Top Sneaker Picks
Whether you’re a sports and gym enthusiast or not is truly irrelevant. The age of athleisure is here, and, as the trend has made its transition from a fad to a lifestyle, everyone, even those that were never really into sneakers, will love them. Why? Not just because they’re the epitome of athleisure, but because the tendencies and demands in regards to design have changed due to the incredible rise of the trend. The new consumer desires a sneaker that goes beyond comfort and practicality and is actually stylish and pretty enough to be rocked everywhere, from the office to a romantic date. The industry listened and some of the most renowned names in sportswear have come up with incredible sneakers that are so amazing you’ll be tempted to wear them to a black-tie wedding (but don’t). So, let’s see what the year holds for the footwear of the season – the mighty sneakers.
To the office it is
Quite possibly thanks to millennials, we are witnessing an increase in the loosening up of the office dress code. Of course, certain rules still apply, and you can’t just waltz into the office wearing your basketball sneakers. However, the industry has heard our needs and now, there is an entire selection of sneakers that are so elegant that you can pull them off at work, or any classy event with the greatest of ease. Case in point – the Cos black leather sneakers. The design is so sleek that it could fool anyone into mistaking them for shoes, but they provide all the comfort and support one would expect from a sneaker.
The one to love
There isn’t a person out there who could remain unimpressed with the new designs of the New Balance sneakers, after all, Steve Jobs wore them for a good reason. However, the iconic brand, like many others, has upped the ante when it comes to design, so not only do New Balance sneakers provide the excellent sole and ankle support they’re famous for, but now that support comes in a super-stylish ‘packaging’ that is not only ready to make a fashion statement at the gym, but to be proudly rocked in the streets, meshing perfectly with every style and outfit.
The comeback
Many have anticipated the return of another iconic sneaker, and the wait was definitely worth it. We’re not sure if it’s the nostalgia factor, but the Adidas Originals Stan Smith sneaker looks more sleek and suave than ever before. The simple lines, the dots instead of the well-known three stripes, and just a touch of that iconic green on the back will let everyone know exactly which sneakers you’re wearing. If you’re a fan of white, there are tons of choices, but if iconic is what you’re after, these are your next go-to choice. These are so fine you can even wear them with a suit.
Dare to wear
We’re not exactly sure if a large number of men will be on board with wearing anything resembling pink, but hey, the appearance of millennial pink was all about breaking down gender stereotypes, so you might as well get with the program. We live in the 21st century, and men can wear all the colors they want, and we simply dare you to resist the amazing design of the Common Projects sneakers. The contrast between the muted salmon hue of the gorgeous leather and the slightly elevated white sole makes for a great fashion statement. These aren’t exactly meant for the gym, but frankly, they’re so superb that we don’t even care.
Running, running, running
For those who are into sports and are looking for something resembling old-school gym shoes but more upgraded in appearance, pay attention to one of the absolute hottest sneakers of the season – the Deerupt runner shoes. The tip offers the perfect support for runners and joggers, and the ultra-flexible mesh upper cover, that’s on all of the models, gets extra points for originality. Aside from that, they have the OrthoLite® cushioned sock lining that provides additional sole support and comfort. If the ones that have generated a lot of buzz – the red ones with a blue sole – are just a tad too loud for you, there are always more subdued versions such as black with a white sole and completely white. There are so many choices, you must be struggling already. Well, it wouldn’t be fun if you weren’t torn. But, when in doubt, be generous, so be generous to yourself and grab two pairs, three even. You only live once, so do it in amazing footwear.
Article written by Peter Minkoff
Peter is a mens lifestyle writer at The Beard Mag and High Street Gent magazine from UK. Beside writing he worked as a mens grooming consultant for many fashion events. Follow Peter on Twitter for more tips.
All photos are from unsplash.com
Peter is a mens lifestyle writer at The Beard Mag and High Street Gent magazine from UK. Beside writing he worked as a mens grooming consultant for many fashion events. Follow Peter on Twitter for more tips.
All photos are from unsplash.com
