21 Best Sneakers for Men in 2025: Basic Low-Tops, Covetable High-Tops, and More

Is there any sneaker more iconic than the classic Converse Chuck Taylor? The old-school canvas sneakers have been around longer than any other on this list and was there at the forefront of the sneaker revolution, pounding the hardwood well before the Swoosh came along (yes, they were made for playing basketball). You’re much less likely to spot these in an athletic context nowadays, but you’re sure as hell gonna see them everywhere else. And even though Chucks come in every color under the sun, the quintessential pair is undoubtedly the black hi-top. They look aces with baggy chinos a la The Sandlot, or even with a suit like a mod-revivalist indie band. The retro’fied Chuck 70 is definitely the version to get, thanks to a beefier silhouette, improved materials, and thicker midsole.

More Black Sneakers to Bet On

Vans

Classic Slip-On

Vans is peak SoCal style, and while its Sk8-Hi and Old Skool models are indeed classics, the slip-on feels more laid-back and relevant than ever—especially in an era where loafers and mules are gaining most of the traction.

Salomon

XT-Whisper

Salomons are so hot, we recently devoted an entire guide to ’em. Many have questioned whether they were just coasting on archive styles, but the just-released Whisper has silenced those… whispers.

Walking Shoes

HOKA

Challenger 7 Trail-Running Shoes

Walking is good for you—like, really good for you—but walking shoes haven’t exactly always screamed “sex appeal”…until now. Given the explosion of interest in running’s less strenuous cousin over the past year, walking shoes have, ahem, stepped up their game. They’re still packed with all the cushion-heavy outsoles, breathable uppers, and vital arch support you need for a long day on your feet, but now they’ve got the style to match. Self-described dad shoes are cool and all, but the real deal dad shoes you’d find in an orthopedics store also look cooler than ever.

For the avid, hardcore walkers, we recommend the Hoka Challenger 7 sneakers. If your idea of a good walk involves a lot more than 10,000 steps (and buckets more sweat), the Challenger 7 can make your jaunt a real workout. It’s been touted by avid walkers and runners alike and swooned us into giving it a spot in our Fitness Awards thanks to the super-grippy rubber soles, cloud-soft EVA midsoles, and lightweight feel.

More Walking Shoes for Wending Your Way

Mephisto

Match

A French comfort classic, grandpas the world over have worn their same pairs of expertly hand-made Match’s for fifteen years and counting. But now, the Mephisto Match is stepping down to a new generation, and enjoying a style moment all of its own.

New Balance

1906R

The 1906R first hit shelves in 2010, but it’s never felt more relevant. Thirteen years after its debut, silver-laden, mesh-adorned kicks are everywhere, and as folks rush to scoop up the latest pair of iPod-era trainers, the 1906R—which provides true support, like all New Balance sneakers—remains a heavyweight contender for the best of them all.

The Best Running Shoes

If you’re considering hitting the track or the trails this year, investing in a reliable pair of running shoes is a must. The right pair should offer cushioning, durability, and energy return in spades—in other words, the opportunity to feel like Eliud Kipchoge, whether you’re an amateur enthusiast looking for a new daily trainer or a hardcore half-marathoner in the market for a racer that’ll help you smash your last PB. From trail-ready runners to everyday beaters you can wear to jog around the neighborhood, there’s no better shoes to start your journey to Olympic (or near-Olympic) glory.

Everyone’s feet are different (variety!) which is why we’re somewhat hesitant to bestow a best running shoe superlative to a single pair of kicks. But we will, with the caveat that you should probably consult a pro who can identify the best running shoe for your particular needs. That said, the Brooks Ghost 15 nabbed our award for the best nice, normal running shoe and a great pick for most people, especially those who aren’t seasoned runners. It comes in a variety of widths and features a thick and bouncy midsole that makes for a smooth, comfortable stride.

More Running Shoes We Love

Asics

Gel-Nimbus 27

Given all the hype surrounding Asics’s retro models, it’s easy to forget that the brand makes some of the best pure performance runners, too, and the Gel-Nimbus 27—with soft, engineered Jacquard mesh that seamlessly wraps around your foot—is a great example of that.

Saucony

Endorphin Speed 4

Saucony designed the Endorphin Speed for racing, but this shoe is for a lot more than that. With high-end foam, a rockered sole shape, and a winged nylon plate inside for stability and spring, the Endorphin Speed 4 is part of an emerging hybrid class of shoes, with elements of top-tier race shoes but also enough comfort for daily use.

Nike Sneakers

Homing in on the best Nike shoes is worth the grunt work. Since setting up shop in the mid-’60s, the Portland-based juggernaut has churned out one hit sneaker after another, expanding into lifestyle footwear while upholding its commitment to athletic excellence each step of the way. Today, the Swoosh sells just about everything tangentially related to the sporting life, but its sneakers remain the crown jewel of the business. The best Nike shoes prove why the brand is still miles—and many, many dollars—ahead of the competition.

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