The 5 Best Fashion Sneakers for Men

Every man needs at least one pair of quality sneakers, and we're not talking about those muddy track shoes sitting in the back of your closet. Sneakers don't have to appear athletic in order to be comfortable and flexible. That's why fashion sneakers have boomed in popularity lately. Combining the best of both worlds, these comfortable shoes can be worn to the basketball court or the office. With so many options out there, we decided to whittle down the list to the best of the best. Here, you'll find our top five favorites, from the inexpensive to the premium pick.

Cole Haan Men’s Grand Crosscourt li Sneaker

A pair of Cole Haan for every maan

This pair of leather sneakers from Cole Haan has a timeless fashion-sense that compliments any outfit, including business casual.

Best Overall

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What’s about as dapper as it gets yet still falls into the category of active wear? Why, the Cole Haan Grand Crosscourt Sneaker, of course. With a 100% leather top and an all-rubber sole, this shoe does everything a fashion sneaker should do. For one, the molded outsole is injected with bouncy rubber pods that provide remarkable cushioning for your foot. Even better, the inner lining is made out of a breathable textile that’s so soft, it makes going sock-less a tempting move. We also love the durability and high-quality of craftsmanship. Thus, although it’s a bit pricey, it’s a worthwhile investment, since this stylin’ pick will last a long time.

Pros

Breathable
Comfortable
High-quality stitching

Cons

Relatively expensive
Some sizes not available

Sperry Men’s Striper II Salt Washed CVO Sneaker

Sweet kicks for cheap

This shoe from Sperries looks awesome, feels awesome, and is a relatively cheap option in the world of fashionable footwear.

Best on a Budget

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There are certainly cheaper shoes on the market, but those looking for the most bang-for-their buck should consider this option from Sperry Men’s. Most sizes will set you back less than forty bucks, so it’s the ideal choice for those on a budget. We’re normally skeptical about shoes in this price range, but Sperry proves that cheap doesn’t always mean low-quality. The canvas material is a hardy fabric that softens up over time and the strong bonding between the sole and upper textiles means it can survive all kinds of weather. Best of all, it’s a super lightweight and flexible shoe that slips on easily, so it’s truly a sneaker worth having.

Pros

White rubber outsoles are non-marking
Classy leather laces
Clean, summer look

Cons

Price varies considerably with size and style

Timberland Men’s Groveton LTT Chukka Leather & Fabric Sneaker

Timberland for adventurous men

Everyone knows that Timberlands are super stylin', but most have forgotten just how durable, weather-proof, and hardy these shoes can be.

Best for Adventures

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When Timberland first began manufacturing shoes, they were synonymous with high-quality outdoor boots. Recently, Timberland became huge in fashion. Now, we want to bring back their reputation as a durable piece of footwear that can handle all sorts of outdoor weather conditions and uses. That’s why we crown Timberland Men’s Groveton LTT fashion sneakers as the king of adventure shoes. Sure, your kicks look cool at the party, but what if the party moves outside? These sneakers are ideal for everyday wear, so you can use them on the farm or at the club without feeling out of place.

Pros

Cushioned footbed
Sturdy and weatherproof
“Gripstick” rubber sole for high traction

Cons

Stiff at first but they break in after a couple days

Polar Fix Nebs Cikbert NOX506059 Wingtip Memory Foam Mid-Top Sneaker Knitted Perforated Casual Chukka Boots

Give your feet a break with these super comfortable and affordable fashion sneakers from Polar Fox. Although they are in the style of chukka boots, they're actually lightweight and flexible.

Best Comfort

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You sleep on memory foam, so why not walk on memory foam? These knitted sneakers from Polar Fox are super comfortable, and hand-crafted out of high-quality, vegan materials. That’s why we were shocked to discover the price was so low. Most size and color combos will cost less than forty bucks, so they’re not only the most comfortable fashion sneakers that we’ve come across, they’re also some of the cheapest. Although they are mid-top sneakers, they still hold up well when it’s time to get active. The perforated, knitted top and sides give the shoe a great breathability, while the double stitching extends the overall lifespan. Thus, they’ll not only save your feet from soreness, they’ll also save you money and last a long time.

Pros

Breathable
Affordable price
Memory foam cushioning

Cons

Not waterproof
Not super warm

Ecco Men’s Soft 7 Sneaker

A premium shoe for a premium price

These shoes from Ecco might cost a pretty penny, but they're worth every cent. If you're looking for a pair of sneaks that will provide the ultimate arch support and look awesome while doing it, here it is.

Best Premium

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Those with a little extra cash to spend should consider this premium pick from Ecco. We could go on and on about how slick, timeless, and suave they look, but what’s even more impressive is the high-quality construction. Made out of 100% leather, these sneakers feature precise double-stitching and a light-yet-durable design. Better yet, the inlay sole is not only extremely comfortable and ergonomic, it has a breathable fibre system that lets your feet breathe. Although we prefer the sleekness of the white style, the Ecco Soft 7 line comes in eight different colors, each more dapper than the last. That’s why we have no problem wearing these to the club or to the courts (we mean tennis or basketball courts, although you could probably pull them off at a courthouse as well).

Pros

Stylish
Durable
Fantastic arch support

Cons

Expensive but long-lasting

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a fashion sneaker and a normal sneaker?

When sneakers first became popular oh-so-many decades ago, they were strictly used for sports. More recently, however, the line between formal wear and athletic wear has been blurred. Fashion sneakers are a perfect example of the ways that fashion and formality have become intertwined. Although they aren’t always the ideal choice for strenuous physical exercise, fashion sneakers are perfect for those that need a comfortable shoe to compliment their busy modern life style. Especially popular among students and commuters, these shoes will look stylin’ and feel great in just about any environment.

What are the best outfits to pair with fashion sneakers?

Obviously fashion is an enigmatic beast, so the only way to tame it is to invent it for yourself. That’s why there are no hard-and-fast rules for how to piece together an outfit, so whatever pairings make you feel confident and comfortable are probably your best bet. That being said, a few words of advice for putting together an outfit with the shoes on our list:

Most fashion sneakers look best when they’re on display. Baggy pants or ill-fitting pants are not going to win you any compliments, especially when the pant legs are obscuring your shoes. We recommend wearing slim-fitting pants with these shoes. In this case, showing a little ankle is better than a bunched-up pant cuff. After all, it’s the 21st century, and a little ankle on display never hurt anyone. Also, black socks are a universal pairing, while white socks can clash with some pairs of shoes. Finally, the biggest no-no is pairing blue shoes with blue jeans that are of a slightly-different shade of blue. For example, navy blue and dark blue do not look good together.