Nowadays, with so many sneaker manufacturers placing their focus on superior performance for individual sports, it can be a challenge to find great sneakers for men that are simply great looking. While there are always the old classics from big names in footwear like Converse, Puma, and Adidas, sometimes a guy wants a new pair of cool kicks that not everyone else on the block is going to own. From truly fashion-forward to subtle and chic, here are five great sneakers for men that are a little out of the ordinary and a lot cooler than the ones you’re wearing right now.
Set for release in December of this year, the Nike SB Dunk Mid Pro sneaker in green/metallic gold-dark oak is the perfect sneaker for fall. Beyond the earthy color combination of a dark green canvas inlay, rich brown leather overlay, and a gold suede Nike Swoosh, this shoe has all the comfort of a sneaker with the outdoorsy vibe of a hiking shoe, thus explaining its nickname, ‘the Patagonia.’ The pop of color from the red laces really makes these sneakers shine. Look for it in stores soon, and get it while the getting’s good; this style is going to go quick.
The Skytop sneaker from skate shoe manufacturer Supra has long been a favorite of sneaker enthusiasts that are in the know. Designed to perform exceptionally well on a board, these shoes are still exceptionally good looking when they’re on solid ground. Totally comfortable and totally cool, the Skytop is enough to make an ensemble of basic jeans and your favorite tee shirt even better. Check out the limited release Black Friday Stealth III, available for sale on November 25th, or pick up one of the other six colors released especially for the holiday season, including kidskin/orange-black, grey-magenta/white, and army-black, $130.00 a pair at SupraFootwear.com.
Android Homme’s sneakers are all about fashion-forward footwear with a decidedly futuristic feel. With out of this world names like Lunar Rover and Jetpack, you can tell that these sleek and celestial statement sneakers are not for the sartorially meek. Check out the high gloss space age stylings of the patent leather Propulsion high tops in colors like ‘Grey Matter,’ ‘Black Hole,’ ‘White Light,’ and ‘Star Mint,’ $219.00 each at AndroidHomme.com.
The definition of a great sneaker isn’t necessarily one that steals the show; sometimes it’s a subtle update on a classic kick that makes a casual shoe a must-have. Take the super sophisticated Cesario XVI high top from Creative Recreation, for instance. Its classic high top silhouette is elevated by the choice of materials: sepia-toned men’s suiting-like fabric with chocolate leather overlays. Subtle design switch-ups, like a Velcro strap at the bottom of the laces versus the top, make this shoe a standout without being a boor, $70.00 at cr8rec.com.
Always a go-to brand when you need great sneakers for men, the Wingtip sneaker from Vans’ Era collection is a whimsical hybrid of cool casual and chic dress shoes. Available in brown or black suede, you might just be able to wear this skate-worthy shoe where sneakers aren’t normally welcomed, $47.00 at Shop.Vans.com.