The 15 Best Sneakers on the Market Right Now for an Instant Style Boost

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, SPY.com may receive an affiliate commission.

What’s so good about sneakers? Well, for starters, the best sneakers don’t conform to the changing of the seasons, unlike apparel. Depending on their design, the best sneakers can stay in style long after their initial release and remain a classic staple amongst sneakerheads everywhere. Just look at the ever so classic Converse Chuck Taylor. These have been on best sneakers lists for generations, and you probably have a pair in your best sneaker rotation today too.

Regardless of age, great sneakers remain a popular footwear option for men because they have a lot to offer, like comfort, style and versatility. Sneakers are more than just casual shoes but an essential staple in many men’s wardrobes. They allow men to express their individual styles and personalities. The best sneakers can even elevate an outfit to the next level. Men also use sneakers to carry out their mundane activities like exercising, running errands, or heading into the office. 

Every day we witness some of the best sneakers released by brands including Adidas, Nike and New Balance. The best sneaker releases include hype sneakers (Jordans and Yeezys), classic style sneakers, comfortable sneakers, and new throwback sneakers with Y2K aesthetics. While we all may not gravitate towards the same sneakers, we all can agree on how good they make us feel and look overall. 

With so many shoes on the market to choose from, it can be difficult finding new kicks that fit your style. That’s why we decided to sift through and bring you a curated list of shoes with different styles, prices and brands. From the coolest sneakers of the year to long-time favorites, here are our picks for the best sneakers for men you can buy now.

1. Nike Air Force 1

BEST OVERALL

Take a look at any SPY sneaker round-up — from Most Comfortable Sneakers to Best White Sneakers — and you’ll find the Air Force 1 is our top pick. Nike Air Force 1’s is a classic sneaker that has been around for years with no plans of going out of style anytime soon. The Air Force 1 style can work with just about everything and still looks excellent and unique enough not to be mistaken for another pair of Stan Smiths. 

2. Adidas Stan Smith

RUNNER UP

No, we didn’t just hate on the Adidas Stan Smith. This shoe has been a winning style for decades for a reason. It is a solid shoe that makes suits look sharper and jeans more modern. What makes this particular pair even more remarkable is the material. Adidas swapped the outdated leather upper for Primegreen, a proprietary blend of high-performance recycled materials. In fact, 50% of the upper is recycled content, with no virgin polyester. The iconic style doesn’t just look good; it does good too.

3. Vans Old Skool

MOST CLASSIC

For years, Vans has been known as the best sneakers for skaters. But they’re just as comfy and stylish for everyday wear too. The Old Skool sneaker is one style by the brand that has remained a timeless staple in many wardrobes. They come in various colors and can upgrade any ordinary outfit — or go completely unnoticed. That’s what makes these such a staple. It’s entirely up to you.

Buy: Vans Old Skool $65.00

4. Rick Owens Drkshdw Converse

BEST OLD SCHOOL UPDATE

Anything made by avant-garde designer Rick Owens is a win in our book. This shoe is Owens’ dark take on the classic high-top Converse. The iconic canvas sneaker features a new design with an extended logo-patch tongue, a platform midsole and black rubber logos on the back sole. Still classic enough to be Converse, but modern enough to make a statement. 

Buy: Rick Owens Drkshdw Converse $170.00

5. Cariuma IBI Slip-On

BEST SLIP-ON SNEAKER

Sometimes it can be a significant inconvenience having to tie up your sneakers, especially if you’re in a rush or have mobility or dexterity impairments. Luckily, a pair of slip-on kicks can come in handy for those exact situations. And the ones of choice we think you should go to are the Cariuma IBI. This canvas shoe is big on comfort and harvested from sustainable materials. It features a vegan memory foam insole constructed of cork and organic mamona oil. The shoe runs true to size and comes in 13 colorways.

Buy: Cariuma IBI Slip-On $98.00

6. Armando Cabral Broome Classic Low-Top Trainer

MOST VERSATILE

In need of a new pair of sneakers to complement your preppy, dressy wardrobe? We suggest you look into the Broome Classic Trainers from Armando Cabral. These low-top sneakers have an Italian calf leather upper with a rubber sole. The classic design of this shoe makes for a timeless staple that many men will love, and the rich vegetable-tanned leather will look better with each wear.

Buy: Broome Classic Low-top Trainer $495.00

7. Yeezy 450

BEST DESIGN

Yeah, we said it. One pair of Yeezys that will be seen on just about everyone’s feet this year are the 450s. The shoe has a sock-like fit, thanks to its prime-knit upper. Its sole has a teeth-like design aesthetic that practically engulfs the shoe, giving it an edgy appearance that no other shoe on the list has. Unfortunately, the sneaker doesn’t have boost technology, but it is lightweight and very comfortable to wear.

Buy: Yeezy 450 Price varies by size

8. Rothys RSO1 Sneaker in Hunter

BEST MINIMALIST STYLE

Rothys uses 3-D printing to turn plastic bottles into sleekly designed shoes and sneakers. The company has re-used millions of bottles and 100 tonnes of ocean-bound marine plastic into stylish shoes, bags and accessories since its founding in 2015. The brand’s soon-to-be iconic RS01 sneaker includes great comfort details such as a terry lining, contoured footbed, and a padded collar, not to mention they are ready-to-wear right out of the box. (Seriously, all of us at SPY have tried them, and we can’t get enough.) Best of all, when they get dirty, toss them in the washing machine.

Buy: Roths RSO1 Sneaker in Hunter $175.00

9. New Balance B550

BEST THROWBACK STYLE

The New Balance BB550 is a classic shoe that originated back in 1989 but has made an epic return into the sneaker culture, thanks to its revival in 2020. The low-top shoe has a clean and simple silhouette with a leather and mesh upper. Pair your favorite colorway up with some cargo pants and a hoodie for the perfect outfit.

Buy: New Balance B550 Price varies by size

10. Veja SDU Rec Alveomesh

BEST VEGAN OPTION

As we head into a more sustainable state of fashion, brands like Veja show us that footwear can still be stylish while using recycled and repurposed materials. And the Veja Alveomesh sneaker is no exception. Its upper material is 100% recycled polyester, making for a lightweight and breathable shoe. The beige sneaker has a somewhat chunky silhouette with a minimal design aesthetic. It is the best sneaker for practically any occasion, whether you use it for gym purposes or just a go-to staple for errands.

Buy: Veja SDU Rec Alveomesh $125.00

11. Nike Dunk Low Siempre Familia

BEST DUNK

One of the most sought sneakers set to release recently is the Nike Dunk Low Siempre Familia. The shoe’s design honors Mexican culture as Mictlān inspires it. It will be retailing for $120 a pair, but like most hype sneakers, they’re going to sell out within seconds. Luckily, you can avoid this by heading over to Goat right now and copping them before they even release, at a raised price, of course.

Buy: Nike Dunk Low Siempre Familia Price varies by size

12. Vionic Lucas Lace-Up Sneaker

BEST SIMPLE STYLE

Every man needs at least one pair of all-white sneakers, and if you don’t have some already, consider getting Vionic’s Lucas sneakers. The leather shoe offers both style and comfort as its equipped with podiatrist-designed technology that provides substantial support to your feet to relieve any aches or pains. You’ll love these shoes for their versatility as they pair well with anything from sweatpants to jeans to khakis to suits.

Buy: Vionic Lucas Lace Up Sneaker $129.95

13. Adidas for Prada Re-Nylon Forum high-top Sneakers

BEST COLLAB

Like most sneakerheads, we love a good collaboration, especially when two iconic brands like Prada and Adidas come together to create something unique. And without a doubt, these high-top sneakers are something we haven’t seen before. The shoes pay homage to both brands by infusing their design aesthetics equally throughout the sneaker.

Buy: Adidas for Prada Re-Nylon Forum high-top sneakers $1,120.00

14. Reebok Club C 85 Men’s Shoes

BEST DAD SNEAKER

Reebok’s Club C 85 is a classic dad sneaker, and they are updated for a new season. These tennis-inspired sneakers are done in white leather with navy trim and have dad-approved details, including a cushioned sock liner and a cushy, comfortable EVA midsole.

15. Gola Badminton

ALSO CONSIDER

The Gola Badminton is one of the best sneakers to have for all of your daily needs. It’s lightweight and comfortable, making them the perfect shoes for running errands or a casual day in the office.