Whether you’re still WFH or you’re RTO and back to the daily commute, there’s almost always a need for one more pair of casual shoes or designer trainers for men. ‘Cause why not? Whether for work or play, there are some excellent new options out there. Here’s our round-up of the best luxury designer trainers (aka sneakers) and casual shoes for men right now including loafers, hi-tops, slip-ons, and more.
what are the Best new designer trainers and casual shoes for Men Right Now?
Long gone are the days when sneakers were relegated to tennis courts and off-hours. In the last decade, they’ve become the default. What was once a subculture of sneaker fandom has flooded the mainstream with even the most “buttoned-up” guys setting countdown timers to the next collab drop. Everyone’s a sneakerhead.
One of the most telling examples of sneakers’ trajectory is (was) Kanye West’s Adidas-backed Yeezy kicks that became instant grails the moment they went live. With the reckoning of its designer, we’re also in need of some less, uh, problematic alternatives. Luckily the market is vast and the landscape of sneakers is rich with options. What are the best sneakers for men?
We’d need a daily bulletin to alert you to all the hyped drops, but what we can do here is break down the best sneakers out there right now—that don’t require a waitlist. The only thing you need to ask yourself is: high-tops or low-tops? We’ve also thrown in a few soft-soled hybrid options that exist somewhere between a sneaker and a loafer that’ll serve you well almost anywhere in our increasingly casual world—yes, even at the office.
The best luxury designer trainers (aka sneakers) and casual shoes for men
1. Air Force 1 ‘07 by Nike
Nike walked/jumped/dunked so everyone else could run. We love the all matte black colorway with the gum soles of these box-fresh AF1s.
BUY NOW – $110.00.
2. Replica Suede Panel Leather Trainers by Maison Margiela
Margiela’s signature style, based on Austrian running shoes from the 70s.
BUY NOW – $540.00.
3. Asics x Ronnie Fieg Gel-Lyte OG Sneakers
Asics is having a moment in its own right, but add Ronnie Fieg’s special sauce and you have an instant hit. These Asics won’t be around long.
BUY NOW – $315.00.
4. Original Achilles Leather Sneakers by Common Projects
The pared-down pair that started it all—still kickin’.
BUY NOW – $410.00.
5. General Scale Canvas Low-Top Sneakers by Maison Mihara Yasuhiro
Maison Mihara Yasuhiro takes the familiar Chuck Taylor DNA and literally makes it wavier.
BUY NOW – $528.00.
6. Walpi Runner Suede Sneakers by Visvim
Hiroki Nakamura adds his telltale whipstitching and near-ridiculous levels of craftsmanship to these runners.
BUY NOW – $1,200.00.
7. Nike x Sacai x Undercover LDWaffle Sneakers
Two of Japan’s coolest fashion brands + Nike’s retro runners = a must-cop with these sneakers.
BUY NOW – $145.00.
8. Khaki and Beige Running Sole Sneakers by Golden Goose
Golden Goose has built an entire brand on artful distressing. Get on board.
BUY NOW – $595.00.
9. Jordan x Shelflife Air Jordan 2 Low Sneakers
These Jordans are a new spin on the icon courtesy of a South African boutique.
BUY NOW – $140.00.
10. XT-6 Expanse Low-Top Running Sneakers by Salomon
Will you be trail running in these? Meh, doesn’t matter. Theses sneakers look cool as hell.
BUY NOW – $180.00.
11. Vinci Low-Top Sneakers by Buttero
Tuscan shoemaking traditions and craftsmanship applied to the only sneakers you may ever need.
BUY NOW – $443.00.
The Best High-Top Sneakers
12. Chuck 70 x A Cold Wall High-Top Sneakers by Converse
Leave it to London’s enfant terrible to bring subversive cool to an absolute classic with these sneakers.
BUY NOW – $110.00.
13. Marni x Veja V15 Man High Top Sneakers
Marni’s mischievous streak comes through on these doodling-in-class sneaks.
BUY NOW – $320.00.
14. Off-White Centennial 85 Hi Sneakers by Adidas Originals
Let’s celebrate the golden age of hi-tops with these sneakers.
BUY NOW – $150.00.
15. Blazer Mid ‘77 PRM High-Top Sneakers by Nike
Nike’s retro Blazer has come in hot the past couple years and we’re digging this season’s cappuccino colorway.
BUY NOW – $95.00.
16. Sl 80 Mid-top Sneakers in Smooth and Grained Leather by Saint Laurent
We have to wonder: was Anthony Vaccarello a Lakers fan in the 80s? Try these sneakers.
BUY NOW – $875.00.
17. Vulcanized High Top Sneakers by Off-White
All of Virgil Abloh’s stamps are here: beefy arrow, bold stripes and the zip tie you’ll never take off with these sneakers.
BUY NOW – $665.00.
18. CT-02 Color-Block Leather High-Top Sneakers by Celine
The California skate kids who now have courtside seats will be looking cool in these sneakers.
BUY NOW – $790.00.
19. Basket High-Top Leather Sneakers by Jil Sander
Jil’s take on hoops-inflected style with these sneakers.
BUY NOW – $760.00.
20. High-Top Leather Sneakers by Santoni
If you already have a pair of Santoni’s double monks sitting in your closet, you know how supple this Italian leather is.
BUY NOW – $750.00.
21. Varden S-Strike Canvas Hi-Top Sneaker by Stepney Workers Club
A vulcanized rubber classic skate shoe done up the East London way.
BUY NOW – $105.00.
The Best Casual Soft Sole Shoes
22. Suede Slip-On Sneakers by Giorgio Armani
Yes we will trust Giorgio Armani with casually elegant suede sneakers
BUY NOW – $945.00.
23. Open Walk Suede Slip-Ons by Loro Piana
Loro Piana’s slip-ons have become an unexpected cult favorite with an unassuming look and almost pettable suede.
BUY NOW – $1,050.00.
24. Tacoma Suede Chukka Sneakers by Vince
This sneaker is part lace-up, part Chukka boot with a sneaker-y rubber sole. The best of all worlds.
BUY NOW – $275.00.
25. Larry Suede Slip-On Sneakers by Mr P.
The smartest slip-ons made with Italian suede and hand-stitching.
BUY NOW – $285.00.
26. Triple Stitch Suede Low Top Slip-On Sneakers by Zegna
These sneakers are our Zegna suit’s fun cousin.
BUY NOW – $890.00.
27. Black Intagliata Loafers by Marsell
A singular, sportier take on a loafer shape. The sturdy rubber sole will take you just about anywhere.
BUY NOW – On sale for $324.00. (originally $900)
28. Black Bug 001 Loafers by Officine Creative
“Hybrid” is a welcome word when it comes to a Made-in-Italy mashup of suede loafers and skater sneakers.
BUY NOW – On sale for $221.00. (originally $395)
29. Lace-Up Ankle Boots by Tod’s
Driving mocs may be its calling card, but Tod’s makes a pretty damn desirable ankle boot with the soul (sole?) of a sneaker.
BUY NOW – On sale for $388.00. (originally $645)
The best luxury sneakers and casual shoes for men right now
That’s our edit of almost 30 of the best luxury designer trainers (aka sneakers) and casual shoes for men right now including loafers, hi-tops and slip-ons. What’s on your shopping list, dear reader?