keep your eyes peeled for this often slept on brand.