Updated date:

Mar 12, 2021

10 Great Sneakers for Men

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GreenMind has written extensively about style, especially shoes. This guide shows how men can stay stylish without going broke.

Cool, Comfortable Summer Sneakers

I love a nice fresh pair of summer sneakers, and this year the options are excellent. I have pulled together some of my favorite pairs here, from straight-ahead low-rise Nikes to fashion-forward Shenbos. Even if you can't wear sneakers to work, you'll find that these pair up nicely with jeans or chinos for a night out, and of course stylish sneakers are always perfect for days off, beach trips, and house lounging. You don't need to spend a week's paycheck to pick up some sharp, comfortable sneakers, and here are ten of the best, rated for comfort, style, and affordability. Enjoy!

1. Polo Ralph Lauren Men's Faxon Low Sneaker

There's never any doubt about style when you're wearing Ralph Lauren, so you can wear these cool sneakers with confidence. The classic polo player logo looks good on a sneaker, and the comfort and features are top-notch. These look quite a bit like the Nikes featured below, so you can have the same look in your preferred brand. An excellent, no-risk choice for your new summer sneaks.

Features:

Cotton and suede materials
Synthetic sole for durability
Lace-up with metal eyelets
Stripe at midsole and embroidered logo at quarterpanel

Although a couple of reviews complained about durability, the vast majority are positive, citing comfort and the style, which works beautifully with a whole range of looks.

2. NIKE Men's SB Clutch Skateboarding Shoes

I really like going out in these sharp Nubuck sneakers from Nike. Pearl grey goes with just about anything I feel like wearing, from jeans to board shorts, and the price is right. I wear Nikes when my heels start hurting from too much running, and these are exactly what I'm looking for -- good-looking, casual, and 100% comfortable.

Features:

Canvas construction
Rubber sole
Suede, leather and Nubuck for durability and style
EVA liner for lightweight cushioning
Rubber outsole for traction

These shoes get great reviews, with customers focusing on the versatile style and excellent comfort. These sneakers are easy to wash and will last forever. For heel comfort especially, Nike is a solid and affordable choice.

You want to fall in love with a shoe, go ahead. A shoe can't love you back, but, on the other hand, a shoe can't hurt you too deeply either. And there are so many nice-looking shoes.

— Allan Sherman

3. SHENBO Men's Blue Denim Stripe Men Sneakers

I have to admit that I'm not likely to wear these myself, but I have seen similar pairs on the street and they look really cool. This is a slim, fashion-forward sneak that won't work for everyone (including me!), but if you think you can pull them off and you like the design, go for it. SHENBO has been making sharp, stylish shoes since the 1980's, so they're definitely doing something right.

Features:

Microfiber, denim, and other materials
Imported
Size apparently runs small, so choose the size one up from your usual (if you're a 9, select a 10, and so on).
Wear-resistant rubber sole
6 pairs of eyelets
Striped suture sides
Slender silhouette

People who buy this shoe are generally very happy with the quality and construction, however the slim fit can be trouble for those of us with wider feet.

4. SHENBO Brown Retro Spectator Men's Fashion Sneakers

This is another pair of SHENBOs that show just how versatile this label is. I don't think there's another pair of sneakers out there that has quite this look, and I really like it. It's not leather, but it has that look (I'm not partial to leather sneakers -- they're much too warm for hot summer days, they're heavy, and they're nearly impossible to take care of, given the weather and harsh treatment that summertime sneakers inevitably receive).

Features:

Manmade materials
Imported
Synthetic sole
As with other SHENBO sneaks, you'd be wise to order a size up from what you usually wear.
Breathable, soft cotton lining.
Flexible non-marking outsole.
Match with jeans or any casual outfit

People who wear this shoe almost always remark on the sharp style and the way they pair perfectly with nearly anything you decide to wear.

I think I have something tonight that's not quite correct for evening wear. Blue suede shoes.

— Elvis Presley

5. Alpine Swiss Men's Stefan Suede Trim Retro Fashion Sneakers

I love these sneakers because they remind me of the classic suede Puma sneakers I wore in high school. These came in red and blue, and I always rocked a pair of the blues. These have the suede upper, and they do have that vibe. Alpine Swiss makes some great shoes, very affordable, and very cool. These are not exactly retro in my book, but still a sweet pair of summertime kicks to make you stand out from the crowd a bit.

Features:

Nylon & Suede Upper
Rubber Sole
Lace-Up, Low-Rise
1/2" Toe, 3/4" Heel
Padded For Comfort

People who wear these sneakers comment on the comfort provided by the Inner padding. There are also plenty of color options—unlike my trusty red-or-blue Puma sneaks of old.

6. Alpine Swiss Suede Trim Retro Striped Sneakers

Another nice pair of Alpine Swiss sneakers. These have the label right there on the stripe, for those of you who like everyone to know who they're wearing. I like the simple, classic one-stripe design and the high marks for comfort. Alpine Swiss is an up-and-coming label that makes bags, robes and shirts in addition to shoes, and their products have appealingly clean lines and an un-fussy approach to style. I think Alpine Swiss will continue to gain traction thanks to their nearly universal appeal.

Features:

Nylon and Suede Upper
Rubber Sole
Lace-Up Low-Top
Suede & Faux Leather Trim
Padded For Comfort

Reviewers have noted that these shoes run a little small, so choosing the next size up is likely a good idea.

I have to quote this charming review, which nicely captures the feeling of finding the right pair of sneakers for you:

"Listen, I remember a time when I had to go to a store and look at a wall of shoes in confusion while my dad hurried me to pick a pair. THOSE! My heart began to flutter as I imagined all the compliments I would get at school the next day. Everyone will run around me as recess starts and carry me to the top of the jungle gym chanting my name.

'Sorry we don't have this one in your size."

I look at my dad about to cry, but he doesn't get it..."

I could design an $800 shoe line; it's easy. You use the best materials and you can make beautiful shoes. It's easier than making great shoes for $90.

— Steve Madden

7. PUMA Men's Suede Classic + Fashion Sneaker

Man I used to love my Pumas. I wore those blue suede numbers all summer, and I even liked the way the dye from a fresh pair turned my feet blue. They were comfortable, durable, and cool, and I remember feeling cool wearing them when my garage rock band played at parties.

So these Pumas get my 100% thumbs up. The colors are new but the look is just about the same as I remember. Really a classic sneaker and a cool brand.

Features

Leather (of course)
Imported
Rubber sole
Casual sneaker in soft suede featuring "Formstrip" logo
Logo patch at tongue

Puma is a German sports brand that came up with the iconic design in the late 70's. By the early 80's they were on almost everyone's feet.

Reviewers have pointed out that these shoes run a little big, and that some colors come with purple, not white laces.

8. ID Men's Leather Sneakers

This Indian brand is very interesting—their shoes are a little funky and clunky, but in a cool way, at least to me. the brand works very hard to be cool, labeling itself a "cult," and insisting that it's shoes are not meant to be worn by everyone. In truth, I;m sure they'd be tickled pink if everyone wore their products. They're the kind of company that ca say this in their promo materials:

"iD is a state of mind, an emotion, a way of life that translates its uniqueness into all aspects of an individual's identity."

Anyway, I kind of like this label in spite of itself. It's so dorky it's cool, which to me simply means it's cool. These sneakers have a funky little logo back by the heel, and the proportions are just wrong enough to be absolutely right. I love ID, but I would understand if not everyone else has quite caught up to me yet...

These sneakers are leather, but they're not at all expensive. Cool product.

9. Keds Men's Champion Original Canvas Slip-On Sneaker

I love my Keds, and I just had to put them on this list. By now it should be obvious that I gravitate towards gray sneakers with white trim and detail, and this sweet pair of Keds sneakers is no exception. Of course I wore these all the time when I was a kid—everyone did—but outgrew them fast when cooler, less childish brands like Puma came along. Still, the name "Keds" has a big emotional/nostalgic draw for me, and I bought this pair expecting to be more thrilled to open them and hold them than to wear them.

So i was surprised when I found that they're really comfortable. My feet are a bit older now and have seen their fair share of abuse, but they don't mind these Keds sneakers one bit. It's nice to find a childhood memory that still has a role in the adult world...

Features:

Canvas construction (of course)
Importaded
Rubber sole
Classic slip-on shoe
Gored insets at entry
Shock-resistant footbed
Classic blue Keds® heel patch logo

This is a slip-on, which I typically don't wear because they look too much like slippers. But not these guys. They look like KEDS.

Customer reviews are positive but be forewarned—like many sneakers, they tend to run a bit small. Best to order the next size up if you have any doubt.

10 Native Unisex Apollo Moc Fashion Sneaker

While I'm not a huge fan of slip-ons, I do like the simple, sleek look of these Native sneakers. This company's main hook is that they're "Beast-Free," which is another way of saying they don't use animal products. They have stuck to this policy since their inception in 2009, so it doesn't seem at all cynical or forced. For those of us keeping score, Native has also been certified by PETA as "as approved vegan brand."

Features:

Beast Free
Perforated One Piece Microfiber Upper
Lycra Lining
Rubber Toe and Heel Inserts
EVA Outsole
Superfoam Perforated Insole

Reviewers really like these shoes, although more than one caution against throwing them in the washing machine—they may be 100% vegan, but they're not quite ready to be spin-dried.