The 12 Best Sneakers Brands for Men

Does anyone need to sell a sneaker-buying person on Nike? Probably not. But we’ll make the case anyway. Nike general leads the sneaker producer pack when it comes to new silhouettes, colorways, and otherwise dictating sneaker trends. That’s in part because the behemoth of a brand has is everywhere: on the track, on the field, in the gym, and on the street. For cool sneakers, we’re coming here first.

It is no secret that Esquire editors love New Balance sneakers. We love the Made in USAs. We love the 990s and the 550s, the Fresh Foams and the 574s. We love seeing how they’re made, the materials they’re made with, and the longevity they keep after month upon month of wear. Come here for high-quality comfortable sneakers that are worth every penny every time.

Reebok sneakers are always low-key, and that’s exactly why we love ’em. They’re easy to wear and usually pretty cheap. They’re the ideal everyday kinda sneaker, and the Vintage Club Cs will be the (off-)white sneaker hill I die on.

Come to Asics for the running shoes that won’t give you shin splints (we’re going Gel-Kayano or Novablast) and stay for the sportstyle sneakers that are your wardrobe’s best travel partner. They are techy and comfortable, a bit edgier and more maximal. Asics Gel-NYCs are a very good sneaker buy, if you’re looking for something that feels fun for everyday.

Saucony has been quietly releasing sneakers that are extremely cool and very under the radar. Saucony, too, is a running brand, and coming here for an athletic shoe is 10/10 smart. But don’t sleep on the less athletic runners, too: Saucony’s Shadow 5000 and ProGrid Omnis are killer.

We’re coming to Hoka for comfort above all else. Whether that’s a hyper-cushioned Bondi or Clifton (two of our favorites for walking and recovery), a speedy Mafate, or a recovery slide for padding around the house, we trust Hokas to be gentle on our aching, aging feet.

If there’s one thing I respect about Salomon, it’s that they have absolutely leaned into the way street style has taken them. I’ve seen many a meme about how your $200 Salomon trail shoes and Carhartt WIP jacket hold up going to a coffee shop in Brooklyn. But Salomon embraces it. The sportstyle line is stronger than ever. Come here for waterproof shoes that don’t feel dorky.

Adidas has been going hard on its casual everyday sneaker takes, and though we are missing the 2025 Ultraboost-level running sneakers, we’ll take what we can get. The Samba is as strong as ever, but we’re leaning into other styles that are just as wearable but not as popular, like the Handball Spezial. Get a pair in navy, forest green, or dark brown to be On Trend this fall.

Ah, Vans: the flat, sticky sneaker for skaters and beyond. Vans are not precious, never built to be precious, and that’s what we love about them the most. They are simple, varying in colors and fabrics but not much else, really made to be worn and worn well. At prices rarely going over $100, they’re a budget-friendly staple.

Converse sneakers were once an on-court style that have since been, (thankfully, lovingly) replaced by more responsive and less insanely flat shoes. But Converse themselves have staying power, even if you won’t catch us jumping in them any time soon. If you’re a real Converse guy, you can easily go for a fun color—the brand is always dropping those—but we also can’t recommend a simple high-top white or black Chuck Taylor enough. And if you want to level up but still maintain its low-key appeal, go for a white leather instead of canvas.

Maison Margiela is a King of luxury sneakers, and you bet we’re specifically talking about the Replicas. The German army trainers are becoming a whole sneaker genre unto themselves, but the Replica does the sneaker particularly well. The materials and construction are unmatched. And you can get ’em in cool color combinations for a quite (or not) flex.

Usually luxury sneakers can be a bit…gaudy. Overdone. Trying to hard. Saint Laurent is none of the above. I think it’s because it never tries to do too much, letting the insanely good material quality and construction speak for itself. If you’re looking for a luxe sneaker that feels modest—the kind you really gotta look at to appreciate—this is it.