Tag / best sneakers for men

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The GREATS Reign Sneakers are Some of the Best White Sneakers to Buy This Summer

Just when you thought you had your rotation of the best white sneakers for men all sorted out, another option enters the fray to convince you that yes, your search for a pair of the best sneakers for men isn’t quite finished. At least, that’s the case in my experience as we continue to consider all manner of stylish men’s summer footwear here on this Brooklyn style blog.

From boat shoes to suede chukka boots to, yes, the GREATS Reign Sneakers seen above, a guy’s footwear assortment needs just enough variety and versatility all summer long.

Find out more now at GREATS

Of course, this you well know if you keep up with the pages of this site. And if you’ve grown tired of wearing canvas sneakers — at least from time to time — and want a pair of fresh kicks with a dash more refinement (yes, refinement!) and crisp looks, then allow me to introduce you (or reintroduce you) to Brooklyn-based GREATS.

The online upstart is a longtime footwear favorite of mine when it comes to crafting the best sneakers for men at fair prices using ultra-premium materials. GREATS branding on the heel of most pairs of GREATS men’s sneakers finishes them off in eye-catching yet subtle fashion, for good measure.

The brand has made waves over the years for making what you might call designer sneakers, yet at supremely low prices compared to more expensive luxury sneaker brands (lookin’ at you, Common Projects). My GREATS reviews over the years have also found that the brand prizes comfort as much as style, another benefit to adding a sharp pair like the GREATS Reign Sneakers to your style rotation.

They share much in common with the iconic and better-known GREATS Royale and GREATS Royale 2.0 Sneakers, which take a classic court sneaker design and elevate it with materials like a premium Italian leather upper and lining, plus a natural rubber margom outsole for rebound and cushioning.

Find out more and shop sneakers at GREATS

The GREATS Reign Sneakers are handcrafted in Portugal and finished with details like a luxe, soft leather lining — the kind that molds to your foot over time and features anti-microbial properties, to boot. Waxed cotton laces give the stylish white leather sneakers for men an added dash of elegance, at least slightly.

Another pair of GREATS for your consideration: Sleek, lightweight sneakers to wear this summer.

I’ve worn GREATS sneakers for years, and if I were you, I’d take the GREATS Reign Sneakers for a spin with everything from rolled light wash denim and a printed short-sleeve buttondown to olive chinos and a blue chambray shirt on casual Friday.

The GREATS Reign Sneakers are among an indispensable crop of dressed-up or dressed-down white leather sneakers to add to your rotation, and not a moment too soon as we keep rolling through the high heat of summer.

by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: These Frye Leather Sneakers are a Refined Set of Summer Sneakers for All Occasions

Best leather sneakers for men.

It seems that anything goes these days in the menswear world — well, not just anything, but there are more options out there for stylish guys than ever before, and that certainly includes the availability and wearability of the best sneakers for men across the board.

Think of it this way: While dressy occasions were once only the domain of, well, dress shoes and perhaps loafers in the summer months, there are options aplenty for the guy who wants an elevated pair of sneakers he can wear with business casual looks, and Frye (Northeast-based footwear purveyors for well over a century) certainly delivers.

Learn more and shop men’s shoes now at Frye

Yes, that’s correct, my friends: When done the right way, a pair of leather sneakers like the Frye Astor Leather Sneakers can get the job done with chinos and a lightweight blazer as readily as they can pair with linen lounge shorts and a breezy short-sleeve polo. Let’s dive in further, shall we?

Best known for rugged lace-up boots for spring (as well as stylish shoes for fall and winter), the brand’s sneakers are worth a closer look — particularly given the fact that they blend form and dressy appeal with comfort.

The Frye Astor Leather Sneakers use a classic court sneaker design, swapping out canvas for rich tumbled leather in handsome shades like Caramel seen above. The leather itself should patina nicely over time, but these fashionable men’s leather sneakers also come in shades like crisp White — the ultimate pair of leather dress sneakers, if you will, especially when worn with olive chinos and a white Oxford shirt, for example.

With a sturdy contrasting rubber outsole and a leather lining that should mold nicely to your foot over time, the Frye Astor Leather Sneakers blend luxury with an accessible price (try $148 on for size right now, ehh?). Other pairs of the Frye Astor Leather Sneakers, especially sleek Black atop a white outsole, are on sale for as low as $99 as well — not bad at all for sneakers you can (repeat after me!) dress up or dress down.

When your casual canvas sneakers aren’t quite the right move and when you want the comfort of sneakers at the office blended with the casually cool look of the right pair of lace-up kicks, I’d suggest — wholeheartedly — that you give the Frye Astor Leather Sneakers a shot this season.

by Beau H.

The Tuesday Steal: Step Into Your New Favorite Summer Sneakers with the Henry Runner from York Athletics

The right pair of sneakers for men has to be able to check at least a few key boxes — ideally more than that, be it comfort, durability, support, effortless style (something we’ve been talking a lot about here lately on the blog) or a combination of all of the above.

Call it the jackpot if you’re able to check each of those boxes, all the while getting a discount on a pair of stylish men’s sneakers you can start wearing right away, yes? And so it goes with the York Athletics Henry Runners, on sale right now through one of your favorite online retailers for men, Bespoke Post — they’re on sale, they’re in season, they’re endlessly wearable and they’re going to prove perfect for all your summer travel plans ahead.

Find out more now at Bespoke Post
Best lightweight sneakers for men.

The York Athletics Henry Runners are billed by Bespoke Post as a “handsome lightweight cross-trainer,” and they’ve got retro good looks to match — a helpful blend of form and function, so to speak. With its New England roots and its blend of old-school heritage and modern technology, York Atheltics is the perfect brand to give your footwear rotation a shot in the arm — all for under $100 right now through Bespoke Post.

York Athletics Mfg. Henry Runners review.

The York Athletics Henry Runners use a soft jersey knit upper set atop a rubber outsole and a springy EVA foam base, while a polyurethane foam lining also delivers support and rebound. Better still is the fact that the supremely comfortable, workout-ready York Athletics Henry Runners turn into more of a lifestyle sneaker, thanks to the vintage runner-style design and the back leather pull tab.

Shop men’s footwear and more at Bespoke Post

The York Athletics Henry Runners seem to be the total package, and they’re certainly wearable with stretch chino shorts and a jersey polo as well as lounge shorts and a pocket tee, or even light wash jeans and a classic short-sleeve henley. The York Athletics Henry Runners bridge the gap between style and performance, a rarity for sneakers under $80 (as they so happen to be right now).

The liner wicks away moisture, EVA exterior technology provides superb rebound and support, and the entire package is fit for summer travel or backyard BBQs. Find your pair now while they’re still in stock at Bespoke Post.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: These Vans Authentic Sneakers are a ’70s-Inspired Summer Must-Have

Best canvas sneakers for men.

It’s always nice, at times, within your rotation of menswear essentials to really dial things back, keeping things subtle, stylish and often classic. That goes for easy-wearing essentials like the pocket tee or the chino short, or even an Oxford cloth buttondown — as we always say here on this Brooklyn style blog, the classics are the classics for a reason. It’s even more helpful you can find a full assortment of those classics at a site like Huckberry, one of the best online shops for men.

Shop essential summer gear at Huckberry

Take a pair of canvas sneakers, particularly pairs of Vans men’s sneakers: The silhouette and design is timeless, the inspiration often harkens back decades, and the good looks are paramount to casually cool, easygoing summer style. That’s a lot of boxes checked in short order, right? When you want to lace up a pair without thinking about it, when you want easygoing style to a T, Vans canvas sneakers tend to come in mighty handy.

And a pair like the Vans Premium Authentic Duck Canvas Sneakers get plenty of the details right in a way that’s both old-school and modern, drawing on the 1970s and classic skate shoes for current-day inspiration. They’re based on Vans Style 44, used by pioneering skateboarders for their traction and grip.

And the Vans Premium Authentic Duck Canvas Sneakers still retain that traction and grip to this day, with a waffle gum pattern that keeps you on your feet and your board. The Vans Premium Authentic Duck Canvas Sneakers also feature a thick and durable yet breathable duck canvas upper, the kind that can take a beating and look even better all summer long.

A leather collar lining ensures a comfortable fit even with no-show socks, while tech-minded details like an improved Sola Foam All-Day-Comfort insole deliver rebound and crucial comfort.

Of course, they wouldn’t be a pair of Vans Premium Authentic Duck Canvas Sneakers without a rubberized heel logo and contrast stitching across the upper. And in matters of style points, yessir, the Vans Premium Authentic Duck Canvas Sneakers deliver laidback good looks, whether paired with chino shorts and a knit polo shirt or a short-sleeve henley and lightweight linen drawstring shorts.

For retro-minded style you can count on — at a highly affordable price, no less — the iconic and newly revamped Vans Premium Authentic Duck Canvas Sneakers fit the bill quite nicely as far as summer style sneaker additions are concenred.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: Huckberry and Danner Just Debuted the Perfect Hiking Sneakers for Spring & Summer

When the time comes to gear up for your next summer adventure — a camping trip, a boating excursion, a cabin weekend where the biggest ‘to-do’ is hauling the cooler down to the river — you need the right gear, no? In fact, one might say the best spring and summer men’s gear should be a cut above the rest: Built not merely to meet a challenge, but to go above and beyond.

That’s certainly true when it comes to the footwear you lace up to hit the trail (or go far afield), and Huckberry x Danner is here just in time to power every excursion on your to-do list this season.

After all, it seems excursions far afield, away from the city and into the country, are often made all the better if you’re packing and wearing the right sturdy boots (or some of the best hiking sneakers) for the terrain on the horizon.

Learn more now & shop at Huckberry

The latest Huckberry x Danner collection — another drop in a long-running series of collaborations on rugged footwear dating back years — is powered by the Huckberry x Danner N45 Low Hiking Sneaker, a pair of hybrid footwear designed to blend in the durability of a hiking boot with the lightweight mobility of a sneaker.

The spirit of adventure, of course, is built right into what Huckberry rightfully calls “one of the lightest and toughest performance hiking sneakers we’ve ever tested,” and that’s certainly saying something, given the fact that the Americana retailer has a penchant for truly tough-as-nails gear.

In addition to an exclusive, suitably dusty and rugged Coyote colorway, the Huckberry x Danner N45 Low Hiking Sneaker is built with a highly durable, abrasion-resistant and lightweight Perspair® upper, which rests atop Danner’s customary Ortholite insole for supreme comfort and rebound.

Huckberry x Danner review.

The Perspair® upper also means these are breathable and yet quick-drying, bolstered by a flexible Ariaprene® gusset for more freedom of movement crossing rocky streams and navigating hilly trails. The Huckberry x Danner N45 Low Hiking Sneaker is overbuilt in the best way, assuredly able to compete with pairs of the best hiking boots for men.

Vibram’s N45 Outsole gives the Huckberry x Danner N45 Low Hiking Sneaker a ton of grip without overdoing it in terms of lug width, and these stylish-yet-functional hiking sneakers also rest atop another highly flexible touch, a TPU rock plate for more control (I’d call this a touch akin to four-way wheel drive on rocky roads, at least in my experience testing the best hiking sneakers from comparable brands like KEEN).

Huckberry x Danner Hiking Sneakers review.

I also appreciate the fact that these dependable hiking sneakers lace up with easily flexible speed lacing for plenty of wearability and a customizable fit. It’s like I always say, especially when it comes to Huckberry gear launches like the Huckberry x Danner N45 Low Hiking Sneaker: If it seems like these two tried-and-true adventure brands thought of everything, well, that’s because… they did. Don’t pack for your next outdoor summer trip without the Huckberry x Danner N45 Low Hiking Sneaker in your bag.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: These Crown Northampton Leather Sneakers are Some of the Finest Sneakers on the Market, Period

Crown Northampton sneakers review.

Every so often in the course of running this Brooklyn style blog, I come across a company that defies convention, that makes me look twice — and that makes me appreciate the art and science behind crafting, say, some of the best sneakers for men on the market. In recent weeks, British shoemaker Crown Northampton has come across my inbox — and my footwear shelf — in utterly fine form, delivering some of the best men’s sneakers I’ve had the pleasure of lacing up.

Learn more now at Crown Northampton

The venerable footwear brand has been in the business of making some of the finest shoes for men since 1908, with five generations of family members carrying on that legacy. It’s remarkably impressive, as it’s no small feat to consistently make some of the best men’s shoes while staying steadfast to time-honored methods.

The company takes the delicate art of dress shoe making and applies it to everything from desert boots to sneakers to handsome leather goods, each made with richly crafted leather from the likes of Horween and available in a range of exceptionally handsome, stylish shades (including the rich black leather I opted for in selecting my pair of Crown Northampton Abington Hi Toe Cap Sneakers, one of several varieties within the Abington family).

Suffice to say, in my Crown Northampton review — as you might have seen over on my Instagram — I was exceptionally impressed with the care and craft that went into seemingly every stitch of my new favorite high-top sneakers.

The Crown Northampton Abington Hi Toe Cap Sneakers stand alone from other high-top sneakers — sometimes made from canvas by other brands — for their intense commitment to quality construction and the rich array of top-notch materials across the board.

I opted for a Gum sole in selecting my own pair of Crown Northampton Abington Hi Toe Cap Sneakers, which can be made to order and shipped out in about 9-12 weeks (but sometimes quite a bit more quickly, as I found out — the Crown Northampton team is surely serious about its business).

Crown Northampton men's shoes review.

A style like the Crown Northampton Abington Hi Toe Cap Sneakers can also be customized with a Black or White sole, not to mention an eye-catching and simply beautiful array of leather upper options. Upon arrival, the leather is thick but supple, certainly of the highest possible quality. A full leather lining made the Crown Northampton Abington Hi Toe Cap Sneakers comfortable right out of the box, while touches like the heel pull tab felt substantial and sturdy.

These sneakers have the durable appeal of boots without the clunky feel of some pairs of boots — these are high-top sneakers, after all, but the silhouette and style of the Crown Northampton Abington Hi Toe Cap Sneakers in particular makes them feel like they can be dressed up ever-so-slightly with stretch chinos, an Oxford shirt and a navy blazer.

If you’re feeling particularly adventurous — and if you want to get the most possible wear out of your new pair of custom-made men’s leather sneakers — you could even style the Crown Northampton Abington Hi Toe Cap Sneakers with a lightweight olive suit in a cotton-linen blend (atop a crisp black T-shirt, of course — just one suggestion to try on for size.

Although the Abington sneakers also come in a low-top variation, I’ve found the Crown Northampton Abington Hi Toe Cap Sneakers to be exceptionally comfortable and stylish with everything from light wash jeans and a short-sleeve henley to olive chinos and a chambray shirt. Again, with a pair of custom-made British sneakers, maximizing the ability to wear your new go-to pair of sneakers is key, as I’ve found out lately.

Upgrade your sneaker game now at Crown Northampton

If I were you, I’d act as quickly as possible to upgrade your spring footwear rotation in a fashion unlike any other: With a pair of perfectly fitted, remarkably well-crafted, truly stylish shoes from British shoemaker Crown Northampton. They’re worth the wait, the investment and the incoming style points for your wardrobe, my friends.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The Beckett Simonon Reid Sneakers are a Crisp, Classic Footwear Move for Summer (and Beyond)

At a certain point in the summer — or any time of year that calls for sliding into a pair of the best men’s sneakers — it’s great to have options. And as far as options are concerned, a pair of sleek, dressy-yet-versatile white leather sneakers are tough to beat, like the option pictured above from Beckett Simonon. Sure, they’re less casual and less durable than your trusty canvas sneakers, but bear with me.

Shop men’s footwear and more at Beckett Simonon

When crafted the right way (and cared for properly), sneakers like the Beckett Simonon Reid Sneakers can add a jolt of refreshing style to carry you through the dog days of summer.

These made-to-order sneakers hail from the same brand making some of the best men’s boots, a brand that does it by cutting out the middleman and passing those savings directly onto consumers (stylish consumers like yourself, of course).

Beckett Simonon Reid Sneakers review.

I’ve found Beckett Simonon men’s boots to be the right mix of durable, ever-so-slightly rugged and refined — these sneakers are more practical for summer however, and just as well-made. These handcrafted men’s sneakers boast handsome, supple full-grain leather, along with what the brand calls a refined toe box and shape for crisp, clean style.

Beckett Simonon men's sneakers review.

The Beckett Simonon Reid Sneakers, in my experience, are also ultra-comfortable rather than cumbersome, and that’s thanks to a leather-lined insole and a padded heel collar. Helpfully, the Beckett Simonon Reid Sneakers also feature a taller instep for even greater comfort, and that holds true no matter the color option you select.

Shop now at Beckett Simonon

Take your pick from timeless black-and-white combos or else up the ante with a sporty mix of navy and white leather atop a gum rubber sole. Given the mix of comfort, value and classically cool good looks, I’ve found they’re might not be a better footwear value on the market at present than the Beckett Simonon Reid Sneakers — try a pair on for size and see for yourself.

by Beau H.

The Tuesday Steal: Save 30 Percent on Stylish Shoes and Sneakers from Everlane Right Now

If the season is summer — which it very much remains, judging by the thermostat and the weather — then a pair of the best men’s sneakers remains an absolute must, and that’s where today’s deal of choice enters the fray. Make some space in your rotation of the best sneakers for men, with a prime pick (or two, or three) up for grabs via the Everlane Summer Sale.

And since there’s no time quite like the present to refresh your wardrobe with a pair of multi-season sneakers, it’s best to strike while the iron is hot, as I always say.

Use the code EVER30 to take 30 percent off shoes and accessories at Everlane, the ultra-sustainable, transparent retailer best known for using organic materials and minimal designs, all crafted at responsible manufacturing partners.

Everlane men's sneakers review.

In my personal experience, Everlane sneakers are durable yet lightweight, minimal yet distinctive enough to add some style to any look, and always fairly priced. That holds even more true when you shop one of the best deals on men’s sneakers at the moment. Of course, I personally love Everlane Oxford shirts and super-soft T-shirts, and both of those stylish picks would work quite nicely with Everlane men’s sneakers.

Learn more now and shop at Everlane

Options include the brand’s crisply designed, classic Court Sneakers as well as the Everlane Tread-Bare Sneaker, a light-as-air set of kicks modeled after iconic sporting trainers. Don’t forget that the Everlane Summer Sale includes accessories as well, including the company’s line of stylish bags — for a standout deal on stylish gear from the ground up, you know where to go this week.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: These VEJA Sneakers are a Stylish Summer Pair to Lace Up Now

VEJA men's sneakers review

Perhaps you’ve spotted them around town in a hip neighborhood, or on the feet of someone who’s style you really appreciate and enjoy. Yes, I’m talking about some of the best sneakers for men, and in this case, a pair of stylish sneakers from VEJA.

They’re distinctive, they’re eye-catching, they’re still low-profile enough to be plenty versatile — more on that in a second — and you can find them ASAP at Huckberry.

Learn more now at Huckberry

They’re also the sort of sneakers that are having “a style moment” right now, you might say, what with their ubiquitous presence everywhere. Whether worn with stretch tan chinos, light wash jeans or even olive chino shorts, the VEJA Campo Sneakers are an on-trend move that somehow still feels rooted in the classic world of the best sneakers for men.

Best sustainable sneakers.

But what’s all the fuss about, you might be wondering, and how did VEJA end up where they are today? The brand has actually focused on making stylish, sustainable sneakers now for about two decades, long before sustainability became a buzzword in the fashion space, and they do so working with ethical factories in Brazil.

Shop stylish VEJA sneakers at Huckberry

Oh, and as to the sustainable specs behind the VEJA Campo Sneakers, which could quickly become your new favorite sneakers? They’re made with Fair Trade-certified rubber, for starters, and they also use wild rubber for the comfortable, springy insole of the VEJA Campo Sneakers, which use the classic low-profile silhouette of court sneakers.

They’re also fairly priced for the quality (they’ll run you $175), and Huckberry stocks 11 different varieties of VEJA men’s sneakers — just in time for summer, those are some sustainably made sneakers that are very much worth buying.

by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: The VANS Authentic Canvas Low Sneakers Are as Perfect A Summer Sneaker As It Gets

Vans sneakers review.

I find that there are times when it’s really best to keep it simple when it comes to the very best menswear essentials. Or rather, simple, classic and stylish. And as we stand on the brink of summer, there’s no better way to keep it simple than by starting from the ground up in matters of style with a pair of the best classic sneakers for men.

Vans canvas sneakers review.

I’m talking about the kind of pair you can buy now (especially from my friends at Huckberry!). Then, you can wear those sneakers with everything from stretch chino shorts to light wash denim, and then steadily work elsewhere into your rotation of the best summer sneakers.

Sure, you’ve got sleek leather pairs and maybe even suede summer sneakers, but the Vans Authentic Canvas Sneakers are a different breed entirely, are they not?

Learn more now at Huckberry

You see, there’s a time and a place for everything, and the Vans Authentic Canvas Sneakers cover many times and many places. In increasingly casual times, having a reliable pair of affordable low-top sneakers you can slide on at a moment’s notice makes a difference.

Vans Authentic Canvas Sneakers review.

That holds true whether paired with stretch chinos and an Oxford shirt, or with your favorite henley and lounge shorts. And in my experience, the Vans Authentic Canvas Sneakers certainly make that difference.

Shop summer style picks from Vans and Huckberry

They retail for under $70, they wear easily with everything from a henley and light wash jeans to olive chinos and a navy polo, and they come from a longtime, trusted brand. Again, keeping it simple means, well, keeping it simple, and when it comes to the best minimal sneakers on the market, these Vans kicks (from my good friends at Huckberry) deliver precisely what you need.