The market for men's trainers is teeming with different brands, designers and price-tags. And while there are a number of manufacturers which stand head and shoulders above the rest, amongst such a big crowd it can often be hard to find the very best.
We've assessed the competition to find you the trainers which score highly both in terms of style and comfort, bringing together everything from the increasingly popular runners to more traditional options.
A note: while we've included shoes on this list that are meant for running, we haven't focused on the performance side of things. If that's what you're after, check out our round-up of the best men's running shoes.
1. Saucony Grid 9000 Premium: £50, amazon
Lightweight, well-made and extremely comfortable, this Saucony (pronounced sock-a-knee) is an incredible shoe for the price. It’s not the sleekest trainer in the world, with quite a thick rubber midsole and chunky leather and mesh upper, but if you can pull it off then you won’t find much better value elsewhere. Of the colourways available, mint and black catches the eye.
2. Asics Gel Lyte III: £90, Foot Asylum
Probably the most appropriated silhouette in the Asics range, the Gel Lyte III is a no-nonsense trainer that goes with almost any outfit. The split tongue can divide opinion based on looks but it adds even more comfort. Also in the range are some of Asics’ collaborations, including with Canadian brand Reigning Champ. Available in a number of colourways.
3. Common Projects Achilles Retro: £265, Matches Fashion
For those of you who are bored of Stan Smiths and are too old for Converse, then a pair from US brand Common Projects could be a wise next purchase. The leather upper on the Achilles Retro is incredibly well made and you can see and feel the quality. Great for anyone who likes a minimalist trainer with the only real detailing being the serial number stamped on the side.
4. Adidas Ultra Boost: £102, amazon
Is this the trainer that helped Adidas topple Nike? Perhaps, especially after Kanye West was spotted wearing a pair at a basketball game and they became an overnight success. Lightweight Primeknit uppers and the generous Boost cushioning means they’re easily the most comfortable trainers on the market right now (with the Adidas Pure Boost trailing behind in second place). They’re not ideal for those with wider feet, though, and you should probably go half a size up if you don’t want a snug fit – but it’s the best looking running shoe around. A must-have in any rotation.
5. Reebok Ventilator PERF: £35, amazon
These nubuck leather trainers give a throwback feel without taking you to the realm of Reebok Classics. A nice runner silhouette with a rubber sole, they feature more padding than you may expect and don’t tire your feet out after a lot of wear. The colourways are classy and easy to wear with most outfits – but the tin grey is probably the pick of the lot, with matching grey laces that look clean and cool.
6. Filling Pieces Low Top Strap: £120, Farfectch
If you’re want to avoid runners and can’t get on board with high-tops (think: Jordans) then Filling Pieces could fill the gap in your wardrobe, especially if Common Projects are out of your price range. The Low Top Strap is a beautifully handmade shoe by the Amsterdam-based brand which gives the minimalist trainer a streetwear/Yeezy 750 feel. Some of the designs and colourways can be a bit out there but for trainers under £200 with a high-end feel, there aren’t many better options.
7. Zara Oxford Style Casual Shoes: £40, Zara
If you’re after a pair with a more traditional feel, and that will fit equally well with both smart and casual attire, opt for these from the Spanish high street giant, Zara. The fit feels tight, but not uncomfortably so, like a good, smart shoe should, while it also manages to retain the comfort of a trainer. We’re big fans of the simplistic yet effective contrast between the upper and sole.
8. Huf Dylan Slip on Skate Shoes: £60, Surfdome
Here’s an interesting take on the skate shoe, which we almost think wouldn’t look out of place alongside a suit. Designed in collaboration with professional skateboarder Dylan Rieder, the upper is made from quality Italian leather, while the shoe as a whole feels snug and supportive. One of the best value pairs on our list.
9. Vans 50th Authentic Shoes: £34, Very
The omnipresent shoe giant celebrates its 50th birthday year, and has released a range of new designs to mark the occasion. We were drawn to this pair, which doesn’t stray too far from the instantly recognisable Vans style, but adds excitement with the eye-catching gold flake pattern. Available in half sizes.
Verdict
We can't look far beyond the Saucony 9000 Grid Premium pair. For just £40, they have to be the best value trainers on our list, and they don't compromise at all on build quality. If you're after a luxury purchase, we'd highly recommend the understated but beautiful Common Projects Achilles Retro.
IndyBest product reviews are unbiased, independent advice you can trust. On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to bias our coverage. The reviews are compiled through a mix of expert opinion and real-world testing
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