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By Avidan Grossman and Gerald Ortiz
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What are the best sneakers for men? Kind of a vague question, bud. That all depends on what you're after. Today's sneaker landscape is a bit like the MCU: vast, far-ranging, chock full of unexpected cameos, and prone to incite confounding levels of scrutiny from millions of adults who should probably know better. (The characters might vary, but for sneaker fans with firsthand experience working the internecine dynamics of the aftermarket, there's no shortage of villains.)
And much like Marvel's multibillion-dollar baby, the already-expansive sneaker galaxy is only getting bigger. Today the gamut includes everything from pony-hair printed low-tops to ol' reliable canvas kicks—along with the requisite training shoes, running shoes, and basketball shoes. Figuring out where to start can be as exhausting as binging a quartet of Avengers movies in one bleary-eyed go. So we did it for you.
Below, you'll find a mercifully succinct outline of ever single sneaker style worth your time right now, all culled from the digital pages of our extensive sneaker coverage. Because no matter what the critics (or, uh, trend forecasters) say, the best sneakers for men remain some of the best men's shoes, period. Sneakerheads, assemble!
More than mere wardrobe staples, white sneakers are the base of the menswear food pyramid, the pair of shoes you’ll likely reach for more than any other in your closet. Which explains why there are a mind-boggling amount of 'em available, from all-time classics to wild-style flexes. Over the years, we've surveyed hundreds of options, testing out the cream of the crop each step of the way. (Looking for the best white sneakers you can buy with only a hundred bucks? We've got you covered too.)
There's a long list of classic white kicks that make solid arguments for being crowned the quintessential pair of the category and, truthfully, that crown gets passed around with the shifting trends. Right now, though, we have our eyes set on the tennis shoe legend that is the Reebok Club C 85. The lace-up shoes were originally designed for functionality on the hard clay but have transcended the racquet to become everyday casual sneakers. Most Dad shoes follow a normcore ideology that reduces them to gray running shoes, but the Reebok Club C is—dare we say—even more fatherly than the New Balance 574. It pairs with white chinos, faded 501s, or even slouchy dress pants with chameleonic ease.
The Vans authentic shoes are exactly what you think of when it comes to white sneakers. The lightweight canvas uppers are ideal for sunny summers and look a million times better bashed to bits.
White & Gray Replica Sneakers
Maison Margiela's Replica sneakers take after vintage German Army Trainers but swap in upgraded materials. Their minimalist design and quality craftsmanship make them a grail sneaker for high-fashion fans and sneakerheads alike.
Black sneakers make a convincing argument for the dark side, the footwear equivalent of Emperor Palpatine whispering sweet nothings in a young Padawan's ear. (We're listening, FYI.) Black shoes are the perfect low-maintenance alternative for any serial puddle-swervers, and engaging in illegal activity isn't a prerequisite to wearing ‘em. (Most of the time.) Plus, if you’re looking for a pair of sneakers that won't look totally grimy after a few wears, the dark colorway can hide a lot.
Is there any sneaker more iconic than the classic Converse Chuck Taylor? The old-school canvas sneakers have been around longer than any other on this list and was there at the forefront of the sneaker revolution, pounding the hardwood well before the Swoosh came along (yes, they were made for playing basketball). You're much less likely to spot these in an athletic context nowadays, but you're sure as hell gonna see them everywhere else. And even though Chucks come in every color under the sun, the quintessential pair is undoubtedly the black hi-top. They look aces with baggy chinos a la The Sandlot, or even with a suit like a mod-revivalist indie band. The retro'fied Chuck 70 is definitely the version to get, thanks to a beefier silhouette, improved materials, and thicker midsole.
Vans is peak SoCal style, and while its Sk8-Hi and Old Skool models are indeed classics, the slip-on feels more laid-back and relevant than ever—especially in an era where loafers and mules are gaining most of the traction.
Stepney Workers Club is a younger brand to the sneaker space but has already made a significant mark, especially with creative types looking to sidestep the usual trainer trends. The brand's flagship Dellow shoe is at once familiar and distinct and built with quality materials to make it a step above the rest.
Walking is good for you—like, really good for you—but walking shoes haven't exactly always screamed “sex appeal”…until now. Given the explosion of interest in running’s less strenuous cousin over the past year, walking shoes have, ahem, stepped up their game. They’re still packed with all the cushion-heavy outsoles, breathable uppers, and vital arch support you need for a long day on your feet, but now they’ve got the style to match. Self-described dad shoes are cool and all, but the real deal dad shoes you'd find in an orthopedics store also look cooler than ever.
For the avid, hardcore walkers, we recommend the Hoka Challenger 7 sneakers. If your idea of a good walk involves a lot more than 10,000 steps (and buckets more sweat), the Challenger 7 can make your jaunt a real workout. It's been touted by avid walkers and runners alike and swooned us into giving it a spot in our Fitness Awards thanks to the super-grippy rubber soles, cloud-soft EVA midsoles, and lightweight feel.
Maybe you've only seen a pair of SAS shoes at an orthopedic shoe store, but that's no coincidence. They're a comfort-first shoe built to cradle your feet with every step.
The 574 is quite possibly the Father of All Dad Shoes, if not for its unoffensive, very plain styling, certainly for its capabilities on the pavement.
If you're considering hitting the track or the trails this year, investing in a reliable pair of running shoes is a must. The right pair should offer cushioning, durability, and energy return in spades—in other words, the opportunity to feel like Eliud Kipchoge, whether you're an amateur enthusiast looking for a new daily trainer or a hardcore half-marathoner in the market for a racer that'll help you smash your last PB. From trail-ready runners to everyday beaters you can wear to jog around the neighborhood, there's no better shoes to start your journey to Olympic (or near-Olympic) glory.
Everyone's feet are different (variety!) which is why we're somewhat hesitant to bestow a best running shoe superlative to a single pair of kicks. But we will, with the caveat that you should probably consult a pro who can identify the best running shoe for your particular needs. That said, the Brooks Ghost 15 nabbed our award for the best nice, normal running shoe and a great pick for most people, especially those who aren't seasoned runners. It comes in a variety of widths and features a thick and bouncy midsole that makes for a smooth, comfortable stride.
Asics Gel Kayano series has been running (heh) for three decades, pushing the space to new heights with every iteration. This latest version sees the Kayano with even better support, cushioning, and traction to keep you outpacing yourself.
Nike's Vaporfly series is for those looking to break personal and world records. In this wave of super shoes, the Vaporfly is among the most popular for serious runners aiming for glory.
Homing in on the best Nike shoes is worth the grunt work. Since setting up shop in the mid-'60s, the Portland-based juggernaut has churned out one hit sneaker after another, expanding into lifestyle footwear while upholding its commitment to athletic excellence each step of the way. Today, the Swoosh sells just about everything tangentially related to the sporting life, but its sneakers remain the crown jewel of the business. The best Nike shoes prove why the brand is still miles—and many, many dollars—ahead of the competition.
Nike's long been the brand for hype sneakers and hardcore athletic shoes. But when it comes to dad shoes, the Swoosh wasn't quite cracking it—until 2018 when the Vomero got a redux in cahoots with the modern label A-Cold-Wall*. The shoe's origins date back to 2011 as a running shoe, but Nike's methodically released new colorways since the ACW link-up. The result? The It Sneaker of the moment.
Nike Air Force 1 '07 low top sneaker
Nike's Air Force 1 shoe is the epitome of sneaker culture—it's the shoe that you work to keep looking bleach-white and uncreased lest you get roasted by the real heads. It's a certified classic and the stark white colorway and chunky silhouette are perfect for this wide-leg pant era.
Jordan 1 Retro High OG Chicago Lost & Found Sneaker
Michael Jordan ushered in modern sneakerhead culture as we know it, and we'd be remiss not to mention the iconic Jordan brand here. The coveted Nike sub-label is quick to sell out, especially if you're after a pair of Jordan 1s, and that only makes them all the more legendary.
If you're Team Stripes through and through, there's plenty of options to choose from. Adidas remains a reliable source for classic sneakers (think Sambas, Superstars, and Stan Smiths), the type of perennial best-sellers that still inspire countless imitations today. More recently, the German sportswear giant has stepped on the gas, rolling out smash-hit collaborations with designer powerhouses like Prada, cult-loved labels like Wales Bonner, and globally-adored megastars like Bad Bunny. All of which means there's no better time to take stock of the company's roster of men's sneakers.
And if we're talking about the best Adidas shoe right now, there's no question that it has to be the Samba. The ascendence of soccer-inflected style, countless hot colorways and a heap of juiced-up collabs have placed the Adidas Samba front and center of the sneaker conversation, but the classic white colorway will be a forever classic even when the trends turn toward other sneakers (someday). The Samba is so dominant that it could have easily taken the crowns for the best white sneaker and even best sneaker of the year, but we'll be good and save those hot takes for later.
Wales Bonner's mark on the Adidas universe is massive and is responsible for like 60% of Adidas moodboard content. Her deft eye for color and texture has produced some of the most viral kicks in recent years and we're chomping at the bit for the next release.
The Sambapocalypse has surely rendered fashion fans a bit numb, but there are so many other styles in the Three Stripes roster that deserve praise, like these lowkey Bermuda sneakers.
Over the years, New Balance has evolved from a geriatric standard to a purveyor of genuine cool-guy staples, cooking up new models (and roping in a who’s who of notable collaborators) for sneaker enthusiasts of every stripe to lust over. At first the brand’s popularity seemed rooted in irony, a nod to normcore stylings, but wear anything long enough and the appreciation starts to become sincere. And with Aimé Leon Dore honcho Teddy Santis in charge of the company's premium Made in USA sub-line, the Boston-based brand continues to keep its pedal to the cushy, orthotic metal.
New Balance's flagship 990 series is what shouldered the brand to the upper echelons of sneakerdom, but these days the the trendy 2002R feels like it's taken the 990's seat. It originally debuted in 2010 and after a recent reboot is only now getting its flowers. It's got a similar DNA to the 990v3 but with more complex mesh, leather, and suede panelling that should make it a better playground for color combinations and collaborations.
With every season New Balance rolls out a design—new or archival—that further cements its place in the top 3 sneaker brands. This time, the 1906 is one of those shoes, with aggressive, angular panels that feel futuristic and avant-garde, it's the perfect shoe to garner exciting new collabs.
Thank Aime Leon Dore for the 550 mania, the most hyped shoe in recent years. New Balance's throwback basketball shoe has challenged more seasoned stalwarts in the Nike and Adidas universe and the nostalgia has proven to be extremely effective.
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