Sneaker culture has burst into the mainstream in recent years, in case you hadn’t noticed.
The reason for this, I believe, is because sneakers are so much more than just shoes. They’re one of the few pieces of apparel that can reveal so much about us just by putting them on.
There are currently a plethora of sneakers to pick from, including:
- high tops
- mid tops
- low tops
- chucks
- lace-ups
- slip-ons
- shoes for basketball
- shoes for running
It’s easy to become overwhelmed when the list grows longer.
However, before you go into debt to build your dream sneaker wardrobe, I strongly advise you to start with a few key shoes that will last you a long time.
As a result, we’re here to assist you on your trip. I’ve compiled a list of my top four sneakers that every man should own.
These options will cover you for any casual occasion, from casual Fridays to romantic date nights and everything else in between.
Running/Gym Sneakers
It’s likely that you’ll want to improve your workout program to guarantee that your body is beach ready.
Do you know what will actually help you keep to your grandiose fitness goals this year? Purchasing a pair of high-quality running or workout shoes.
Running shoes are the grandfather of all sneaker styles. They’re essentially the cause for the existence of sneakers.
My first bit of advice is to avoid scrimping on your footwear. Not every pair of running shoes is created equal. I’d recommend visiting a physical sports store.
You can have a professional measure your gate and match you with the ideal shoe for your feet this way.
Otherwise, the only running you’ll be doing is amassing a hefty medical bill.
You can’t really go wrong with a white or black and white combination in terms of color. When worn with neutral-colored things like jeans or joggers, though, you can be a little more daring with your color choices.
Personally, I prefer Nike Freeze, but there are so many other brands to discover.
Though athletic shoes can be both utilitarian and fashionable, I wouldn’t wear them every day because they are unlikely to match many of the items in your closet.
You don’t want to be the guy who shows up on a date in a pair of sweaty ASICS or, even worse, those single-toed running shoes.
White Low-Top
This gets me to the second item on my list, which you may have guessed.
It’s the sneaker that every man ought to have at least one pair of.
The all-white low-top sneaker is an old acquaintance and fashion buddy of mine.
White sneakers are my favorite. A pair of cool and clean white leather low tops or a shoe that doesn’t conceal the ankle is so adaptable, and it can take almost any casual ensemble to the next level.
In terms of fabric. I prefer leather to canvas because it is easy to clean and less likely to discolor. However, the choice is entirely yours.
You simply can’t go wrong with a white, simple low top that doesn’t have any large decorative flourishes.
If you’re seeking to spend a little more, the Nike Air Force 1, Adidas Stan Smith, and Common Projects Original Achilles are also popular choices. Converse Chuck Taylors, on the other hand, are a good option if you’re on a budget. It goes with so many different outfits.
Make sure they’re kept clean. When it comes to your sneakers, cleanliness is next to godliness, and this is especially true for white sneakers.
Dirty shoes are a huge turnoff for women, so be sure to clean them on a regular basis with a sneaker cleaning kit or a moist cloth.
It’s certainly worth the time, and a little work goes a long way.
All-Rounder
Perhaps you already own a white leather low-top, or perhaps you don’t. I’m not here to pass judgment on anyone.
You’ve decided they’re not for you, but you still need a go-to sneaker for everyday wear. As a result, the next item on my list must be a stylish and durable all-around sneaker.
This is a neutral-colored sneaker that you may wear on a daily basis and that matches 70 to 80 percent of the other pieces in your wardrobe.
Another simple low top, ideally in a neutral color like navy, would be excellent for this. However, you can play around with different color combinations within reason.
Low tops go well with shorts, jeans, and chinos, and you can wear them with ordinary or no-show socks to show off your ankles.
You can always go for a low-top Converse or a Skate sneaker like the Old School van series, which have grown extremely popular in recent years due to their price and versatility.
I also have a thing for the New Balance 990 series, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and is quite pleasant to wear. Before you mention anything, this isn’t only for fathers. I swear to God.
If low-top sneakers aren’t your thing, I propose delving into the fascinating world of high-top sneakers.
These can be just as adaptable as low tops for your day-to-day attire if you choose the proper shape and color.
Cropped, tapered, and cuffed pants, such as jeans and chinos, look especially well with them.
The legendary Converse Chuck Taylor is unquestionably the godfather of high tops.
If you want something with a little more comfort, some popular options are the Air Jordan 1, Vans Sk8-Hi, and Clark’s Trigenic.
For its clean aesthetic and classic charm, I also like the Nike Blazer Mid 77 Vintage.
Whatever you choose for your all-arounder sneaker, be sure it’s built of high-quality materials and fits comfortably.
You don’t want to spend money on shoes that you have to fit into or that make you seem like a clown.
Statement Sneaker
So you’ve covered all the essentials.
In your gym shoes, you’re ready to run laps, errands in your all-arounders, and give the other men a run for their money in your gleaming white sneakers.
But what if it’s a special event or one of those instances when you really want to stand out from the crowd and yell “look at me!” without drawing attention to yourself?
Allow me to introduce you to the last thing on my list of must-have sneakers for men: statement sneakers.
With so many alternatives available, expressing ourselves via clothing has never been easier.
The statement sneaker is an excellent example of an item that reflects your unique sense of style. It essentially makes a statement.
But what sort of statement is this?
A statement that indicates I care about my appearance and am confident in my choices.
It shouldn’t be the same sneaker as everyone else. It should be one-of-a-kind to you, and it doesn’t have to be ostentatious or extravagant.
Finally, it’s a chance to experiment with color waves, design motifs, and patterns that reflect your personality.
This is your time to make an impression on the rest of the world.
You want your statement sneaker to be the focal point of your ensemble when you wear it. After your smile and eyes, this is the thing that everyone notices.
With this in mind, you should definitely go for a more conservative approach when putting together the rest of your ensemble. Choosing things with a more neutral tone and less eye-catching designs.
You don’t want to choose pieces that clash and draw attention away from your attention-getting footwear.
Colors like black and gray are your buddies when it comes to the rest of your outfit. You can also go for a monochrome look if you wish to.
This is your opportunity to make a statement.
