The 5 Best Fashion Sneakers for Men
Every man needs at least one pair of quality sneakers, and we're not talking about those muddy track shoes sitting in the back of your closet. Sneakers don't have to appear athletic in order to be comfortable and flexible. That's why fashion sneakers have boomed in popularity lately. Combining the best of both worlds, these comfortable shoes can be worn to the basketball court or the office. With so many options out there, we decided to whittle down the list to the best of the best. Here, you'll find our top five favorites, from the inexpensive to the premium pick.
Cole Haan Men’s Grand Crosscourt li Sneaker
A pair of Cole Haan for every maan
What’s about as dapper as it gets yet still falls into the category of active wear? Why, the Cole Haan Grand Crosscourt Sneaker, of course. With a 100% leather top and an all-rubber sole, this shoe does everything a fashion sneaker should do. For one, the molded outsole is injected with bouncy rubber pods that provide remarkable cushioning for your foot. Even better, the inner lining is made out of a breathable textile that’s so soft, it makes going sock-less a tempting move. We also love the durability and high-quality of craftsmanship. Thus, although it’s a bit pricey, it’s a worthwhile investment, since this stylin’ pick will last a long time.
Pros
- Breathable
- Comfortable
- High-quality stitching
Cons
- Relatively expensive
- Some sizes not available
Sperry Men’s Striper II Salt Washed CVO Sneaker
Sweet kicks for cheap
There are certainly cheaper shoes on the market, but those looking for the most bang-for-their buck should consider this option from Sperry Men’s. Most sizes will set you back less than forty bucks, so it’s the ideal choice for those on a budget. We’re normally skeptical about shoes in this price range, but Sperry proves that cheap doesn’t always mean low-quality. The canvas material is a hardy fabric that softens up over time and the strong bonding between the sole and upper textiles means it can survive all kinds of weather. Best of all, it’s a super lightweight and flexible shoe that slips on easily, so it’s truly a sneaker worth having.
Pros
- White rubber outsoles are non-marking
- Classy leather laces
- Clean, summer look
Cons
- Price varies considerably with size and style
Timberland Men’s Groveton LTT Chukka Leather & Fabric Sneaker
Timberland for adventurous men
When Timberland first began manufacturing shoes, they were synonymous with high-quality outdoor boots. Recently, Timberland became huge in fashion. Now, we want to bring back their reputation as a durable piece of footwear that can handle all sorts of outdoor weather conditions and uses. That’s why we crown Timberland Men’s Groveton LTT fashion sneakers as the king of adventure shoes. Sure, your kicks look cool at the party, but what if the party moves outside? These sneakers are ideal for everyday wear, so you can use them on the farm or at the club without feeling out of place.
Pros
- Cushioned footbed
- Sturdy and weatherproof
- “Gripstick” rubber sole for high traction
Cons
- Stiff at first but they break in after a couple days
Polar Fix Nebs Cikbert NOX506059 Wingtip Memory Foam Mid-Top Sneaker Knitted Perforated Casual Chukka Boots
You sleep on memory foam, so why not walk on memory foam? These knitted sneakers from Polar Fox are super comfortable, and hand-crafted out of high-quality, vegan materials. That’s why we were shocked to discover the price was so low. Most size and color combos will cost less than forty bucks, so they’re not only the most comfortable fashion sneakers that we’ve come across, they’re also some of the cheapest. Although they are mid-top sneakers, they still hold up well when it’s time to get active. The perforated, knitted top and sides give the shoe a great breathability, while the double stitching extends the overall lifespan. Thus, they’ll not only save your feet from soreness, they’ll also save you money and last a long time.
Pros
- Breathable
- Affordable price
- Memory foam cushioning
Cons
- Not waterproof
- Not super warm
Ecco Men’s Soft 7 Sneaker
A premium shoe for a premium price
Those with a little extra cash to spend should consider this premium pick from Ecco. We could go on and on about how slick, timeless, and suave they look, but what’s even more impressive is the high-quality construction. Made out of 100% leather, these sneakers feature precise double-stitching and a light-yet-durable design. Better yet, the inlay sole is not only extremely comfortable and ergonomic, it has a breathable fibre system that lets your feet breathe. Although we prefer the sleekness of the white style, the Ecco Soft 7 line comes in eight different colors, each more dapper than the last. That’s why we have no problem wearing these to the club or to the courts (we mean tennis or basketball courts, although you could probably pull them off at a courthouse as well).
Pros
- Stylish
- Durable
- Fantastic arch support
Cons
- Expensive but long-lasting
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a fashion sneaker and a normal sneaker?
When sneakers first became popular oh-so-many decades ago, they were strictly used for sports. More recently, however, the line between formal wear and athletic wear has been blurred. Fashion sneakers are a perfect example of the ways that fashion and formality have become intertwined. Although they aren’t always the ideal choice for strenuous physical exercise, fashion sneakers are perfect for those that need a comfortable shoe to compliment their busy modern life style. Especially popular among students and commuters, these shoes will look stylin’ and feel great in just about any environment.
What are the best outfits to pair with fashion sneakers?
Obviously fashion is an enigmatic beast, so the only way to tame it is to invent it for yourself. That’s why there are no hard-and-fast rules for how to piece together an outfit, so whatever pairings make you feel confident and comfortable are probably your best bet. That being said, a few words of advice for putting together an outfit with the shoes on our list:
Most fashion sneakers look best when they’re on display. Baggy pants or ill-fitting pants are not going to win you any compliments, especially when the pant legs are obscuring your shoes. We recommend wearing slim-fitting pants with these shoes. In this case, showing a little ankle is better than a bunched-up pant cuff. After all, it’s the 21st century, and a little ankle on display never hurt anyone. Also, black socks are a universal pairing, while white socks can clash with some pairs of shoes. Finally, the biggest no-no is pairing blue shoes with blue jeans that are of a slightly-different shade of blue. For example, navy blue and dark blue do not look good together.
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