It’s impossible to deny that sneakers are the most popular shoes of the moment. No longer restricted to the gyms and tennis courts from which they came from, people now wear these “sports” shoes for every and any occasion. Whether hitting the streets, heading to an event or even going to work, sneakers are the favorite footwear choice thanks to their unique breed of fashion and function. While this means that shoppers are buying boatloads of sneakers, it also means that brands are swarming the market to sell you their products. So, to help you sort out which shoes are worthy of being worn on your feet, we’ve rounded up the best sneaker brands for men that you should know.
RELATED: 15 Most Comfortable Sneakers for Men
1. Nike
Naturally, no list of top sneaker brands would be complete without Nike. The brand’s signature “swoosh” is recognizable anywhere in the world and its shoes are insanely popular. Whether you’re looking for the best sneakers for your athletic endeavors or simply want a stylish pair for streetwear, Nike will always have what you need.
2. Puma
Puma is one of the world’s leading sports brands, and its innovative offerings can now be found in over 120 countries. Boasting fast products designed for the fastest athletes, the label and its stylish sneakers are sure to help you perform at your best while looking your best. If you prefer your shoes with a little more street style attitude, don’t forget to check out Puma’s Fenty range, which is created by Rihanna.
3. Reebok
Designing with the purpose to inspire people to be their absolute best, Reebok creates sneakers that remain faithful to the shoe’s sports heritage. While the brand’s athletic designs are perfect for hitting the gym, they’re also ideal for hitting the streets with a stylish, sports luxe look.
4. Adidas
In the current sneaker wars, Adidas is winning the battle. As well as consistently producing its own stylish shoes, the brand continuously teams up with the coolest partners to create killer collaborations. Pharrell and Rita Ora are just two of many big names and brands that Adidas has worked with lately.
5. Converse
The words ‘Converse’ and ‘sneakers’ go hand in hand. The legendary brand has been taking its iconic basketball shoes from the court to the street since the early 1900’s. With signature styles, such as the Chuck Taylor All-Star and CONS, this superior sneaker label is truly one of a kind.
6. Y-3
Created by influential Japanese designer, Yohji Yamamoto in conjunction with Adidas, Y-3 is a killer collaboration with plenty of stylish sneakers on offer. The name of the brand features a ‘Y’, which stands for Yohji Yamamoto, a ‘3’, which represents Adidas’ three signature stripes, and a hyphen, which symbolizes the bond between the two.
7. Alexander McQueen
Alexander McQueen’s unique and edgy signature aesthetics translate surprisingly well into sneakers. From chunky, oversized styles and straps to studs and even some sea creature embroidery, this collection of shoes is as awesome and individualistic as you would expect.
8. Balenciaga
Luxury brand sneakers have become more popular than ever before with men and women everywhere ditching dress shoes to indulge in some chic comfort. Balenciaga is one such luxury label that has injected its own high-fashion aesthetics into the simple sports shoe with great success.
9. Common Projects
Simultaneously calming yet exciting, Common Projects’ minimalistic sneakers champion modern design. Featuring clean lines, contemporary colors, and signature gilded numbers, it’s no wonder why these shoes and the brand behind them have a cult following.
10. Fendi
Italian luxury label, Fendi offers stylish sneakers with a difference. The brand, which is renowned for its high-fashion accessories and shoes as well as its clothes, creates designs that are boldly artistic. Shearling trim, cartoon eyes, hits of color, and embellishments are just a few of the weird and wonderful features you can expect when shopping for sneakers with Fendi.
11. Raf Simons
Created in conjunction with Adidas, Raf Simons sneakers offer a fresh take on nostalgic designs. Chunky leather trainers, Velcro straps, and low canvas sneakers are all featured in this exciting, old-school collection.
12. Prada
Both gents and ladies will find sneakers they love on offer from Prada. The brand’s iconic chic and quirky aesthetics are translated perfectly into its footwear range, which currently includes unusual cut-outs, metallic designs, and unique prints.
13. Paul Smith
Every pair of Paul Smith sneakers will keep you guessing thanks to the brand’s whimsical design style. While there are, of course, classic sneakers that can be worn daily, the brand also provides unexpectedly bold and colorful designs that are perfect for when you require a flash of fashion on your feet.
14. Saint Laurent
Saint Laurent’s sneakers run the gamut from dramatic and edgy to minimalistic and chic. From bold, red leather high-tops to simple, signature court classics, this French fashion brand has a sneaker for everyone. The label also offers cool and cute patchwork designs in both men’s and women’s styles.
15. Valentino
Valentino’s well-loved studded designs have become a part of the brand’s sneaker range as well. These signature shoes, which are available for both men and women, are ideal for creating an edgy yet sophisticated aesthetic. If you’re not into studs, you can also try one of the brand’s new camouflage, star, butterfly or elastic band designs.
16. Lanvin
Lanvin’s luxurious sneakers offer an option for every personality. While minimalists will appreciate simple, suede styles in contemporary colors, maximalists will love bold designs in dazzling metallic leather.
17. New Balance
New Balance may be more than 100 years of age, but the brand is far from “old”. When it comes to sneakers and sports shoes, this innovative label is at the forefront of modern design. Blending the performance technology you need with the style you want, New Balance offers fashionable footwear that doesn’t compromise on function.
18. Lacoste
Lacoste, and its chic, sports-influenced style, is so much more than just its iconic polo shirts. The French label, which was founded in 1933 by tennis player René Lacoste and André Gillier, also offers a fantastic range of simple yet stylish sneakers, complete with the brand’s signature crocodile logo.
19. Filling Pieces
If you haven’t heard of Filling Pieces before, now’s the time to learn the name. The Amsterdam-based footwear label was created in 2009 and has since grown into a cult favorite brand. Thanks to its high-quality and affordable designs that bridge the gap between streetwear and high-end fashion, it’ll soon be your favorite too.
20. Vans
Whether you’re into skating, surfing, or simply roaming the streets in style, you’ll be able to appreciate Vans sneakers and their signature aesthetics. Simple, cool, and unconditionally comfortable, Vans shoes are a classic for a reason. The brand has been producing fashionable and practical footwear since the ’60s and won’t be stopping anytime soon.
FAQs
Which sneaker brand is the best?
Some of the best sneaker brands include Y-3, Alexander McQueen, and Balenciaga. If you’re looking for a sportier aesthetic, then Nike, Raf Simons, and Puma are the best brands.
What is the most expensive sneaker?
The most expensive sneakers generally come courtesy of the resale market. They’ll be rare, limited-edition, vintage, or even game-worn by celebrities, which is why they attract such high prices as collector's items. Some of the most expensive sneakers include Michael Jordan’s game-worn Air Jordan 1s, which sold for $560,000, Nike Dunk SB Low “Paris,” which sell for $51,950, and the 2016 Nike Mags, inspired by 1989’s Back to the Future Part II, which sell for nearly $40,000.
What is the most popular sneaker?
The most popular sneaker styles include Nike Air Force 1 Low, Nike Air Max 270, Adidas NMD, Converse Chuck Taylor Lows, and Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 V2.
Taylah Brewer holds a bachelor's degree in fashion and business and is a skilled writer with several years of experience in the world of online content creation and copywriting. She is passionate about fashion, beauty, and all things lifestyle-related and has been writing for The Trend Spotter since 2016. She currently works as the Head of Digital & Ecommerce at White & Co.
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