The best sneakers for men, according to a footwear lover
My go-to styles, from marathon-ready running shoes to retro low-tops and dressier pairs that won't torture your feet.
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I am, unfortunately or fortunately, a sneaker person. Not in the rare-drop, glass-case way, but in the way where I can justify a new pair because it fills some microscopic gap in my closet that only I seem to understand. I know a good sneaker has to earn its place. The best sneakers for men should make jeans look more intentional, a travel day less miserable or a simple outfit feel finished without looking like they came from your gym bag.
In this story
I'm a three-time marathoner and have tested more than 75 pairs of running shoes. I care about how sneakers feel after real mileage and how they look once you're no longer pretending "athletic" and "stylish" are automatically the same thing. The pairs below are a mix of sneakers I've personally tested and wear on the reg, plus standout picks put through their paces by other Yahoo testers — all shoes worth reaching for on purpose, not just because they were closest to the door.
The best sneakers for men of 2026
Sizes: 6-15 | Width: Standard | Colors: 6
Why we love it:Some sneakers come and go, but the Nike Killshot 2 Leather has had suspiciously long staying power in my closet. It has the simple white leather, the navy Swoosh and the gum sole — a very good trio, honestly — and that’s enough to make even basic jeans or shorts look a little sharper.
What testers say:I’ve worn these through several iterations of my style, and they still feel like the rare sneaker that grew up with me instead of being left behind in whatever closet I was using in my twenties. Killshot 2s are perfect for class, work, nights out, casual days and the general business of needing a sneaker that looks good without feeling overly precious. I love the comfort, the price and the fact that it looks more put-together than a canvas shoe, especially once the leather breaks in.
Keep in mind:This isn't the sneaker I’d choose for serious walking support. I sort of wish the insole were thicker, and a few reviewers agreed and added their own insoles for better arch support. The fit can also be a little particular — snug at first for some and slightly thin through the toe box — but the leather breaks in and molds to the foot pretty quickly.
- Leather upper looks cleaner than canvas
- Gum sole keeps the colorway from feeling too plain
- Easy to wear with jeans, shorts or chinos
- Insole is pretty minimal
- Toe box may feel snug or narrow for some feet
Sizes: 8–12 | Width: Standard | Colors: 4
Why we love it:Everyone needs a classic sneaker they can reach for without overthinking, and this pair does that job for a lot less than the usual minimalist leather sneaker suspects. They’re clean enough for dinners, events and the occasional sneaker-with-a-suit situation, but affordable enough that I don’t panic if they meet a sticky bar floor.
What testers say:Comfort and price is exactly what you want from a sneaker about to be put through the wringer. I like that these feel light, look clean and work with casual outfits without being so casual that they feel wrong in nicer settings. Some online shoppers even compared them favorably to pricier options, arguing that a shoe this clean doesn't need to cost several hundred dollars when it's living on borrowed time anyway. The shape is simple, the finish has a little polish and they’re easy to walk in, checking all the essential boxes without making a classic white sneaker feel complicated.
Keep in mind:These look sharp out of the box, but the vegan leather may crease sooner than real leather. They’re a little heavier and wider-looking than expected, and the sole cushioning is more “adequately comfortable” than plush, according to a few other customers that have also worn this shoe. For the price, though, that trade-off is worth it — especially if you like your sneakers brightest at the beginning and replaceable by the end.
- Clean look works with casual outfits and dressier plans
- Affordable for a minimalist sneaker
- Easy to walk in without feeling too stiff
- Vegan leather can crease quickly
- Not the most cushioned option underfoot
Sizes:6.5–18 | Widths:Standard, Wide, X-Wide | Colors:8
Why we love it:The old-school cross trainer has been back long enough that I think we can admit there was always a reason people wore them: They’re really damn comfortable. The 608v5 has plenty of padding underfoot to take some of the punishment out of walking on pavement, plus a cushioned collar that feels soft around the ankle and a sturdy sole that keeps you planted rather than wobbling. That mix makes them just as useful for the gym as they are for spending a day walking around the city — and the chunky suede look only gets better if you’re willing to lean into it.
What testers say: Ben Salus has fitness experience from HIIT workouts to HYROX competitions, so his legs aren't exactly underworked. The 608v5 surprised him enough to declare that good ol' New Balance "balanced me into loving a dad shoe again.” He found them comfortable, lightweight and sturdy, and is already picturing them with rugged jeans and a flannel in the fall before putting them back to work as a “city-trekking shoe” come spring.
Keep in mind:Some online shoppers said they wanted for more cushioning or added their own insoles. While the shoes held up extremely well for most, a couple of wearers noticed the interior wearing through within a year, even as the rest of the sneaker was still going strong. I'll have to report back after further testing, but so far, no issues here.
- Roomier toe box than many casual trainers
- Sturdy enough for workouts and everyday wear
- Plush underfoot without feeling overly bulky
- Cushioning may still feel too firm for some
- Interior can show wear before the outsole does
Sizes:7–16 | Widths:Regular, Wide, X-Wide | Colors:17
Why we love it:The Clifton 11 gives you the full Hoka experience without feeling nearly as heavy as it looks. It’s surprisingly light, and in our latest Hoka testing it earned praise across the board for support, stability, comfort and breathability. It’s still a running shoe at heart, but those qualities give you a cushioned, bouncy ride that isn’t too aggressive for errands, travel or an accidental 18,000-step day.
What testers say:We have a lot of history with the Cliftons. Growth & Monetization Senior Editor Izabella Zaydenberg described an earlier version as “absolutely cloud-like” and found that she could spend hours walking around Disneyland without it flaring up her plantar fasciitis. Editor Rebecca Carhart, another longtime Clifton wearer, has found the line comfortable right out of the box and dependable for everything from treadmill walks to trails and everyday mileage. The newest Clifton 11 continued that strong showing in our latest testing, earning the highest overall score of any Hoka we tested.
Keep in mind:The Clifton 11 is lighter than it looks, but it still looks like a Hoka. If your usual rotation leans sleek and low-profile, this'll definitely be a standout — for better or for worse.
- Lightweight despite all that cushioning
- Breathable upper helps keep it from feeling too bulky
- Comes in regular, wide and X-wide widths
- Chunky silhouette isn’t exactly subtle
Sizes:7–15 | Width:Standard | Colors:11
Why we love it:Everyday shoes have to cover a lot of ground — laundry runs, hungover pharmacy trips, a lunchtime walk and whatever you somehow agreed to do after work. The Cloud 6 handles all of it without making me feel like I’m wandering around in an obvious gym shoe.
What testers say:I found this sneaker lightweight, nicely cushioned and supportive enough for a lot of walking, but the streamlined shape still looks clean with regular clothes instead of screaming performance sneaker. Customer feedback points to the Cloud 6 being especially useful for long days on your feet, though some say they prefer these for walking and everyday wear rather than serious running.
Keep in mind:These run a bit narrow, so wider feet may feel cramped, and the elastic laces are more convenient than customizable if you like a really locked-in fit. Then there’s the dreadedsqueak. Multiple reviewers say theirs got noisy on hard floors, though that's not something I experienced.
- Lightweight enough for all-day wear
- Easy slip-on speed laces
- Sleeker than most all-day comfort sneakers
- Can feel snug on wider feet
- Squeaking is a recurring complaint
Sizes:7-15 | Widths:Medium, Wide, Extra Wide | Colors:8
Why we love it:The Glycerin GTS 23 is pretty much everything I want in an everyday running shoe. There’s a ton of cushioning underfoot, but it still has enough bounce that I don’t feel like I’m slogging through my miles and the GuideRails add support without making the shoe feel overly corrective.
What testers say:I tested nine Brooks models side by side earlier this year and have also run in several generations of the Glycerin GTS. I’ve worn it for regular training runs, easy miles and long runs, and it handles all three equally well. This newest model keeps the plush cushioning I’ve always liked about the line, but there’s enough structure and responsiveness that it doesn’t feel cumbersome once I get moving. For everyday running and longer efforts in particular, it’s one of the Brooks shoes I reach for most.
Keep in mind:This shoe is much more at home cruising than chasing pace. At 11 ounces, there are plenty of lighter choices for speedwork, and I personally wouldn’t spend $180 on it if fast workouts were my main priority. But for runners looking for a shoe they can lean on for the less glamorous bulk of their weekly mileage, that’s where I think it earns its keep. It wouldn’t be my first choice for speedwork, but for the majority of my weekly mileage, there’s very little I’d change.
- Smooth ride at an easy or steady pace
- Soft and breathable upper
- GuideRails add guidance without dominating the shoe
- A bit heavy if speed is your focus
- Thick cushioning gives you less ground feel than a lower-profile shoe
Sizes:7–13 | Widths:Medium, Wide | Colors:5
Why we love it:I actually love dressing up, but the dress shoes part I could do without. These Cole Haan Oxfords are basically my loophole: polished enough for slacks, chinos, the office or a wedding, but underneath all that leather is cushioning, flexibility and actual traction. The important part is that I can look put-together without spending the day sliding around on a hard sole and wondering how soon I can change into my fuzzy slippers.
What testers say:What I like most is that they don’t make me sacrifice comfort just because the rest of me is dressed nicely. The foam underfoot gives them noticeably more cushion than the traditional dress shoes I’ve worn, while the grooved sole bends and grips more like something I’d willingly walk around in all day. They still look sharp from above, which is really all anyone at the wedding needs to know.
Keep in mind:The perforated detailing is pretty noticeable, so if you want the completely clean look of a traditional leather Oxford, you may prefer something simpler. I found the fit spot-on, but a few shoppers found the fit runs narrow and mentioned the leather needed about three days of wear before it really softened up.
- Sneaker-like cushioning in a polished Oxford
- Cushioned, flexible sole
- Enough traction that you’re not skating around
- Leather may need a few wears to soften
- Perforated detailing won’t be for everyone
Sizes:3.5–15 | Width:Regular | Colors:4
Why we love it:The Club C 85 has stuck around for decades for a reason. It’s just a really good-looking white sneaker, and it doesn’t ask you to build an outfit around it. The low-profile shape feels cleaner and less bulky than a running-inspired sneaker, while the leather upper gives it enough structure that it doesn’t veer too casual. Basically, they hit that sweet spot where “simple white sneaker” doesn’t have to mean boring.
What testers say:There’s decent cushioning from the EVA foam insole, and Senior Deals Writer Chris McGraw found they were comfortable right out of the box. McGraw has worn the Club C 85 roughly five days a week for the past three years and is already on his third pair. That’s a much better endorsement than anything we could learn from wearing them around the office for an afternoon. He likes how easily they slot into his wardrobe, which helps explain why he keeps buying the same shoe instead of moving on to something else.
Keep in mind:Comfort here is relative. These feel good for a classic leather sneaker, but shoppers who want a lot of padding underfoot may come away disappointed. Heavy use can also leave its mark: McGraw had one pair fall apart much sooner than expected, and a few other shoppers have reported wear around the heel lining and uppers that started looking rough even while the shoes themselves were still perfectly wearable.
- Low-profile shape doesn’t look bulky with everyday clothes
- Comfortable right out of the box
- Leather can handle more than a pristine white sneaker might
- Underfoot cushioning is pretty minimal
- Frequent wear can show quickly around the heel and upper
Sizes:M 4–15 | Width:Standard | Colors:6
Why we love it:P.F. Flyers have that cool, slightly throwback thing that looks especially good with jeans and a T-shirt. They’re in the same general lane as Chucks, just without feeling like the default canvas sneaker everyone owns, and honestly, a few scuffs only make them look better. I’ve had the brand in my rotation before, but lately I’ve been wearing the Center Vintage Low-Tops.
What testers say:The mix of textures gives them a little more swagger while still keeping that easy, kick-around-in-them appeal I want from this kind of shoe. I’m usually an 8.5 in sneakers, but I drop all the way down to a 7.5 in P.F. Flyers. Do they make my feet look comically small? A little. But they’re comfortable, easy to throw on and have more personality than yet another canvas kick.
Keep in mind:We already know my minor gripe, but cushioning seems to be the biggest point of disagreement among other shoppers. Some say they're built with plenty of padding, while others found the sole too flat and added their own insoles. A few reviewers also wished the inserts were thicker, and one called out the laces for being annoyingly short.
- Cool, broken-in throwback look
- Supportive insole for a retro low-top
- Rubber toe and sole hold up well to everyday wear
- Minimal arch support
Sizes:7–15 | Widths:Standard, Wide | Colors:8
Why we love it:Hands-free sneakers can sound a little unnecessary until you realize how nice it is to just step into your shoes and leave. The Athens 2 is built so the back of the shoe gives way as your foot goes in, then returns to shape once you’re wearing it. Better yet, the convenience doesn’t come at the expense of everything else you’d want from an everyday sneaker.
What testers say:This shoe hits the sweet spot of soft cushioning, breathable mesh and a grippy rubber sole that make it useful for much more than quick trips out the door. Senior Style Editor Jessica Teich’s mom previously tested the Athens 2 and gave the style high scores for comfort, stability, traction and how securely it stayed on her feet. She even wore the shoes on the treadmill without any problems. And despite testing them during Florida summer weather, she found the mesh breathable enough that overheating wasn’t much of an issue.
Keep in mind:The Athens 2 may fit a little generously. Teich’s mom initially tried a size that turned out to be too large, and she also found her eventual pair roomier than she expected. She gave the shoes slightly lower marks for arch support than for their other support features, so anyone who prefers a more pronounced arch may want something with more structure.
- Heel pops right back into place
- Secure enough for treadmill workouts
- Breathable mesh doesn’t trap much heat
- Arch support could be stronger
- Fit can run a little roomy
How we chose the best sneakers for men
As much as I love my bed and a Great British Baking Show rerun, I'm also out a lot — work events, dinners, travel, workouts and whatever else somehow lands on my calendar. That means plenty of outfit changes and, yes, a completely unnecessary desire not to wear the exact same shoes every time. I like having options. Sometimes I want something subtle that disappears into an outfit, sometimes I want the sneakers to do a little more work and sometimes I just need a pair I can throw on without thinking about it.
Running and workout shoes are obviously a different story. I care a lot less about whether they match my shorts than whether they'll still feel good several miles in and keep everything from my feet to my ankles happy. So for this list, I pulled from shoes I've personally tested and kept wearing long after the initial test was over, including several pairs I've already bought or would happily buy again.
For categories I didn't test myself, I leaned on firsthand feedback from other testers, plus expert advice and shopper reviews to flag recurring fit, comfort and durability issues. The goal was a lineup with enough range to actually cover how men wear sneakers now — from running and walking to work, travel, nights out and all the boring little errands in between.
What to consider when shopping for sneakers for men
How you'll actually wear (and care for) them
Before getting hung up on brands or whatever sneaker is suddenly all over your feed, think about what job you need the shoe to do. Aricia Symes , style expert and founder of Unfoldid, points out that one pair may need to survive a commute and hours on your feet, while another is mostly there to make an outfit look sharper for work or going out.
"Those aren't necessarily the same shoe," she says. You don't need a closet overflowing with sneakers, but expecting one pair to handle workouts, weddings, errands and nights out equally well is probably asking too much.
And be realistic here. A pale suede sneaker might look fantastic fresh out of the box, but it's a questionable everyday choice if the odds of you ever owning a suede brush are approximately zero. Her broader cleaning advice is simple: deal with dirt before the shoes look like they desperately need it.
Fit and comfort
Comfortable doesn't automatically mean as soft and squishy as possible. Symes says she often sees people assume the most cushioned shoe will also be the most comfortable, when something that feels amazing for 30 seconds can become annoying several hours later.
Look for a secure fit that doesn't pinch, enough room for your toes and a shoe that feels good immediately. Dina Cerchione , stylist at DMC Styles, also recommends trying sneakers on with the same type of socks you'll normally wear and not banking on an uncomfortable pair magically improving with time.
Material and seasonality
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Leatheris one of the easiest year-round choices because it can skew casual or polished and generally isn't too difficult to clean. It's generally easier to wipe down, while lighter suede, canvas and bright white sneakers tend to demand more attention if you want them looking pristine.
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Suedeadds more texture and looks especially good in cooler weather, though Cerchione cautions that it's less practical if you're routinely dealing with rain and recommends applying a protective spray before wearing it.
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Canvasis lighter and particularly useful in spring and summer, but it also tends to read the most casual of the bunch.
Color
White is easy, but it isn't your only safe choice. Symes suggests thinking of cream, gray, navy, brown and other muted shades as neutrals too, especially when those colors already show up elsewhere in your wardrobe. Suede and mixed-material pairs are also showing up in browns, olives, taupes and other earthy shades as an alternative to the endlessly reliable white sneaker.
Color is also an easy way to make even a basic outfit feel more considered. Cerchione suggests combinations like brown suede with navy trousers, olive with cream chinos or burgundy with dark denim. She also recommends paying attention to the sole, as gum rubber can push a sneaker in a more vintage direction, while a sole that matches the upper tends to read cleaner and more polished.
Best men's sneakers FAQs
What types of men's sneakers are in style?
Right now, sneakers are trending slimmer and a little more refined, says Cerchione. Chunkier styles haven't disappeared, but low-profile retro sneakers, classic court shoes and throwback runners like Adidas Sambas and Gazelles are having a particularly strong moment.
Cerchione's bigger advice is not to let the trend cycle shop for you. "A great sneaker should give you more outfit options," she says, rather than forcing you to build an entirely new wardrobe around one pair. Performance-inspired shoes can work as everyday sneakers too, but the key is to make them look intentional rather than like you forgot to change after the gym.
How can I style men's casual sneakers?
The sneaker itself is only half the equation; what you wear above it matters too. Symes recommends considering the pants already dominating your closet.
Slimmer or more tailored pants tend to pair naturally with streamlined sneakers, while relaxed and wider-leg styles can handle something bulkier. Cerchione follows the same rule of thumb: low-profile shoes work especially well with straight-leg jeans and chinos, while a chunkier sneaker can better balance a roomier pant.
And don't ignore the hem of your pants: Too much fabric bunching around the shoe can make the whole thing look sloppy, while an awkwardly short crop can throw the proportions off in the opposite direction.
What's the best way to keep my sneakers clean?
Don't wait until they look disgusting. Cerchione recommends doing smaller cleanups regularly rather than trying to resurrect a completely trashed pair later.
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For leather, it can be as simple as a damp cloth and a gentle cleaner made for the material; sneaker wipes such as Jason Markk's are also handy for quick touch-ups.
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Suede and canvasneed a little more care. For suede, a suede brush and eraser can help lift marks. Clean canvas according to the shoe's care instructions.
And clean the laces too. Cerchione recommends removing them and washing them separately according to their care instructions, or simply replacing them once they start to look tired. Rotating between sneakers instead of wearing one pair every single day also gives them a chance to air out between wears.
Meet our experts
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Dina Cerchione , stylist at DMC Styles
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Aricia Symes , style expert and founder of Unfoldid
