The 27 Best Men’s Sneakers of 2022 Offer an Instant Style Upgrade
There’s a sneaker for pretty much every occasion. There are white sneakers for everyday style, walking shoes for getting where you’re going and dress sneakers for staying classy in the office. With so much to choose from, finding the best sneakers is hard work. But as enthusiasts of fashion (and shopping), we’re willing to do that hard work. Because as much as we love our loafers and boots, we’re willing to bet sneakers get the heaviest rotation in most guys’ wardrobes.
To find the best sneakers for men, we started with the classics. That means you’ll see icons like the Nike Air Force 1, Converse Chuck Taylor and Adidas Gazelle well represented on our list. And since there are always new sneaker releases, we can’t overlook hyped collaborations and limited releases. But for the most part, we’ve stuck with classic sneaks that you can wear day in and day out. These are the shoes that will be able to weather the mercurial winds of the sneaker industry.
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In addition to heavy hitters like Nike, Adidas and New Balance, we also included exciting new eco-friendly sneaker brands like Cariuma, low-key labels like Onitsuka Tiger and purpose-specific shoe brands like Brooks. In short, there should be something on this list for sneaker fans of every stripe (even if you’re the type of contrarian sneakerhead who prefers Nike checks over Adidas stripes).
With so many shoes on the market from which to choose, it can be difficult finding new kicks that fit your style. That’s why SPY has sifted through the options to bring you a curated list of the best men’s sneakers with different styles, prices and brands. From the coolest sneakers of the year to long-time favorites, we’ve narrowed down the best sneakers of 2022 to 27 total options.
No matter your style or budget, these are the best sneakers men need to know about in 2022.
1. Nike Air Force 1
BEST OVERALL
Take a look at any SPY sneaker round-up — from Most Comfortable Sneakers to Best White Sneakers — and you’ll find the Air Force 1. Nike Air Force 1’s is a classic sneaker that has been around for years with no plans of going out of style anytime soon. The Air Force 1 style can work with just about everything and still looks excellent and unique enough not to be mistaken for another pair of Stan Smiths.
Nike Air Force 1
Price: $141.99 (orig. $150.00) 5% OFF
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2. Converse Chuck Taylor All Star
BEST CANVAS SHOE
The Converse Chuck Taylor All Star is a sneaker that will always remain a wardrobe staple, no matter your age. The high-top sneaker has a clean and simple canvas silhouette that pairs well with any outfit. And no need to worry about taking good care of these shoes. It’s one pair of kicks that looks better with age. These will undoubtedly remain high on the list of best sneakers.
Converse Chuck Taylor
3. ASICS Gel-Kayano 14 JJJJound Silver White
SPONSORED
The aggressively sporty ASICS Gel-Kayano 14 has emerged as one of the trendiest sneakers of the moment, and this collaborative version was made with JJJound. JJJound is a design studio that began as a “digital moldboard,” and the brand has notched collaborations ranging from Dr. Martens to New Balance. Unsurprisingly, these shoes sold out quickly, but StockX has them in most sizes. The Gel-Kayano won’t be for everyone, but they’ll stand out for those in the know and fit in perfectly with the dad shoe trend.
Asics Gel Kayano x JJJound
4. Adidas Stan Smith
BEST TENNIS SHOE
The Stan Smith is one of the single most popular tennis shoes and one of the most iconic styles from Adidas. Modern tech has rendered this shoe useless for competitive tennis, but it remains at the top of the list for preferred men’s white sneakers. There is an all-white colorway available, but we like the pop of green on the heel that comes with these iconic kicks.
Adidas Stan Smith Sneaker
Price: $69.98 (orig. $85.00) 18% OFF
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5. New Balance 990 v5
BEST DAD SHOES
The dad shoe is no longer having a “moment.” It’s become fully integrated into sneaker culture. Chunky, simple kicks with low-key vibes and comfy soles are always a good look — and there’s still nobody who does it quite like New Balance. The 990 has been the dad shoe for decades now, and that doesn’t seem to be changing any time soon.
New Balance 990 v5
6. Vans Old Skool
MOST CLASSIC
For years, Vans has been known as the best men’s sneakers for skaters. But they’re just as comfy and stylish for everyday wear too. The Old Skool sneaker is one style by the brand that has remained a timeless staple in many wardrobes. They come in various colors and can upgrade any ordinary outfit — or go completely unnoticed. That’s what makes these such a staple. It’s entirely up to you.
Vans Old Skool
7. Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 2
RACE-DAY SHOE
Speaking of carbon plate shoes, the Vaporfly Next% remains the gold standard. It might not be the shoe you train in every day, but when you’re gearing up for a race (be it a 10K or a marathon), it’s the shoe you want to have ready to lace up.
Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 2
8. Adidas Originals Gazelle
BEST BASIC
There are a lot of classic sneakers on Adidas’ roster, and the Gazelle is one of the most timeless. They started as training shoes, and while you’re unlikely to see them on the pitch or in the gym, they offer reasonable comfort and support for a day spent on the move. They’re also the perfect antidote to trendy sneakers that are impossible to style; Gazelles will go with anything, from jeans to shorts and even dress pants.
Adidas Gazelle
Price: $57.27 (orig. $80.00) 28% OFF
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9. Nike Air Max 1
UPDATED CLASSIC
We’re big fans of white sneakers, but sometimes you want something with a little more personality. These new Air Max 1’s come in an Easter bunny-approved pastel colorway with pinks, blues and greens. The eye-catching colorway is grounded by the classic Air Max 1 silhouette, which was first released in 1987.
Nike Air Max 1
10. Salomon Beige & Orange XT-6 Skyline Sneakers
BEST FOR HIKING
Salomon has quickly gone from a niche outdoors brand to one of the trendiest sneaker brands of the past couple of years, and it’s in large part due to fashion’s current fascination with technical hiking gear. And the chunky sole and zig-zag paneling make these shoes look technical, but they won’t be out of place with a pair of cuffed jeans.
Salomon XT-6 Sneakers
11. Reebok Nano X2 Men’s Training Shoes
BEST FOR TRAINING
Reebok’s Nano X2 shoes are among the best-reviewed options among training shoes. The uppers are flexible and made from a knit material that makes it easy to stay comfortable during intense workouts, while the heel design is intended to keep you stable.
Reebok Nano X2 Trainers
12. Cariuma Catiba Off-White Vintage Gum/Black
BEST SUSTAINABLE SHOE
Cariuma is a relatively new brand in the crowded world of sneakers, but it stands out for its commitment to sustainability. The brand primarily uses natural materials and recycled plastic where necessary. Their low-top silhouettes are inspired by skate shoes, and these are specifically designed as skate shoes, with a board feel and traction for outstanding performance on the board.
Cariuma Vintage Gum/Black Sneakers
13. Nike Waffle One
RETRO MODERN
The Nike Waffle One is the perfect marriage of retro and modern. The sneakers have an old-school running silhouette but are upgraded with a transparent mesh upper and angular heel details. They’re available in a wide range of colors, too.
Nike Waffle One
14. Hoka Kawana
BEST SUPPORT
In addition to bright colors and logo-heavy designs, Hoka is identifiable by the thick cushioning their shoes provide. They have a breathable fabric upper that sits on top of a vibrant rubber sole. Whether you’re a runner, a walker or just like how they look, Hoka will keep you comfortable and supported.
Hoka Kawana
15. Ontisuka Tiger Sneaker
BEST THROWBACK
Onitsuka Tiger is a Japanese sneaker brand that, while fairly niche today, is instrumental to sneaker history. The brand was an inspiration for Blue Ribbon Sports, better known today as Nike. Onitsuka eventually became Asics, with Asics spinning Onitsuka into a lifestyle brand. The GSM is a stylish everyday shoe inspired by ’80s tennis shoes.
Onitsuka Tiger GSM Sneakers
16. Puma Rider Future Vintage Sneakers
BEST COLORS
Puma offers classic styles like the Clyde and Super Liga, but we’re excited to see their more offbeat silhouettes like the Rider Future, which has a sporty shape and vibrant colors. If the bright reds and blues are too busy, these shoes also come in neutral shades of gray and white.
Puma Rider Future Vintage
17. Rothys RSO1 Sneaker in Hunter
MINIMALIST STYLE
Rothys uses 3D printing to turn plastic bottles into sleekly designed shoes and sneakers. The company has used millions of bottles and 100 tons of ocean-bound marine plastic to manufacture stylish shoes, bags and accessories since its founding in 2015. The brand’s soon-to-be iconic RS01 sneaker includes great comfort details such as a terry lining, contoured footbed and a padded collar, not to mention they are ready to wear right out of the box. (Seriously, a few of our SPY editors have tried them, and we can’t get enough.) Best of all, you can toss them in the washing machine when they get dirty.
Rothys RSO1 Sneaker in Hunter
18. New Balance 990v3
BEST ON TREND
One of New Balance’s best-selling styles of sneakers is the 990v3. It’s so popular that we’ve seen the shoe take on new forms in several collaborations with JoeFreshGoods and Bodega. And if you couldn’t cop a pair of those limited edition styles, the footwear brand has you covered with their classic colorways. The shoe’s design is the perfect mix of style and comfort.
New Balance 990v3
19. Yeezy 500 Granite
BEST YEEZY
One of Kanye West’s dreams was to have his Yeezy sneakers widely available to the masses, and that’s just what he and Adidas are doing. Yeezy’s have become so popular that practically everyone is wearing them. One pair of sneakers people can’t get enough of are the 500s. We’ve seen this sneaker model produced in numerous colorways, but now we’re getting a taste of Granite. It features a charcoal color mesh upper with a similar suede and leather overlay. The shoe is one of the most comfortable to wear in its collection, sitting atop a comfortable adiPRENE+ midsole.
Yeezy 500 Granite
Price: Price varies by size
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20. Brooks Anthem 5
BUDGET RUNNING SHOE
Brooks makes running shoes for runners designed by runners. Their line is super diverse, catering to every conceivable running need you could have. They’re also making the best budget runners in the game these days, like the Anthem 5. It’s a shoe designed for road runs and comes in at under $100.
Brooks Anthem 5
21. Reebok Club C 85 Vintage
BEST TENNIS SHOES
You probably shouldn’t hit the clay in a pair of Reebok Club C 85s. But this is an excellent place to start if you’re going for the vibe of an old-school tennis pro at a 20th-century U.S. Open. The Club C has been a classic for years and isn’t going out of style soon. Plus, this pair comes in a cool pre-aged color, leaning into the vintage tennis vibes.
Reebok Club C 85
22. Nike Dunk Low
BEST LOWKEY FLEX
Nike brought the Dunk — a perfect sneaker — back in a big way in 2020, and their hot streak doesn’t seem to be stopping any time soon. Right now, the shoe occupies a sweet spot where enough colorways have been introduced that you don’t have to take out a second mortgage on your house to afford a pair, but they’re not so ubiquitous as to not feel special. There are countless Dunk colorways on sites like StockX, so get whatever you’re most comfortable with. If you ask us, it’s always best to stick to a simple one with collegiate color blocking, harkening back to the shoe’s origins as a college basketball staple.
Nike Dunk Low
23. Air Jordan 2 ‘Union’
BEST HIGHKEY FLEX
In 2017 Los Angeles sneaker boutique/streetwear hub Union released a couple of Air Jordan 1s that are now the stuff of sneaker legend. They got back to it last year with a killer lineup of 4s that also made plenty of noise. This year they’re all about the Air Jordan 2, a silhouette getting something of a reevaluation after years of being considered a lesser pair of Jordans. It’s a clean, classic colorway that goes with pretty much anything. It also shows folks that you know what you’re doing — you don’t own a pair of Union Air Jordans if you don’t at least sort of know your kicks.
Air Jordan 2 Union
24. Adidas Copa Nationale
SOCCER INSPIRED
A few years ago, Adidas dropped the Copa Nationale skate shoe. It’s a unique number that draws way more from European football aesthetics than traditional skate design. The result is a super fashionable pair of kicks that bridge the gap between the two. They’re functional on a board, but they also look cool.
Adidas Copa Nationale
25. Vionic Lucas Lace-Up Sneaker
SIMPLE STYLE
Every man needs at least one pair of all-white sneakers. If you don’t have some, consider getting Vionic’s Lucas sneakers. The leather shoe offers both style and comfort as it’s equipped with podiatrist-designed technology that provides substantial support to your feet to relieve any aches or pains. You’ll love these shoes for their versatility as they pair well with anything from sweatpants to jeans to khakis to suits.
Vionic Lucas Lace Up Sneaker
26. Reebok Zig Kinetica II Edge Shoes
FASHION STATEMENT
From Salomon to Hoka, we’re all about trail shoes these days; clearly, Reebok is too. These shoes have a unique, technical look and feature a Vibram Ecostep outsole for extra traction in all terrain, while the topographic design on the uppers brings adventure to mind.
Zig Kinetica II Edge Shoes
Price: $124.97 (orig. $135.00) 7% OFF
Buy Now
27. Adidas x Gucci Gazelle Sneakers
BEST COLLAB
Sneakerheads have been waiting a long time to see the results of the Adidas x Gucci collaboration, and it’s finally here. When the Gucci Gazelle sneakers first dropped in July 2022, we said that they brought the classic Gazelle to “colorful new heights,” and if you’re a fan of designer kicks or buzzy collabs, then we recommend ordering these sneakers while you still can. Personally, we prefer the blue colorway pictured below, but there’s also a hot pink option if you aren’t afraid of the Barbiecore fashion trend.
Adidas x Gucci Gazelle Sneakers
Updates: This article was last updated on September 3, 2022. At that time, we added additional purchase options for many of our top styles. We also added a new Sponsored option from Stock X, the newly trendy Asics Gel Kayano x JJJound. In addition, we added the Adidas x Gucci Gazelle sneakers for men. Finally, as environmentally friendly footwear becomes more popular, we added a new option from Cariuma, the popular Catima Gum Sneakers.
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1. Converse Unisex All Star '70s High Top
When we tested the Converse Chuck 70, we were impressed by how much of an improvement they were over the standard Chuck Taylor in terms of durability and design. They are more expensive, yes, but they represent a good value for what’s fundamentally a better shoe. Of course, we’ll always love the classic Converse, but if you want an upgraded take, pick up the Converse Chuck 70. The parchment colorway is a good bet.
Pros: Upgraded take on a classic style. Sturdy, thick canvas.
Cons: More expensive than standard Converse.
Buy: Converse Unisex All Star '70s High Top
2. adidas Originals Men's Stan Smith
This shoe has been a winning style for decades for a reason. It is a solid shoe that makes suits look sharper and jeans more modern. What makes this particular pair even more remarkable is the material. Adidas swapped leather for Primegreen, a proprietary blend of high-performance recycled materials. In fact, 50% of the upper is recycled content, with no virgin polyester. The iconic style doesn’t just look good; it does good too.
Pros: Recycled materials. Classic, versatile style that works with different outfits.
Cons: Uppers may be less durable than standard leather.
Buy: adidas Originals Men's Stan Smith
3. Vans Old Skool Core Classics
For years, Vans has been known as the best sneakers for skaters. But they’re just as comfy and stylish for everyday wear too. The Old Skool sneaker is one style by the brand that has remained a timeless staple in many wardrobes. They come in various colors and can upgrade any ordinary outfit — or go completely unnoticed. That’s what makes these such a staple. It’s entirely up to you.
Pros: Canvas with suede panels for added durability. Wide variety of color options.
Cons: Not as supportive as other options.
Buy: Vans Old Skool Core Classics
4. Gola Men's Low-Top Trainers
If you want to step out in sneakers that are a little different than the standard brands everyone sports, then consider Gola, a British brand that dates back to the early 1900s. For a pair of classic canvas and suede sneaks, pick up the Gola Badminton, named for what’s surprisingly a stylish sport (Jack Purcell, for one). The Gola Badminton is one of the best sneakers to have for all of your daily needs. It’s lightweight and comfortable, making them the perfect shoes for running errands or a casual day in the office.
Pros: Vintage style. Suede and canvas uppers
Cons: Some may feel that these are overly branded.
Buy: Gola Men's Low-Top Trainers
5. Puma Suede Classic XXI Mens Shoes
There’s something sophisticated about a suede shoe, but a suede sneaker? That’s extra stylish, because it’s the kind of thing you could see dressed up or worn while skateboarding. The Puma Suede leans into texture, with a soft upper and a ridged outsole. These classic sneakers have a 70’s inspired look, and would work great with a pair of faded 501s. Plus, they’re available in a range of colors.
Pros: Stylish suede finish. Classic brand. Variety of colors available.
Cons: Can run small.
Buy: Puma Suede Classic XXI Mens Shoes
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