The Season's Best Sneakers

Blaze Ignites, $95 by Puma Select

September 8, 2016

In 2016, when sport-influenced styles and the overall acceptance of athleisure has hit an all-time high, you hardly need an excuse to get yourself some new kicks. Especially as we head into fall, a time that's historically been about buying new shoes for school. Besides, there's plenty of occasions that call for fresh sneakers—from tailgating and playing a game of two-hand touch, to pulling on new gum-soled styles for kicking around. And while there are countless options out there, we've narrowed down your options to a few of best you can buy right now.

Keep 'Em Clean

Keep your footwear in top condition with the sneakerhead's favorite cleaning kit ($16 by Jason Markk). The cleansing solution is a gentle but effective stain-remover and will also condition leather.

Blaze Ignites, $95 by Puma Select

Minimal

For the past couple of years, every man's wardrobe has required at least one pair of simple, monochromatic kicks. From the gold standard Common Projects, to simpler versions by Nike or Native, wear these with jeans, chinos and even your best office-appropriate pants.

Court suede sneakers, $375 by Common Projects

Court suede sneakers, $375
by Common Projects

Greats, $159

Nike, $85

Native, $75

Jack & Jones, $105

SeaVees, $108

Athletic

Whether you're wearing these to the gym or just pulling them on to run around town on the weekend, these performance-based sneakers will offer support and the utmost comfort thanks to such uniquely modern materials as nylon mesh knits, laser-welded seams and cushy foam soles.

Nike, $150

Adidas, $130

New Balance, $119.99

Athletic Propulsion Labs, $160

Puma Select, $95

Allbirds, $95

Gum Soled

The gum sole is a old school look from the 1970s that's come back into fashion this fall. Made from a more natural rubber, the soles are typically brown or tan in color and they tend to be softer, springier and grippier than the white rubber you're used to.