The best men’s sneakers are the pair that matches how often and where you will wear them, your style, and your feet. Pick the type first (luxury, low-top, high-top or functional), then check fit: try shoes on late in the day with your usual socks and leave at least a half-inch between your longest toe and the tip.
Key Takeaways
- Decide on use first: everyday style, a statement piece, or a specific sport.
- Low-tops in neutral colors are the most versatile; high-tops add ankle coverage; functional sneakers are built for an activity.
- The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) advises trying shoes on at the end of the day and leaving at least 1/2 inch of toe space.
- If you play one sport more than twice a week, the AAOS recommends a shoe designed for that sport.
- Running shoes wear out with mileage, so replace them by distance, not by how they look.
Finding the best men’s sneakers is similar to choosing the best Krispy Kreme donut. You could buy six donuts and try them all, but buying six pairs of sneakers is just not achievable, nor realistic, for most people.
There are so many men’s sneaker options on the market today — some may even argue that it’s over saturated with styles, colors, and brands. How do you go about choosing the best pair to suit you? Find out with this simple guide.
How to Find the Best Men’s Sneakers to Suit Your Style
When it comes down to it, you’ll need to assess when and where you aim to wear a new pair of sneakers. How often do you plan on wearing them and are you willing to drop a load of money on a pair that’s only going to gather dust in the closet?
Choosing a great pair of sneakers also depends on your personal style. Are you the more flashy or subtle type? Do you prefer style over function? Here are a few tips to help you out.
The Luxury Sneaker
If you’re the flashy type and want to make a statement, then enter the luxury sneaker. These sneakers vary widely in price, style and comfort, so whether a pair is worth the money depends on how often you will wear it and how well it fits.
Luxury sneakers work as a statement piece that can lift a plain outfit. Well-known luxury fashion houses that sell men’s sneakers include Balenciaga (a Spanish house headquartered in Paris), Gucci (based in Florence), Louis Vuitton and Fendi (both part of the LVMH group). Designer retailers list ranges where shoppers can buy men’s sneakers by Fendi, though stock, sizes and prices change often, so check current listings.
The Low-Top Sneaker
Low-top sneakers are great if you’re looking for a pair of casual shoes that can either be dressed up or down. Low-top sneakers are super versatile and can be worn with shorts, jeans, athletic wear, and chinos. A simple pair of white low-top sneakers is the perfect addition to your wardrobe.
Classic low-top sneaker options include Converse, Vans, or tennis shoes. Opt for a mixture of neutral colors so that you can throw on your low-top sneakers with almost any outfit and you’ll still look the part. Otherwise, show off your ankles or your personality with a pair of quirky socks.
The High-Top Sneaker
If you’re looking for the perfect pair of sneakers that cross-over from summer to winter, the high-top sneaker is your go-to. High-top sneakers are made to fit snugly around the ankle and help to keep your feet warm in cooler temperatures.
But, they’re also great for warmer weather climates if you choose to wear them — just don’t do the laces up too tight so your feet can breathe.
High-tops are also versatile and can be worn with jeans, chinos, shorts, and athletic wear. Go for a basketball-style high-top, such as a model from Nike’s Kobe Bryant signature range (many Kobe models are low-cut, so check the cut) or perhaps something a little more structured and formal in brown or black leather.
The Functional Sneaker
Then there’s the functional sneaker, which is available in the form of running, cross-training, and trail sneakers. These sneakers suit sporty, outdoorsy and practical buyers, and each is built for a specific activity, so choose the type that matches what you do most.
This being said, functional sneakers are a versatile staple as they can be used for a workout, but also paired with a number of casual outfits. Planning on traveling? Wear your sneakers for long airport walks.
Throw them on with jeans, chinos, or shorts and you have a smart-casual outfit in a flash. Just stick to neutral colors such as black, grey, white, charcoal, or navy.
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On the women’s side, whether Veja is a trusted sneaker brand looks at one label closely.
Which Type of Men’s Sneaker Should You Choose?
Each sneaker type suits a different job. The table below compares the four types covered above.
| Type | Best for | Pairs with | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luxury sneaker | Making a style statement | Smart-casual outfits, tailored trousers | High prices; fit and comfort vary by brand |
| Low-top sneaker | Everyday wear | Shorts, jeans, chinos, athletic wear | Less ankle coverage in cold or wet weather |
| High-top sneaker | Cooler weather, basketball-style looks | Jeans, chinos, athletic wear | Can feel warm in summer if laced tight |
| Functional sneaker | Running, cross-training, trail use | Workouts, travel, casual outfits in neutral colors | Built for one activity; cushioning wears out |
What Are the Classic Sneaker Brands Behind These Styles?
Converse is an American brand founded by Marquis Mills Converse in 1908 in Malden, Massachusetts, and has been a subsidiary of Nike, Inc. since 2003. Its Chuck Taylor All Star began as a basketball shoe in the early 20th century, and the best-known version still uses a cotton canvas upper with a rubber toe cap and outsole.
Vans is an American skateboarding shoe and apparel brand established in Anaheim, California, and owned by VF Corporation. For a wider view of the market, see this overview of the top shoe brands in the world.
Nike’s Kobe Bryant signature range began with the Zoom Kobe 1 in 2006 and ran to the Kobe 11 in 2016, according to sneaker-history coverage by Complex and Andscape; Nike has since reissued earlier models as “Protro” (performance retro) versions, starting in 2018. Bryant, the former Los Angeles Lakers player, died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, on January 26, 2020.
How Should Men’s Sneakers Fit?
A good fit matters more than the label. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) gives these fitting tips for athletic shoes:
- Shop late in the day. Feet swell during the day, so try shoes on at the end of the day or after a workout.
- Bring your usual socks. Wear the same type of sock you normally wear for the activity.
- Check toe space. Leave at least 1/2 inch between your longest toe and the tip of the shoe.
- Match the shoe to the sport. If you play a single sport more than twice a week, choose a shoe designed for it, such as a running shoe, court shoe, cleat or hiking shoe.
Comfortable socks help too; this guide explains why cashmere socks are a comfortable upgrade. If you need extra arch support, read about whether a shoe insole can give orthotic foot support.
When Should You Replace Running Sneakers?
Running sneakers should be replaced by mileage, because cushioning breaks down before the upper looks worn. The AAOS suggests dividing 75,000 by your body weight in pounds to estimate replacement mileage: a 150-pound runner would replace shoes about every 500 miles. The AAOS also notes that EVA midsole foam starts to show structural damage after about 120 miles and has lost about 45% of its original shock absorption by 500 miles.
If you are shopping for a dedicated pair, compare the best Nike running shoes and the best Adidas running shoes.
Common Mistakes When Buying Men’s Sneakers
- Buying for looks alone and ignoring fit, which leads to pairs that sit unused.
- Trying shoes on in the morning, when feet are smaller than later in the day.
- Using fashion sneakers for regular running or court sports instead of a sport-specific shoe.
- Choosing bright colors only, which limit how many outfits a pair works with.
- Keeping running shoes long after their cushioning has worn out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most versatile men’s sneaker?
A low-top sneaker in a neutral color such as white, black, grey or navy is the most versatile choice, because it works with shorts, jeans, chinos and athletic wear.
Are high-top sneakers better for your ankles?
High-top sneakers cover the ankle, and the AAOS notes that the higher upper on basketball shoes is meant to add ankle stability during jumping and landing. For everyday wear, the difference is mainly warmth and style.
Are luxury sneakers worth the money?
Luxury sneakers are worth it only if you will wear them often and they fit well. Prices vary by brand and season, so compare current listings and check the return policy before buying.
How much room should be at the front of a sneaker?
The AAOS recommends at least 1/2 inch of space between your longest toe and the tip of the shoe.
Can you run in fashion sneakers?
Fashion sneakers are fine for short, occasional use, but the AAOS advises anyone who does one sport more than twice a week to buy a shoe designed for that sport, such as a running shoe.
