Nota bene: All products in this article are independently selected and vetted by InsideHook editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here at The Goods, we’d like to think we know a little something about products. Our team of expert editors have field-tested literally hundreds of running shoes, kitchen gadgets, record players and all other manner of items over the past year, surveyed thousands more and generally spent most of our waking hours thinking about the things that make our lives more efficient, stylish or better overall.
We commit to this undertaking not because it means scoring a coveted drop before it launches or being propositioned with the occasional freebie (although that helps too) but because we want to deliver quality product journalism on all the biggest, best and most important releases across the space — and because, as cynics, we’re fairly resolute in our stance that a ton of stuff on the market is junk. You need someone you can trust to deliver accurate, in-depth news and insights on whether the purchase you’re considering is actually worth your hard-earned dollars.
That’s why, to round out a year stuffed with more releases than ever, we proudly give you our top 20 products of 2023. These items, hand-selected by our editorial team, aren’t just some of the hottest items of the year, but innovative or radical in their own right, adding something of value — advancement, improvement or, at the very least, something to talk about — to a saturated market.
You’ll find our list of winners, ranging from fine-tuned headphones to clogs straight off of the runway. Each deserves a spot on this list due to a unique set of characteristics, but all are united in delivering quality we’ve come to demand in 2023. Strap in and enjoy. Below, the 20 best products of 2023.
Between bedazzled gems from his eponymous label and a catalogue of challenging designs at Madridista luxury label Loewe, J.W. Anderson is undoubtable the designer of the year. But more than nautically-themed jumpsuits or tailoring perfection, it’s Anderson’s ability to incorporate fun into the altogether-too-serious business of fashion that’s really caught our attention. Case and point — the S/S23 Wellipet Clogs that broke the internet earlier this year.
This year, I was looking for earbuds that offered excellent noise cancellation, a tight fit, all-day comfort, tactile controls, a useful accompanying app and sound that approximates the best qualities of high-end over-ear headphones. Plus, good battery life, wireless charging and an aesthetically pleasing look. If the Elite 8 aren’t quite the most handsome earbuds around — they’re fine — they fit every other criteria I asked for. Our full review is here.
The advent of supershoes has (rightfully) cast much of the running gear focus on footwear, but the biggest innovation in the space wasn’t Adidas’ $500, possibly illegal road racers. It was a dinky GPS watch from wearable start-up Coros. The Pace 3 improves on all the areas that Coros’ previous releases heralded — a monstrous 38-hour battery life, pinpoint satellite accuracy, and, at just $229, an intro-level price for a premium product — and, with endorsements from the likes of GOATchoge, is set to become a serious competitor in the space. Keep your eyes on ’em, otherwise they might just blaze right past you.
For a product the size of a GameBoy hand-held gaming system, Analogue packs a hell of a punch. Compatible with 2,780+ titles from the classic GameBoy Color to the Atari Lynx and integrated with Nanoloop, the tiny device mashes vintage charm with an incredible blend of modern gaming, music production and specs for the total package, all at under $250. It’s a genuine feat for pocket-sized engineering.
Made-in-America is back, baby. CA-based Buck Mason is having a moment (if you can call an entire year a moment), born on the back of their simple-yet-elevated designs and laid back California ethos. The brand impressed us this year with the announcement of a factory acquisition in Mohnton, Pennsylvania, meaning that many of Buck’s perfectly-weighted tees are spun right here in the US-of-A. It’s a win for American manufacturing and for a star of a red-hot DTC brand. And for anyone who’s looking for an excellent t-shirt.
Cocktail haven Death & Co. and artisanal kitchen brand Material teamed up for this eye-catching and clever stirred cocktail set, which features a straight-walled pitcher with a wavy handle (for better grip), a dual-sided mixing and muddling spoon, and a clear rippled step jigger. Barware this cool deserves a place front and center on your home bar.
For all the excellent versions out there, there’s been little change in the actually formula of carry-ons, which is perhaps why we’re so fixated on the breathtaking aesthetics of Rimowa’s Distinct collection. It’s a leap of faith for the luggage label, know for their stark chrome cases and minimalist sensibilities, and one that’s paid dividends. Call it peak indulgence, in every sense of the word.
Collabing for the sake of collabing has become a pervasive malignancy in the fashion world, which is exactly why Our Legacy x Armani is so refreshing — it’s a partnership with something to say. Splattered with Mr. Armani’s beloved kitties, the sophisticated capsule of relaxed staples is simultaneously adventurous and wearable and made us genuinely excited to buy clothes for once. Suck it, Balenciaga x Fortnite.
2023 is the year that trail running went mainstream. We can justifiably announce this only because of the latest drop from New Balance x District Vision, a lugged runner that’s equal parts trail behemoth and cushioned trainer. Paired with a terrain-crushing sole unit, the Fresh Foam X More Trail is one of the cushiest runners we’ve tested over the year and has the added benefit of being dashingly on-trend.
Doggie clothes? Nothing new. A little fleecy jumper for your mini-dachshund? Now that’s something to write home about. Little Beast’s fur-forward apparel has been a perennial pick for dog parent gifting since we discovered the label early this year, and moreso, the definition of an unexpected thing that’s made our year just that much better.
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