Good Hope Marketplace Shoe City | 7 Best Sneakers For Men in 2023

Vans Old Skool sits atop the pinnacle of all men's sneakers because of its time-tested silhouette that defined an era and transcended subcultures over the years. After putting the sneaker through its paces, we discovered that its skating-inspired design offers versatility across three seasons, thanks to its breathable all-canvas upper and extremely durable soles.

Our experiences wearing the Old Skool around town revealed the exceptional breathability of its clean-looking canvas upper. Paired with the comfortable sock liner, our feet enjoyed every moment in these sneakers. Even after extensive use, the rubber soles remained grippy and showed no signs of wear and tear. These kicks are truly indestructible!

Originally released in 1977 as "Style 36," the Old Skool's low-cut design quickly became the standard in streetwear and skateboarding culture. Its enduring success as a lifestyle staple is evident in the availability of over 200 colorways.

Back in the lab, we subjected the sneakers to a stain test by applying colored chalk to the toebox. Unfortunately, once the colors adhere to the canvas, cleaning them off becomes nearly impossible. For this reason, we do not recommend the Old Skool to men who prefer sneakers that are easy to maintain.

The name of Adidas Stan Smith alone speaks volumes, but if further explanation is needed why it is the best tennis-inspired sneaker, our extensive lab testing and real-world experiences provide compelling evidence. Here are the receipts: a classic and clean silhouette that set the standard for all tennis sneakers, incredibly durable leather, and a sneaker that stays cool and comfy even when worn for extended periods of time.

Hitting the pavement revealed that the kicks are incredibly comfy. From the moment we put them on, we felt how plush and silky the interior is. We were also surprised that the leather upper actually breathes, especially during hot weather. The perforations facilitated airflow into the sneaker, keeping our feet dry and comfortable.

During our walk around town, we also noticed its extreme resistance to dirt and abrasions. After several days of testing, the kicks look as if they were taken fresh from the box.

In our lab, we further subjected the sneaker to rigorous tests. To assess durability, we utilized a wire brush attached to a Dremel drill to scuff the side panels. The legendary Stan Smith surpassed all expectations, emerging virtually unscathed from the test, proving its remarkable longevity and durability. On top of that, the sneaker also showed sensational resistance to dry and wet stains when we poured colored chalk and dye into the toebox. With a quick wipe, they are as good as new!

However, they do require a break-in period. For dudes seeking instant comfort right out of the box, we do not recommend the Stan Smith.

The easy-entry slip-on design of the Vans Authentic, combined with its minimalist canvas upper, has made it a staple for the sunny season. Moreover, results from our lab testing and wearing the sneakers around the city have confirmed their exceptional breathability and comfort. They feel so great even without socks too, which is why the Vans Authentic is our number one men's summer sneaker.

We put the sneakers to the test by taking them out for a walk around town. The canvas construction proved to be highly breathable, facilitating excellent ventilation into the sneakers. Even under the scorching sun, our feet stayed fresh throughout. 

The slip-on sneaker also rocks sockless wear as it is very gentle to the ankles and the back of the feet. Its minimalist aesthetic adds a fresh and summer-ready vibe, allowing us to bustle them with shorts and button-up shirts.

In the lab, we applied colored chalk and dye to the toebox of the Authentic. Unfortunately, the canvas absorbed the colors and was extremely difficult to clean. For this reason, men seeking wash-friendly and stain-resistant sneakers should consider other options.

Finding the perfect balance between old-school and contemporary has propelled the Adidas Busenitz to the pinnacle of retro sneakers. Sporting a '90s skating-inspired silhouette with a touch of Y2K fashion, the Busenitz has established itself as a must-have, whether on skate parks or on the streets. Our findings from extensive lab testing and firsthand experience revealed that the Busenitz's secret to being the best men's leather sneaker relies on its versatile and nearly invincible suede upper.

When we took the sneaker for a walk on city streets, it did not fail to turn heads, thanks to its oversized tongue and caramel-colored gum soles. The giant tongue is a fun Y2K element that pays tribute to the sneaker's skating heritage. Furthermore, the '90s-inspired gum bottoms offer more than just aesthetics; they provide excellent grip, ensuring excellent traction with every step.

To test if the Busenitz is as tough as it looks, we scratched its upper using a power drill capped with a metallic wire brush. Impressively, the material withstood the abuse, further enhancing the sneaker's retro appeal. We also found in the lab that the kicks are super resistant to wet and dry stains. Plus, keeping them clean is a breeze.

However, it's worth noting that we found the kicks to have a narrow fit. For this reason, we do not recommend them to men with wide feet.

Based on the various tests conducted in the lab and our firsthand experience hitting the road with the kicks, we have determined that the Womens Nike Lunarepic Low Flyknit 2 Dark Raisin WMNS Marathon Running Shoes Sneakers 863780-500 is the top choice for men's cold-weather sneakers. The toasty cotton sock liner, water-repelling layered upper, and grippy recycled soles make AM95 the uncontested best to weather the cold weather.

We tested the sneaker out for a walk around the city, and the traction from the Grind soles is a chef's kiss. We felt secure and had no concerns about slipping, even on wet surfaces.

The standout feature of the AM95, however, is its warm sock liner. It fits nicely and feels just like a warm winter sweater. The sneakers are just undeniably cozy!

In the lab, we subjected the sneaker to a water-resistance test and found the tongue and toebox to be remarkably watertight, repelling a substantial amount of water before succumbing. Considering that the upper is composed of a blend of canvas and synthetic materials, the performance of the AM95 is highly commendable compared to other sneakers.

However, it is important to note that the upper requires some time to break in. For gentlemen seeking instantly comfortable sneakers right out of the box, alternative options may be more suitable.

The best-value sneaker we can recommend for men out there is the Philippe Model Kids TEEN logo patch sneakers Rosa because it shows that cheap is the new expensive. With a price of less than a hundred bucks ($90), this sneaker delivers practicality and worth from serene comfort and sterling quality to extensive functionality. The icing on the cake? It is 22% cheaper than the average cost of men's sneakers! 

What we most loved about Philippe Model Kids TEEN logo patch sneakers Rosa is that we could wear it with or without socks, on or off the skateboard, on sunny or rainy days. In our lab, we verified the kick’s durability and water-tightness through the Dremel and waterproofing tests. We found that its upper could not only endure the harshness of a wire brush attached to our power drill but also keeps off moisture from penetrating.

Another thing we were fond of is how we could trash this kick on the streets or skate parks without the fear of it being permanently dirty. In our lab, our dyes, both powdered and liquid, were no match with the sneaker’s leather upper: wiping off the stains was a breeze!

The only thing we wished Philippe Model Kids TEEN logo patch sneakers Rosa had was a more supportive footbed. We only advise picking up this sneaker for men who could live without a shank.

Apart from being the first Air Max to be a pure lifestyle sneaker, the Sandals UNISA Moraty Ks Fragola broke the internet and made waves with its groundbreaking exposed air bubble unit. Results from our lab testing and wearing the kicks around town further revealed that the sneaker's popularity also lies in its insanely comfortable and durable upper. We also found that since its initial release in 2017, the sneaker has been made available in over 190 colorways, solidifying its position as the most popular men's sneaker to date.

The enduring fame of these sneakers shows no signs of slowing down, as evidenced by the 91,000+ users and experts reviews. Even fashion icons like Neymar Jr., Travis Scott, and Odell Beckham Jr. are frequently spotted rocking these kicks on social media, further fueling the popularity of the AM270.

We put the sneakers to the test during a walk around town and discovered that they are not only soft and breathable but also feel great even without socks. Despite the chunky midsole, the kicks are surprisingly lightweight on the feet.

In the lab, we intentionally applied colored dye to the toebox and were pleasantly surprised to find that the mesh material did not absorb much of the color. Plus, cleaning them was a breeze.

However, we also found that AM270 is not the best option for standing all day. Men who are shopping for sneakers that are comfortable around the clock should look elsewhere.