Who would have thought that buying a pair of men's sneakers could be so complicated? Five years ago, it was all about choosing functional sneakers. Today, there is a lot to consider when it comes to finding the right shoe. Men's sneakers are such a huge market that it's hard to know where to start. Fortunately, this guide is here to help you get started!
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The Vans Ward features a look inspired by one of Vans most iconic sneakers, the Vans Old Skool. This pair of vulcanized sneakers is covered in a suede and canvas upper with ample padding for comfort.
These sneakers feature a sweatproof lining, cushioned insole, plush padded collar and traction rubber outsole. They'll look great with skinny jeans and a graphic tee.
Taking inspiration from one of PUMA's most iconic styles, these sneakers are simple, yet sporty and stylish. They feature a lace closure for a perfect fit. The suede upper features perforated details.
The PUMA Smash V2 sneakers are the latest update to PUMA's iconic Smash. The tennis-inspired silhouette features a soft suede upper and a classic rubber sole. Your 18 year old boy will appreciate this gift.
The chic, casual look of these Adidas VS Pace shoes flaunts classic Adidas style. It's a great gift for an 18 year old boy. Reliable and versatile, they'll find an appropriate place in the shoe rotation routine.
These Levi's Turner 2.0 everyday sneakers will perfectly complement your look and keep your feet looking their best. Crafted in vegan synthetic leather, these retro-inspired low-top sneakers are easy to pair with jeans or shorts.
With rubber soles, these Arrigo Bello sneakers are comfortable. Especially since the lining is soft and the insole is made of thick, cushioned and flexible foam. These are excellent casual sneakers for men.
The Geox U Renan A for men are practical, versatile and comfortable sneakers that have a decidedly urban feel. Made of suede, the Geox U Renan A feature contrasting details on the upper.
Whether it's a vacation in the mountains, a date night or a monotonous daily routine, the Timberland Boroughs are extremely comfortable and versatile sneakers. Thanks to the ReBOTL™ fabric and synthetic leather upper, these sneakers are tough.
With a classic casual sporty look, A Costa Lace from Clarks' Unstructured collection offers barefoot comfort ideal for everyday adventures. A simplistic leather upper is paired with a lightweight EVA and rubber outsole.
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Just like clothes, buying men's sneakers online involves choosing the right size. Size guides are present on every shopping portal. You should check the size before ordering. Moreover, sizes differ from brand to brand and country to country. You may choose the most dazzling pair of shoes only to find out that it is not your size. To avoid such mistakes, you should follow the measurement guidelines specified by the brand in question.
When you have the right size and width, you should pay attention to the softness of the leather and the flexibility of the sole. Flexible means the ability to bend. Many people mix up the flexibility of the sole with the softness of the interior padding. You won't be able to do a "flex" test, but you can get information about it from past customer reviews. Therefore, you should do the "flex" test. Anyway, here's how to do a "flexion" test" If you bend the heel and toe area toward each other and the sole takes a V shape, then the shoes have good flexibility.
The shape of the shoe should be synchronized with the shape of your own foot to get a perfect fit. The sneakers should feel like extensions of your feet rather than making you feel strange and awkward. The toe area, heels, upper construction and even the support that the sneakers offer should be compatible with the shape of your feet. Before investing in a pair of high-end sneakers, look at the technical features and read reviews to evaluate this criterion.
There are two leading styles for sneakers: low top sneakers and high top sneakers. High top sneakers have a trendy, streetwear feel and offer more protection to the feet. However, low top sneakers have always been the popular cult design because of their stylish aesthetic and alluring appeal. You can choose to invest in either one depending on your personal requirements.
It is always a great relief to know that the online retail platform offers a return or exchange option. However, not all online sales platforms offer this option to their customers. Therefore, before you choose to place an order, you should check its return or exchange policy.
The global sneaker market was valued at approximately US$79 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach US$120 billion by 2026. With such huge growth, it's no surprise that they are considered a sector that weighs on the global economy. These numbers are further evidence that sneakers have become an undisputed cultural symbol of our time.
The last decade has seen a huge shift in the way sneakers are worn. Wearing sneakers to the workplace or to more formal occasions like weddings is no longer frowned upon. Sneakers are now considered socially acceptable for casual and chic occasions. Thus, sneakers have become coveted fashion accessories.
.Shoes are now the top-selling category in the online luxury market, and sneakers have been a big part of that growth. High fashion brands from Gucci to Balenciaga are setting the tone in the luxury sneaker market. In 2017, Balenciaga's Triple S became the best-selling sneaker in the luxury sneaker market.
To understand how sneakers became so popular, it is important to trace its heritage from functionality to cultural icon.
Sociologist Yuniya Kawamura's research on sneakers defines three waves of the phenomenon. The first wave takes place in the 1970s and 1980s and was defined by an underground sneaker culture and the emergence of hip-hop. In 1986, Run-DMC released the song My Adidas, leading to a sponsorship deal with the brand. This forged sneakers' deeply rooted place in pop culture.
The second wave of the phenomenon began in 1984 with the launch of the Nike Air Jordan. This gave rise to the hype and marketing of sneakers and their desirability as unique fashion items, reinforced by celebrity endorsements. For Kawamura, the third wave is marked by the digital age and the growth that has resulted from the overexposure of sneakers in the public space and the resale culture. Moreover, the global sneaker resale market was valued at US$6 billion in 2019 and is expected to reach US$30 billion by 2030.
The growing presence of "sneakerheads" who collect and sell sneakers has helped them maintain their cult status. Nike and Adidas regularly release limited edition sneakers associated with a celebrity, hip-hop star or athlete. It's not uncommon for people to go to great lengths to get their hands on these rare models, including standing in line outside a store all night.
From sports to fashion, sneakers dominate the consumer market. Yet despite their mainstream adoption, sneakers retain their freshness as cultural icons.
Low-tops are sneakers that do not cover the ankle. Traditionally, they are relatively light and thin, which makes them better for summer than winter. This is probably the type of sneaker you will see most in everyday life. There are mainly sporty style low-tops and others with a more urban style, some pairs are in between. Almost every brand has a pair of sporty sneakers that are more fashion oriented than sporty.
There are also what are called skate low-tops. They are usually quite light and made of canvas or leather. They also often have thick soles that make them rather durable. These are certainly not as comfortable as sporty low-tops, but they offer a completely different look that may appeal to more people.
Honestly, there's not much to say about mid-tops. Basically, mid-top sneakers are models that are somewhere in between is something between an ankle covering top and a non-ankle covering bottom. This is still a really uncharted area, but we're seeing more and more really great mid-top sneakers from Nike and Yeezy.
Hi-tops are sneakers that come up above the ankle to completely hide it. They are usually very casual, very comfortable, and have a very athletic look. Without a doubt, the most popular hi-tops in streetwear are Air Jordans.
Hi-top sneakers come in different forms. You have very simple hi-tops like the Converse ones, and you also have Nike models such as the Blazer. There are also designer hi-top sneakers with extravagant style like those offered by Margiela Future and Geobasket. In this category there are so many options that it would be impossible to list them all.
Adidas has never compromised by always offering quality shoes. They have many assets and their sneakers take advantage of it. Indeed, like all recent Adidas shoes, their sneakers have 3D printed soles. They are the only major brand to offer this technology. This makes the shoes incredibly easy to modify. This means that it is easy to find Adidas sneakers that meet the specific needs of different types of male feet.
Adidas has taken the quality of its shoes to the next level by incorporating Boost technology, including in men's, women's and children's sneakers. This technology uses thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), a material that provides compression under pressure. As a result, Adidas sneakers with Boost technology better absorb shock during high-impact activities. Because of the compression, a large amount of energy is returned to the wearer. This increases speed, stability and comfort.
One of the biggest features of Adidas men's sneakers is that the upper part of the shoes is always made of leather, unlike other brands. The upper part of a shoe is essential in determining its quality.
Adidas is indeed very good, but so is Nike. Nike sneakers are made have more sporty characteristics, and here's why. First, Nike optimizes comfort. This is the main quality that helped Nike to seduce young people. For both men and women, comfort is very important. They want their feet to feel at home. Nike also makes very well-fitting sneakers, which makes them very popular.
Nike uses less clothing and more leather. This is a decision that has contributed to the quality and durability of their sneakers. It also helps to improve the appearance of the shoes.
Finally, let's point out that Nike sneakers are among the lightest on the market. With its Flyknit series, shoes designed to fit like socks, Nike revolutionizes the market. The lightness of the material used to make the Flyknit has projected them as the best sneakers of all time. On its sneakers, Nike also uses this revolutionary material, but on a smaller scale.
Both brands have their unique features and are attractive for different reasons. On the other hand, if you want shoes with the latest technology in the industry, opt for Adidas sneakers. But if you're looking for durable, high-end footwear, you'll find it at Nike.
Emotional attachment
Many of us are passionate about sneakers. We wear or buy sneakers because of the genuine love we have for them. Often, we buy a line of shoes over and over again because there is an emotional attachment or personal meaning behind it. It could be the first pair you bought with your own money, the pair you got engaged in, or perhaps the pair you wore to a memorable sporting event you attended.
Exclusive
Who doesn't love having a pair of sneakers that not many people own? That's why samples are so expensive; because nobody has them. The more limited edition or exclusive sneakers are, the more expensive they are likely to be. The Undefeated x Air Jordan 4 is a perfect example.
Comfort
The older we get, the more we focus on buying really comfortable shoes. Let's be honest for a second, Air Jordan retros are nice, but they are not the most comfortable shoes in the world. When we talk about comfort, we can think of some shoes like the Adidas Pure Boost, the Nike Lunar Flyknit Chukka or the Nike Air Huarache. Shoes like these may not look as good as a pair of retro sneakers, but your feet will definitely thank you for wearing them. It also doesn't hurt that they're not as expensive as the retro models.
Wellness and durability
Shoes that smell like cheese will definitely not make you popular. That's why it's important to let your feet breathe. When they don't, they get soaked in sweat and that's exactly the kind of hot, humid place where fungus and bacteria thrive. Fortunately, there are sneakers made from breathable materials like mesh. These models are also great value for money, especially since you won't have to replace your shoes so often.
Versatility
One of the main benefits of sneakers is that they support your feet while you perform a range of activities: running so you don't miss the subway or bus, jumping up and down at a concert, and more. Being able to walk, run and jump without fear of injury is one of the things that makes sneakers such a popular choice. The best sneakers on the market go above and beyond, offering increased levels of support with extra foam padding in the heel and ankle cushion and extra heel support, among other things.
In our opinion, the best brands of men's sneakers in 2022 are :
Adidas is definitely the brand with the most appeal in the fashion world right now, especially with their high-top sneakers. With their countless collaborations with designers of all kinds and the growing popularity of shoes with their boost technology, Adidas is definitely making a name for itself on the streetwear scene as a whole.
Nike is without a doubt the most popular sneaker brand of all time, as they make shoes for everyone, in all styles and sizes. It would be very surprising if you couldn't find sneakers that fit you. Plus, they created the most successful sneaker line of all time, the Air Jordans.
Vans, although they primarily make only skate shoes, have a strong presence on the streetwear scene. This is mostly due to their knack for creating sneakers with a simple, versatile, yet attractive silhouette. If you're looking for a basic yet durable pair of shoes, a pair of Vans sneakers is for you.
It was when Rudolf Dassler who founded Puma in 1948, he set the stage for the most legendary rivalry in sportswear with his brother Adi who lent his name to Adidas. Today, Puma primarily manufactures shoes and has a formidable catalog of retro lace-up sneakers that maintain the brand's aesthetic identity.
With over 200 years of footwear manufacturing experience, comfort and attention to detail are what set Clarks apart. Its men's casual sneakers incorporate high-end materials. This makes them a versatile addition to your wardrobe for everyday wear and stylish occasions.
The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).
However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.
We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.
Keep your men's sneakers clean
No matter how fresh your sneakers are, the effect will be lost if they are not spotless. Proper sneaker care includes washing the laces, eliminating odors, and brushing the outsoles.
Avoid bootCut jeans when you want to wear men's sneakers
One of the most important details to remember about wearing sneakers well is what type of jeans to wear with them. After all, not all jeans are created equally, so not all jeans are meant to be worn with sneakers. One of the keys is to choose the right fit. For example, never wear bootcut jeans with sneakers. In fact, wearing fat pants with sneakers, in general, is a major fashion faux pas.
Match your men's sneakers to the right occasion
There's no denying that sneakers are one of the most versatile forms of footwear, yet you can't wear just any sneaker with any outfit. So it's important to learn how to match your sneakers with what you plan to wear. Always keep in mind that you need to match the sneakers to the occasion as well.
Never be too casual
Resist the temptation to be too casual. Again, make sure your men's sneakers are appropriate for the occasion and the clothes you are wearing. Because while the perfect pair of sneakers can add style in the right setting, wearing the wrong pair at the wrong time can be embarrassing.
Don't show your socks
Whether you're going out clubbing, spending an afternoon in the city, going to class, or dressing for a casual work environment, donning sneakers with your outfit depends on how you wear them. When you want a sleek, on-trend look that really works, be sure to show off your sneakers, but not your socks.
White men's sneakers are shoes that bridge the gap between chic and casual style, and go with just about everything. White sneakers truly deserve a place in the men's shoe hall of fame. Rest assured that your favorite white sneakers won't go out of style anytime soon.
Jeans are a man's best friend for a reason: they go with a variety of shoes, including sneakers. A relaxed fit or bootcut jean will swallow up your sneakers, so try a slim or skinny fit for ultimate elegance. Classic faded blue jeans and a vintage button-down collar go well with sporty sneakers. The bolder the sneakers, the better.
If you're wondering if you can wear your favorite sneakers to work, the answer is yes. If your workplace does not have a specific dress code, you can absolutely wear sneakers to work. However, there are a few things to keep in mind: wear clean sneakers with no holes or scratches and keep them discreet. So, choose sneakers with a solid color, but especially not pink, red, yellow or any other bright color. Finally, don't forget to keep the rest of your look neat and professional.
If the combination is right, the right sneakers can inject originality with unmatched comfort. On the other hand, not all sneakers pair well with suits. While many sneakers are incredibly versatile, they are no substitute for dress shoes when it comes to formal events. When it comes to dressing for weddings and other semi-formal events, favor wearing sneakers with overdressed clothing rather than underdressed.
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