Stylish Men’s Sneakers For Spring 2024
With a change in temperature comes a change in wardrobe. It’s a tad premature to say we’re done with salted sidewalks and mandatory thermal boots, but the recent spell of a sunshine has us cautiously optimistic. Plus, Canada’s furry clairvoyants — Shubenacadie Sam of Nova Scotia, Fred la Marmotte du Quebec, and Ontario’s Wiarton Willie — all predicted an early spring on February 2nd. Given those foolproof odds, we’ll run with it: spring is coming, and men’s sneakers are trendier than ever. So, which kicks will make the cut?
Dress-Casual Footwear
The 2020s, among other things, have brought a wave of flexible workspaces. Thanks to hybrid and remote schedules, less consumers shop with a strict, office-ready dress code in mind. There’s still plenty of incentive to dress your best, to be sure, but modern designers embrace the full spectrum between casual and formal. Whether you opt for a pair of leather lace-ups or rubber-soled loafers, rest assured that Harry Rosen has you covered.
ZEGNA Triple Stitch Secondskin Leather Sneakers
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Meet the Triple Stitch — a snaker, that is almost trying to mask its casual nature. The shoes cut a sharp silhouette, with laser cut panels and laces tucked behind a sleek embossed logo. Expert materials elevate ZEGNA’s refined take on footwear, well-suited to dressier occasions. SECONDSKIN leather captures the essence of versatility; unique to the brand, this type of leather is just 0.8 millimetres thick. Smooth and soft, the lightweight leather evades creasing to retain its full-bodied character over time.
Tod’s Mocassino Cassetta Suede Hybrid Penny Sneakers
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Not quite a pair of loafers but still far from trainers, Tod’s Hybrid Penny Sneakers fill a much needed space in the market. Rubber soles feature embossed pebbles to maximize durability, while a luxurious leather lining and suede upper easily acclimate to upscale settings.
Lace-Up Sneakers, Styled for Streetwear
While sneakers will always have a ‘function-first’ reputation, a quick flip through the fashion archives reveals one-time staples like the Nike Air Force 1 and Adidas Stan Smith, both integral to 2010s style. The entire sneakerhead subculture that traces the evolution of footwear with cult-like devotion and these days it feels like that once-niche cult status has blown out to full fledged culture movement. Designers have taken notice, catering to the hype-minded crowd with vibrant palettes and futuristic craftsmanship.
Prada Downtown Leather Sneakers
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We picked red, but Prada’s Downtown Leather Sneakers have conquered the whole colour spectrum. Signature embossed logos shine on the soles, heel, and tongue while a flashy enamel triangle pops on the glossy right side. A lightweight box sole keeps the sneakers fresh, while the black and red colour scheme is well-suited for streetwear. ($1450)
TOM FORD Mixed Material Neoprene Jago Sock Sneakers
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Tom Ford subverts expectations with the Jago Sock Men’s Sneakers, opting for an athletic-inspired silhouette instead of the chunky cut we typically see on the sidewalk. Tabs make the shoes an easy fit, with a soft insole and grosgrain heel strap for support. ($1240)
Balmain B-Court Mixed Media Trainers
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Balmain pulled out all the stops for the B Court Trainer, featuring leather lining and double lace fastening. A mix of shiny black, off-white, and graphite, these sneakers can easily adapt to any outfit. The low-top silhouette and rubber outsoles embrace a mix of street-style and timeless durability. ($995)
Vintage-Inspired Kicks
Nostalgia is one of the few reliable themes of the 2020s — 80s synths ride the radio waves, loose-fitting streetwear leans into 90s grunge, and we can’t even count how many sitcoms of the early-aughts received a reboot on streaming. Footwear is no different; stroll into any outlet, and you’ll find shelves are stocked with retro-inspired sneakers. From chunky New Balances to classic BOSS trainers, here are our favourite vintage shoes.
Autry Medalist Two-Tone Washed Goatskin Sneakers
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If there’s any brand that exemplifies ‘modern vintage,’ it’s Autry. Founded in Dallas circa 1982, Autry gained worldwide recognition for its technology, including the CLC (counter-lock-cord) ankle support system. Autry’s founder passed in 2009, however, the brand took a hiatus. It wasn’t until 2019 that a group of friends, nostalgic for the footwear brand, teamed up to revive Autry. The new Medalist returns with Autry’s iconic logo-flag pairing, refreshed by a retro-inspired design and cream-coloured soles. They earned the endorsement of tennis legend Bob Lutz, and immediately brought Autry back to the world stage. ($375)
New Balance 9060 Sneakers
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The New Balance 9060 Men’s Sneakers are to the 00s what Autry was to the 80s — ubiquitous and recognizable, with designs that could only come from their respective decades. Diamond outsoles provide an extra cushion-y step, while a mesh-supper overlays make for a sturdy, yet lightweight fit. The 9060s sport a wavy, maximalist design, recalling a nostalgic, Y2K-era vision of the future. ($185)
BOSS Brandon Suede Tennis Trainers
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These low-top lace-ups by BOSS offer a slightly understated take on tennis shoes with ultra flat soles. A leather lining and suede upper recalls the material quality of a bygone era, when items were made-to-measure and built to last. Meanwhile, the slim silhouette is reminiscent of the well-tailored apparel that BOSS is known for. ($248)
Elevated & Athletic Sneakers
Exercise habits tend to flow with seasons, too: some joggers white-knuckle their way through icy winds and near-slips, while others migrate indoors, abandoning snowy streets for the comfort of a treadmill. When the sun finally peaks out of the clouds, though, heavy-duty track shoes get their fair share of mileage. This year sees innovative functions in outdoor gear, with soft-but-supportive soles and durable treads to see you through everything from rain to mud.
Salomon XT-6 Men’s Sneakers
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Wedged between trendy and timeless, Salomon XT-6 sneakers walk a tightrope as if it’s a treadmill. Breathable sublimated mesh and plush EVA construction makes the XT-6 an ideal choice for distance runners. They also carry endorsements from top athletes including French trail-running champion François D’haene and South African endurance racer Ryan Sandes. ($240)
On Cloud 5 Waterproof Running Shoes
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The Swiss sporting brand has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years, boasting a high-profile endorsement from Roger Federer. Wind-and-waterproof, the elements are no match for these antimicrobial low-tops. Despite their durability, these shoes are surprisingly lightweight. Aesthetically, Swiss engineering spins recycled material into a simple design. ($200)
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