The 5 Sneaker Styles Every Man Should Have In His Rotation
You obviously don't need us to tell you that a good pair of sneakers can elevate any outfit from the ankles up. But with so many options out there, the perfect kicks are not so easy to come by. While we can leave our trust in your good judgment on what to cop or drop on the hype releases front, the latest coveted Nike or Supreme releases don't necessarily form the building blocks of a covers-all-bases sneaker rotation.
So, to help you upgrade your collection to one that has something for every occasion, we've outlined the five sneaker styles that you should always have in your arsenal. In our selection below you'll find everything from resilient beater sneakers to the footwear that'll add a little flex appeal to your ’fit, highlighting the grails of each trend and letting you in on some shopping inspiration to form a collection that's the envy of any dedicated sneakerhead.
Read on to discover every essential.
For Classic Steez
These are the kinds of shoes that go well with everything, whether you're going to work or just kicking it. A black or neutral pair from a timeless brand is sure to be a great touch to any fall ’fit you're rocking right now, while also easily transitioning into next season's wardrobe.
Take the Air Force 1. The brainchild of Nike designer Bruce Kilgore, the Air Force 1 first hit the scene (or better yet, the basketball court) in 1982. Nike actually discontinued it in 1984, but demand was so high that the sportswear brand was basically forced to bring the silhouette back. Featuring a leather upper, chunky sole and Nike Air cushioning, the AF1 is a staple for any rotation and the best indicator of the classic style we're talking about.
Its worthy competitors come from styles such as the adidas Samba and PUMA Suede Classic XXI, which each boast versatile designs primed for seamless pairing with any look.
For Staying Comfortable
Steez isn't everything, and for someone who spends a lot of time in sneakers, comfort should always also be a priority. Despite what you may have been led to believe, this doesn't simply mean a rotation full of Boost sole units. In fact, some might even say the Boost is too soft to be considered completely comfy.
That's where a comfy shoe such as Asics' UB6-S comes into its own. These colorful sneakers are not only ice-breaking, but extremely comfortable too.
If that's too extra for you, however, you'll find comfort in MM6 Salomons or adidas Y-3 Takumi Sen kicks instead.
For Beating Up
For the uninitiated, beaters are a cheap, durable, "IDGAF" pair of sneakers that you'll never have to worry about scuffing. These sneakers will survive all kinds of wear-and-tear, so you'll love them as much after 100 wears as you did when they were fresh out the box.
And when it comes to durable sneakers, the below come out on top. They're not only comfortable enough for everyday wear, but they'll also last you forever thanks to their enduring materials. Pair that with the fact that they're each an uncomplicated eye-catcher, and these shoes become a must for anyone looking for affordable, low-maintenance rotation addition that look their best when worn in a bit.
For Flexing
So we have comfort, classics, and resistant shoes covered — now for the flex. A pair of Nike x OFF-WHITE sneakers are one thing, but you'll turn more heads with something you don't see every day. There's no doubting the neck breaking ability of a pair of Balenciaga 10xl sneakers.
First introduced to the masses last year, the 10xl are some of the most head-turning sneakers to come from any fashion label, arriving with a bulkier sole than the beloved and feared Triple S.
If the 10xl isn't quite your vibe, though, consider investing in Wales Bonner's bejeweled sneakers, or Boris Bidjan's Salomons.
For Luxury
Last but not least, a pair of luxury sneakers is an essential investment for any covers-all-bases rotation. Sneakers aren't the first thing you associate with fashion houses such as Prada, Louis Vuitton, and Dior, but a selection of their premium offerings come with interesting shapes and constructions not to be sniffed out.
In the world of luxury sneakers, Christian Louboutin has undoubtedly released some of the most iconic shoes out there – sneakers among them, evidently.
On the lower key end of the luxe sneaker spectrum, Bottega Veneta has also reigned supreme as an elevated silhouette of choice with its metallic mesh sneakers, while newer luxury output comes from Acne Studios' footwear, with these summer-ready yellow sneakers.
If you enjoyed the list, then the video below is for you.
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