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Every guy should have at least one pair of go-to men’s sneakers in his wardrobe. Comfortable, versatile and the best footwear to pair with denim, sneakers can be hard to decide on, but once you’ve worked out the right style for you, it’s practically guaranteed that you’ll wear them to death.
So, what men’s sneakers are trending right now? We asked The Iconic’s Head of Style Danielle Soglimbene for her intel. “In the last few years, retro-inspired styles have made a comeback and evidently are here to stay,” she says. That means the dad sneaker is sticking around — think chunky, white or beige, the kind of shoe your father would have worn in the ’80s and ’90s with some Levi’s 501s.
However, we’re also seeing even more overt nods to the ’80s and ’90s with retro-style men’s sneakers from classic labels like New Balance and Nike. More of a minimalist? Classic black leather sneakers will never go out of fashion. “They work well with straight leg denim, a button up shirt and a jacket for a winter dinner look or team them with a relaxed suit for an effortless vibe,” says Soglimbene.
Below you’ll find our picks for the best men’s sneakers to buy right now.
Vans Old Skool
If it’s good enough for Pete Davidson at the White House Correspondents Dinner, it’s good enough for us. Vans Old Skool sneakers ($129.95) have stayed on trend for years and years, giving a bit of skater style to your wardrobe without being too eye-catching, if that’s not your thing. Classic black is always a good choice, but the style comes in a myriad of colourways and we’re also partial to the brown suede hue, too. “Vans look great with a loose-fit trouser, baggy tee and check shirt for the colder seasons or shorts, high socks and a cap for warmer seasons,” explains Soglimbene. “Great for a gig or festival, pair them with a denim jacket or utility shirt to complete the look.”
Cariuma All Camel Suede
Customisable is the name of the game at Cariuma. Choose from 10 different colours and three types of materials, canvas, suede and leather. Our pick are these Cariuma All Camel Suede kicks ($159) All sneakers from the brand are crafted in ethical factories and use recycled packaging.
Veja V-12 Unisex
Veja makes some great unisex sneakers; the V-10 ($210) style is a favourite of Meghan Markle, as well as Eddie Redmayne. We love the V-12 ($200) at the moment, though, for its nod to dad sneakers while still retaining a classic style that would work well with everything in your wardrobe. We’d even team these stylish men’s sneakers with a suit for a smart casual office.
Autry Medalist
This is a perfect example of how ’80s and ’90s sneaker styles are making a return. This classic-yet-modern take on a mid-’80s staple from Autry ($259.99) works because of the vintage look and feel the label has given them, like contrasting fabric and leather inserts and a rubber sole in beige, not white. You’ll get plenty of comments with these kicks on.
Nike Blazer Mid ‘77 Vintage
Nike does sneakers so, so well. The Blazer Mid ‘77 Vintage ($139.99) is a really fun addition to any wardrobe, especially for those who prefer a street style look over classic fashion. The high top design is thanks to the original creation, which was a mid-’70s basketball shoe. Nike has retained much from the original look, including a vintage midsole finish and wraparound Swoosh logo.
Aquila Deco
This pair is for the classic minimalists out there. A great leather sneaker is so timeless and, when cared for correctly (we’re talking leather cleaner, you guys), will last you years. The Deco Sneakers from Aquila ($219) feature a milled leather upper, leather lining and cushioned heel. They’re soft, comfortable and elevated.
New Balance 530
New Balance has been at the forefront of the dad sneaker trend, and we love the 530s ($149.99) if you’re yet to dip your toe into the trend’s waters. A little less overt than the popular 624s ($130), the 530s feel like a cross between a dad sneaker and a trainer, so you can road test the trend without feeling like you wasted money on something too out there. Team with some vintage-style jeans and a tucked in white tee.
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star
Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars live on forever. One of the most classic silhouettes in sneaker history, Chuck Taylor All Stars ($120) are the shoes to pick if your style is more band tees and jeans, and you just don’t dive deep into fashion aesthetics. “Pair your chucks with denim — all styles work with a classic high top,” says Soglimbene. “Finish your look off with a simple tee and an overshirt. For those going back into the office, pair with a black blazer, white tee and loose fit trousers for an effortless fashion look.”
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