One of the great things about living in the time we do - in addition to in-flight Wi-Fi, Game of Thrones, and the abundance of Chipotle - is that it's become acceptable to wear sneakers almost everywhere. Don't get me wrong, there are still plenty of occasions in which sneakers are wholly inappropriate. Say, for instance, a funeral, or a court appearance, or accepting a Congressional Medal of Honor. For those times, and some others (about which you should use your best judgment), it's best not to break the rules and advisable to fall in line with traditional men's shoes. Sometimes conforming to the tried and true guidelines of fashion is worth it to avoid ruffling the feathers of people who aren't quite as up to speed on current style standards. But aside from that, it's open season on footwear, now more than ever before. And men have never been more comfortable.
But be warned that not any old sneaker will do. As great as it is to have a pair of kicks so worn in that they're the only thing you want to slip on before leaving the house, there are more limits than just comfort. Not every shoe goes with every outfit for every occasion. The typical rule of thumb is that the more understated and streamlined a sneaker is, the more options you have for wearing it out and about almost anywhere. And a sneaker that's in good shape is much more forgiving than a beat up pair, no matter how much you love them.
Logically, the most versatile sneaker is a clean, white sneaker without too many bells, whistles and embellishments. It's hard to find an outfit that you can't pair them with. Anything from a suit to sweatpants and everything in between can be modernized and updated for maximum comfort with a simple white sneaker. We've rounded up some of the most timeless options in the market today, at various price points and levels of ubiquity. From all-time favorites like Adidas and Vans, to lesser known labels like Eytys and Want Les Essentials de la Vie, these sneakers are as in style now as they will be for years.
1. Vans, $64
Slip-ons aren’t just for kids and skate rats. These Vans are super versatile and very comfortable. More »
2. Clae, $130
These sneakers from the LA-based brand take their aesthetic inspiration from running shoes, but are easy to wear anywhere. More »
3. Eytys, $250
These minimalist sneakers from the Swedish brand come in leather and canvas options, with a thick sole for a little added stability. More »
4. Nike for J. Crew, $70
An exclusive 80’s revival for J.Crew from the biggest name in footwear. More »
5. Novesta, $99.95
Clean, all-white hi-tops made from all natural materials. More »
6. Superga, $65
They may not be as ubiquitous as Converse, but Superga sneakers have a cult following of men who swear by them.More »
7. Common Projects, $355
These sneakers are pricey, but they're made with Italian leather and designed to be worn for years. More »
8. Adidas, $80
The classic Superstar is making a comeback, on the heels of the recently re-released Stan Smith. You can’t go wrong with either. More »
9. Jack Purcell, $95
Cotton canvas and completely unfussy, the all-white Jack Purcell sneaker has been a go-to style for generations. More »
10. Want Les Essentiels De La Vie, $350
Sure, these leather and mesh sneakers are a splurge, but the design duo behind the brand became famous for accessories that are made to last with impeccable construction. More »
