A pair of stylish sneakers is a must for every man’s closet. Whether you prefer the latest hyped styles or the tried-and-true classics, there’s a sneaker out there for everyone.
Mens sneakers are a great addition to any casual look or even some formal outfits if styled correctly. However, choosing a pair that suits your style and fits well with your current wardrobe is essential.
Brands
The athleisure trend has made men’s sneakers a staple of everyday life. They are no longer reserved for the gym and look just as good with jeans and a casual shirt as with an elegant blazer and tailored shorts. As a result, the sneaker market has become more diverse, with numerous styles and brands available. Some of the best mens sneakers feature a unique and innovative design that distinguishes them from the crowd. In contrast, others are crafted with premium materials and provide a classic look that can be worn with any outfit.
The king of the current sneaker renaissance is probably the dad shoe, which is super practical and looks great with loose denim and a long-sleeved tee. New Balance has led the way in this style with its famous Made in US 993 line, but other brands have also jumped on the bandwagon. These shoes are designed to withstand the elements and look as good on your feet in the rain as they do in the sun.
Designer fashion labels are also catching on to the sneaker trend, with men’s sneakers offered by Gucci and Balenciaga. The former has an excellent line of high-top sneakers with unique details, while the latter has reimagined some of its most iconic styles for the modern fashionista. Other luxury sneakers for men include Rothy’s and C.QP, which are all laceless and offer a futuristic twist on the classic Converse high-tops.
Even heritage fashion powerhouses have succumbed to the craze for sneakers for men, with brands like Dior offering show-stopping kicks in smooth calf leather or Dior canvas. These are the perfect shoes for a night out on the town, where you need a pair of smart-casual footwear to go with your slim jeans and tweed jacket.
Then there are the brands that specialize in creating stylish and comfortable footwear for everyday use, such as Puma. The label has been around for over 80 years and offers several different models of sneakers for men, from light and sleek to chunky and retro-inspired. The company’s newest sneakers for men feature the Boost technology, which collects and returns more kinetic energy you put out during exercise.
Styles
Sneakers are a staple in any modern man’s wardrobe. They have evolved from flimsy plimsolls to purpose-built footwear for athletes, and they have replaced dress shoes and Chelsea boots as the everyday go-to for many men. The key to the perfect sneakers is a harmonious blend of style and foot-pampering comfort. This winning formula has been embraced by high fashion and heritage sneaker brands.
Several types of mens sneakers suit every taste, from the low-top casual sneaker with lace-ups and a comfortable padded collar to the slip-on sneaker with vulcanized rubber outsoles that provide grip and traction. There are also sneakers for more formal occasions, such as the Veja sneaker that pairs effortlessly with a tailored suit or dark jeans. Finally, for something even more versatile, check out the Cole Haan mens zero great Stitchlite sneaker that provides a sleek minimalist look and breathable mesh uppers for ultimate comfort.
One of the essential types of sneakers for any man is a ‘beater’ shoe – the sort of thing you can wear everywhere, from running errands to nipping out to the pub. These are the kind of sneakers that are impervious to trends and will continue to work well as you clock up more miles. Canvas and leather are good choices, with classic canvas sneakers such as Converse All Stars often cited as a wardrobe essential.
The emergence of ‘ugly’ sneakers coincided with the rise of a trend fashion editors called normcore. This style stylishly incorporates everyday, average-looking pieces. It is most evident in the sneaker renaissance of what are known as dad shoes, which feature chunky silhouettes and plain colours that complement slim denim and long-sleeved t-shirts. New Balance is the king of dad sneakers, with its 993 lines featuring responsive cushioning and a style that works best with loose denim and t-shirts.
