Footwear in this list runs from a plain cream leather low-top to a burnished high-fashion shoe, and from open tan slides to a lug-soled Chelsea boot.
What decides your pair is the weather and the dress code you face most days: rain calls for a black trail sneaker, an office rules out slides, and a closet full of black and white sneakers leaves room for olive, brown and off-white.
Fit comes before any of it, so check for a toe box that lets your toes spread.
1. Minimalist Sneakers
Cream leather low-tops with a plain upper and almost no branding go with more of a closet than any other sneaker I know.
Olive trousers are one good pairing for a minimalist sneaker; navy chinos, gray wool and dark denim work just as well.
Keep the leather clean and the laces white, because a minimalist shoe has nothing else to hide behind. If you only buy one pair of sneakers this year, make it these.
2. Chunky Sneakers
Chunky sneakers have thick midsoles, layered panels and a dad-shoe outline that borrows from running shoes of decades past. The cushioning is the practical draw, and it makes them a sound pick for long days on your feet.
Because the shoe is wide at the toe, I go with simple pants: dark, straight or slightly tapered, ending right at the ankle.
White socks suit the retro look, so let them show above the shoe. Skip skinny jeans, which make the shoe look oversized.
3. Loafers
Loafers in suede, like the burgundy pair here, soften a smart-casual outfit without turning it into a suit. The white and orange soles make them feel less formal than a plain leather sole would.
Loose cream trousers are a good match, and I would keep the rest of the outfit quiet so the shoe gets the attention. Wear them with or without socks; a short, low-cut sock keeps the slip-on look intact.
4. Vans Ward Sneaker
The Vans Ward in black and white is a plain, flat-soled skate shoe, and that is its appeal. It looks right with straight jeans, work pants and shorts, and it asks very little of the person wearing it.
I would pick the black version for everyday wear, since scuffs read as character rather than damage. Tidy laces and a simple outfit around them let the shoe do the job it was built for.
5. Earthy Colours Sneakers
Olive, brown and off-white on one low-top is a quiet way to bring color into your shoes without going loud. These tones sit well beside khaki, denim, charcoal and cream, so the pair rarely clashes with anything.
I like them best with a plain tee and relaxed trousers in a neutral shade. A closet full of black and white sneakers makes this the easiest pair to add for variety.
6. Weatherproof Sneakers
A black trail sneaker that sheds water is the answer when the forecast is bad. Black also hides mud and wet marks, which keeps the shoe looking tidy after a rainy commute.
Look for a low-profile shape so it can pass for a regular sneaker with jeans or dark trousers. These usually look sportier than leather, so I would save them for casual days.
7. High-Fashion Styles
The reddish burnish catches light, so the shoes read as the focal point of the outfit.
I would keep everything above them plain: a clean black suit, black socks and nothing else competing. Black socks keep the line from trouser to shoe unbroken, and the leather does the talking.
Buff the shoes before you wear them. A statement shoe only works when it is well kept.
8. Triple Black Sneakers
Black on black on black, from upper to midsole to laces, makes a sneaker nearly disappear into an outfit. A pair like this black Air Max reads as a shadow under dark jeans or charcoal trousers.
Shoe trees help the pair hold its shape between wears, and I would use them.
Wear the shoes with a monochrome or dark outfit and the look stays stealthy. Add a white sock or light trousers and the effect is gone, so pick one or the other.
9. Lug Sole Chelsea Boots
A black leather Chelsea boot with a chunky lugged sole takes the sleek slip-on and gives it some weight. The thick tread makes it look tougher than a smooth-soled pair.
I would wear them with dark, straight jeans that sit just over the boot shaft, or with black trousers for a sharper outfit.
A heavy sole needs a slim top half, so a fitted knit or an unstructured jacket balances it.
Black leather wipes clean with a damp cloth, which keeps upkeep easy.
10. Leather Slide Sandals
Tan leather slides are the dressier way to wear an open shoe in warm weather. The strap is simple and the leather is plain, so they sit well with brown trousers and a striped shirt.
I would stay in earthy neutrals: brown, cream, olive. Leather slides look best on a clean, trimmed foot, so give your feet some attention before you wear them out.
They suit casual days and relaxed evenings. For an office or a formal dinner, I would choose a closed shoe instead.
11. Retro Suede Low-Top Sneakers
A light purple suede low-top, like this Puma with thick laces, brings a soft color into the retro sneaker category without feeling loud. Lavender is easy to wear with gray, denim, cream and white.
Suede marks easily, so I would treat it before the first wear and brush it afterward. Straight jeans and a white crew-neck T-shirt keep the outfit simple and let the color of the suede stand out.
Suede dislikes rain, so save these for dry days.
Comfort in Footwear
Comfort should be the first filter on any pair you buy, because a shoe you stop wearing is money wasted.
Try shoes on late in the day, when feet are at their largest, and walk around on a hard floor rather than the store carpet.
Check 3 things: a toe box that lets your toes spread, a heel that doesn’t slip, and a sole with some give.
If you stand or walk for hours, a cushioned insole is a cheap upgrade that often beats paying more for the shoe.
New leather needs a break-in period. Wear it for a couple of short outings before a full day, and bring a pair of socks you plan to wear with it.
Seasonal Footwear Choices
Build your shoe rotation around the weather, and you will wear everything you own.
Winter calls for boots. Chukka and desert boots in leather or fabric are the easy picks, and a boot with a higher sole and lace detail works for both daily wear and the office.
Spring suits clean, minimalist leather shoes with simple lines. Loafers are a comfortable choice that moves between dressy and casual outfits.
Summer is for open, easy shoes: sandals, mules and clog-style slippers. Metallic details add a little polish, so pick one metallic piece and keep the rest of the outfit plain.
Sneakers cover every season. Knit "sweater" sneakers are one option, and classic white pairs remain the safe default.
The search for the perfect summer shoe can be daunting. Men’s footwear trends have been going turbo for years now, and almost nothing feels off-limits anymore.
— GQ
Sustainability in Sneakers
Eco-friendly sneakers are easier to find now, but a green label tells you little on its own.
Read the product page for what the upper and sole are actually made from, such as recycled fabric or plant-based materials, and be wary of vague claims with no detail.
Durability is the most practical form of sustainability. A pair you wear for years beats a "green" pair that falls apart in one season, so check the stitching and how the sole is attached.
Care extends life too. Clean the shoes regularly, let them dry fully between wears, and resole or repair them when you can instead of replacing them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some cool shoes for men?
Minimalist cream leather low-tops, loafers and chunky sneakers are the strongest picks right now. Plain low-top sneakers are the safest pick, since olive, navy, gray flannel and black or indigo denim all sit well above them.
What casual shoes are trending now?
Chunky sneakers, suede loafers and plain skate shoes like the Vans Ward are the casual pairs I’d go for. Earthy olive, brown and off-white low-tops are an easy way to add color to a closet of black and white pairs.
What are the best sneakers for men?
If you’re buying one pair, make it cream leather low-tops with a clean upper and barely any logo.
Wipe the leather down often and swap in fresh white laces when they gray. If you want a second pair, earthy tones like olive, brown and off-white mix with khaki, denim, charcoal and cream.
