The coolest kicks don’t always cost the earth - here’s how to hop on the sneaker hype train without giving your accountant nightmares
WORDS BY RYAN THOMPSON
Sneakers are an integral part of every man’s wardrobe - a fact that hasn’t gone unnoticed by luxury brands. From Alexander McQueen to Balenciaga via Giuseppe Zanotti, sneakerheads have been maxing out their credit cards in recent years just trying to keep pace. But what if you’re more of a casual consumer of kicks, or a total trainer novice? What if you want to expand your collection without expanding your monthly interest payments? If the answer is yes to any of the above, read on...
Hi-tops
It’s a story of sports heritage turned streetwear icon thanks first to Converse and Chuck Taylor in the Twenties, then Vans, who introduced the Sk8 Hi in 1977, and finally Nike and one Michael Jordan’s collaboration in 1984. As with many things that endure the test of time, original tends to be best, which is why you should have at least one of these 3 styles in your repertoire.
Shop the look: Nike Air Force 1 Hi-Tops, Nike Air Force 1 Hi-Tops, Converse Hi-Tops, Vans Sk8 Hi Hi-Tops
Court shoes
This modern day, lo-fi classic hailed from the French courts of the Twenties, before Adidas and Stan Smith took it to another level (it’s Adidas’s biggest-selling shoe ever). A beautifully pared-back design married with contemporary elegance and versatility, there are simply no foot faults with the court shoe, and this season Diesel, Philippe Model, and of course Adidas are all serving aces with affordable styles.
Shop the look: Philippe Model Sneakers, Diesel Sneakers, Puma Sneakers, Adidas Stan Smith Sneakers
Gym Kit
If you go to the gym in order to hone your physique and make yourself look awesome, it stands to reason that you should do so well dressed: gym eyes are the wandering kind after all and you never know who you might encounter. Luckily, there is no shortage of standout affordable sneakers this season that will nobly serve the dual purpose of looking good on and off the treadmill.
Shop the look: Asics Sneakers, Asics Sneakers, Nike Flyknit Sneakers, New Balance Sneakers
Streetwear Icons
What defines a classic? Typically it’s a style or design that endures, but also inspires. A classic captures the zeitgeist of the moment and then transcends it. We’re thinking the Nike Air Max 97, the AF1, even Asics Gel Lyte III and the opinion-dividing Instapump by Reebok - icons of modern streetwear and yet each with a very different personality. You’ll be needing to clear some space in your shoe collection then...
Shop the look: Asics Sneakers, Reebok Sneakers, Nike Air Force 1 Sneakers, Asics Sneakers
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