If you’re a modern guy who likes to look their best when venturing out of the house, listen up. Men’s sneakers are one of the most important additions to finish off the rest of your wardrobe. They work for casual events, special events, and everything in between.
In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at some of the different types of sneakers available for different purposes. We’ll start with casual, comfortable sneakers for men, then move on to sneakers for athletic sports. By the end of this article, you’ll also learn some sneaker care and maintenance tips so that your sneakers will always look their best.
Sneakers for Casual Everyday Wear
Having the perfect pair of men’s sneakers can make it much better when you're going about your day. The state of your mood can drop pretty quickly if your feet aren’t feeling comfortable. The thing about sneakers is that their comfort and style go hand in hand. Let’s take a closer look at casual sneakers for daily activities.
With casual everyday wear, you should strike a balance between style and comfort. It doesn’t matter if you’re out running errands or gathering around a campfire with a few friends; comfortable sneakers will give your feet the support they need to spend long hours on your feet. A good pair of men’s sneakers will reduce fatigue and ensure you stay on top of your game.
What Casual Sneaker Options Are There?
There are a couple of different casual sneaker options to consider.
Low-top sneakers: Low-top sneakers should be a staple in any man’s wardrobe. They feature a minimalistic design and pair well with most types of clothing, including jeans, chinos, and even shorts. It’s easy to slide these sneakers on and off, making them ideal if you’re constantly on the go.
High-top sneakers: If your goal for a new pair of sneakers is to make a fashion statement, then high-top sneakers are a wise choice. They have an extended collar that gives your ankles more support while adding some uniqueness to your outfits. Some men like to pair high-top sneakers with skinny jeans or joggers for a street-smart look.
Slip-on sneakers: Slip-on sneakers have an overall cool and convenient look. They’re ideal for those who are focused on ease and style at the same time. You don’t have to worry about tying up laces. You just slide your feet in, and you’re ready to go out the door.
Popular Brands for Casual Sneakers
There are a variety of popular brands of casual sneakers to consider.
Nike: Everyone knows about Nike. This company has many different options of casual sneakers that are ideal for all occasions. There are almost too many Nike designs to count, and they all feature state-of-the-art technology to keep your feet feeling comfortable and looking stylish.
Adidas: Adidas also has a wide range of sneakers on the market. If you’ve ever seen the classic three stripes on a pair of sneakers before, then you’ve seen a pair of Adidas shoes. This is another company that combines aesthetics with performance.
Vans: A list of popular brands for casual sneakers isn’t complete without including Vans. Vans sneakers almost instantly exude a cool and relaxed attitude. They’re ideal for everyday wear and are comfortable on the feet.
Tips for Styling Sneakers With Different Casual Outfits
The number of outfit options that you can pair with sneakers is endless. Let’s take a look at a few common ones.
Jeans and sneakers: The jeans and sneakers combo is popular and will always stay in style. If you want to polish up this look, consider wearing slim or straight-leg jeans with low-top or high-stop sneakers. Sometimes people like to take it a step further by rolling up the cuffs.
Shorts and sneakers: Even though shorts and sneakers are a basic combination, it’s still very comfortable and stylish at the same time. For a laid-back summer look, tuck in the t-shirt and put on a nice pair of shades.
Chinos and sneakers: Consider combining your chinos with low-top or high-top sneakers. If you want to add another layer of style, put a button-down shirt or polo shirt on for a smart-casual look.
Sneakers for Athletic Activities and Sports
Are you wondering what sneakers to wear for athletic activities and sports? The right pair of men’s running sneakers or athletic sneakers will make a huge difference in how your feet feel. They will also keep you safe from injuries that could occur.
Performance-oriented sneakers that are manufactured with the right technology and materials will:
- Keep your movements feeling more natural
- Provide you with more support
- Reduce the strain on your feet and joints
Many different types of sneakers are categorized based on what type of activity you’re doing. Let’s take a closer look at some of the common categories of sneakers.
Running Sneakers
Running sneakers are engineered to reduce the impact on your feet and knees. They provide a great deal of cushioning and shock absorption. When you’re in the market for a pair of men’s running sneakers, you should look for ones with responsive midsoles and breathable uppers to get the perfect combination of performance and comfort.
Basketball Sneakers
Basketball sneakers are designed to give you the ability to perform jumps, quick cuts, and side-to-side movements. They’re high-top sneakers that give your ankles a lot of support while jumping and moving around. With these sneakers, you can trust that you’ll experience fewer injuries on the court.
Hiking Sneakers
If you’re an avid hiker, you shouldn’t risk wearing anything but hiking sneakers. Hiking sneakers provide a perfect combination of traction, ankle support, water resistance, and comfort while navigating tough terrain in the wilderness.
Key Features To Consider When Choosing Athletic Sneakers
If you’re in the market for a good pair of athletic sneakers, there are some important features to consider.
Cushioning: Look for a pair of athletic sneakers with a nice amount of cushioning in the midsole so that shock will be absorbed when you’re moving around. The more cushion your shoe has, the less pain your joints will feel with high-impact activities.
Stability: Your athletic sneakers should also have support and stability so that your ankles won’t experience any strain with lateral movements in sports such as tennis or basketball.
Grip: You’ll want a pair of athletic shoes with good grip and traction. This is especially helpful for trailing, tracks, and courts.
Breathability: This is a factor that too many people overlook when considering a new pair of athletic sneakers. With proper ventilation, your feet will stay cool and dry, reducing the chances of blisters while keeping your feet comfortable.
Fit: Lastly, focus on sneakers that fit snugly but not to the point that they’re tight on your feet.
Recommended Brands for Different Sports
Choosing a reputable brand for your pair of athletic sneakers is always good. If you’re getting a pair of sneakers primarily for running, choose Nike Air Zoom Pegasus sneakers or Adidas Ultraboost ones.
If you’re going to be taking your sneakers to the basketball court, then a pair of Air Jordan sneakers will work very well.
Merrell and Salomon brands are ideal for hikers that need a solid pair of sneakers designed to handle rough and rugged terrain.
Sneakers for Formal and Semi-Formal Occasions
More and more people are wearing sneakers for formal and semi-formal occasions. When you’re looking for sneakers to wear for these occasions, you should focus on styles that are both sleek and sophisticated. Suitable styles include:
Low-profile sneakers: Slim sneakers with a low profile have a slimmer appearance and look more sophisticated than bulkier styles of shoes.
Solid colors: Shoes for formal and semi-formal occasions are best in solid colors, such as gray, navy, white, or black.
Minimalist designs: Keep an eye out for shoes with clean lines and minimal branding.
Brands to Consider
There are a couple of brands that are learning that people are choosing sneakers for formal and semi-formal events. Some of them include:
Veja: This brand manufactures eco-friendly sneakers with a modern aesthetic.
Adidas: Adidas is well-known for manufacturing athletic shoes but also provides sneakers that work well for form and semi-formal occasions.
Cole Haan: This company is known for combining class dress shoe designs with the comfort found in sneakers.
Tips for Pairing Sneakers with Formal Attire
Here are some tips to keep in mind when pairing sneakers with formal attire:
Color coordination: Always pay attention to colors when pairing sneakers with formal attire. You’ll typically want to wear neutral-colored sneakers that match the rest of your outfit.
Material: Leather and suede sneakers work best with formal attire.
Fit: Make sure your sneakers fit nicely and are clean and tidy.
Event appropriate: While sneakers work well for semi-formal and form occasions, they may not be the best for extremely formal occasions like weddings.
Sneaker Care and Maintenance Tips
If you want your designer sneakers for men to stay in good condition and last longer, you need to maintain them.
Leather Sneakers
If you have leather sneakers, you can clean them with a soft brush or damp cloth. After that, get some leather cleaner or a mild soap solution to clean the surface. Refrain from putting the leather sneakers underwater. Use a leather conditioner to keep the leather supple and to prevent cracks.
Canvas Sneakers
You can also use a brush to remove dirt from canvas sneakers. Hand wash them with mild soap and water. You can also use a gentle machine wash cycle for these sneakers. Air dry them and keep them out of direct sunlight.
Suede Sneakers
For suede sneakers, use a soft toothbrush to brush the dirt and debris off of them. If you notice any stains, use a suede eraser or a vinegar-water solution with a 1:1 ratio applied to a soft cloth. After that, get a waterproof spray to keep the moisture off them.
Final Thoughts
Over the years, men’s sneakers have become more and more versatile and acceptable for more occasions than just sports and athletic activities. If you’re looking for the best men’s sneakers for walking or men’s basketball sneakers, it can be intimidating to figure out which one to purchase. Keep in mind that you should prioritize comfort, style, and practicality.
The right pair of sneakers can complement the rest of your outfit and provide all-day comfort while you’re on your feet. If your budget allows, consider even starting a sneaker collection to have a wide range of different sneakers for different events.
Why not take a look through our website to see if a pair of men’s sneakers will catch your eye?