Style Roundup: 10 Retro Sneakers for Guys
For work, for play, and everything in between
By Gabi Meyers
In this month’s spring style guide, we shared how retro sneakers for guys are a great upgrade this season. So I thought I’d round up my favorite pairs that you can wear to the office (depending on the dress code, of course) and on the weekend – all while looking super stylish and put together.
Whatever you do, don’t call them “gym shoes” because you will not be working out in these…you’ll be working it (ha! see what I did there? I’m so sassy..)
Below, our 10 favorite retro sneakers for guys this spring:
1. Vans, $70
SG Says: The retro sneaker of the season. Vans Old Skools came back into style last year and it doesn’t look like they’re going anywhere anytime soon. These are the classic black and white low-tops, though we like the checkerboard version, too, if you feel like you can pull them off.
2. Nike, $110
SG Says: On a recent podcast, Megan talked about her love of Air Max 90s, and seeing the above, I’ve gotta say—I get it. The black/white/red and blue colorway offers that dad sneaker vibe that’s so in right now, while the air-cushioned footbed is signature Nike.
3. Converse, $75
SG Says: The real deal. Retro and a classic, all in one shoe. I also like how these Converse One Stars in suede feel a little dressier than their canvas counterpart. And that color? Well, you know how we feel about yellow.
4. Puma, $130
SG Says: Another “dad sneaker” that looks totally fresh and current.
5. Nike, $95
SG Says: Another nod to the dad shoe movement. Don’t think they’re your style? Just try them on, I beg you. They’re so, so sharp and make every guy look at least a couple percentage points cooler. These Air Span II sneakers were recently re-released in the original colorway just in time for their 30th anniversary, cementing their throwback vibe as totally legit.
6. Puma, $95
SG Says: An update on a classic, the Puma shoe we all had in seventh grade is cool again. I like the bolder colors, but you can always opt for something more neutral for a “wear with everything” kind of shoe.
7. Veja, $120
SG Says: We love Veja. Partnered with the Ateliers Sans Frontières project in France, the brand supports citizens’ reintegration into society through work. They also use ecologically tanned leather, organic cotton, and wild rubber from the Amazon, so that each piece not only makes a stylish, classic statement, but also embodies thoughtful production, fair pay, and good working conditions. All that, and the shoes look très cool.
8. New Balance, $185
SG Says: The OG dad sneaker. What more can I say?
9. Vans, $60
SG Says: Yep, more Vans. This season, Old Skools are rolling out in every color in the rainbow, it seems (Urban Outfitters is saying they’re pink, though they look much more peachy to us). If you’re worried about looking like a walking meme in the black and white or checkerboard pairs, these look more grown up and sophisticated with their more muted color palette and suede overlays. Still cool, though. Promise.
10. Tretorn x Andre 3000, $110
SG Says: This very cool capsule collection collab from Tretorn and Andre 3000 (yep, I never thought I’d be typing that combo either) comes in several different colorways, and at the risk of sounding unhelpful, I like them all. Sorry.
TELL ME:
WHICH OF THESE SNEAKERS BEST SUITS YOUR STYLE?
And if you haven’t already, be sure to sign up for SG in your inbox!
The Nike skateboarding ones are close to the ones I have that I mentioned in your video post yesterday. And mine are grey too 🙂 I was never a fan of the bulky bright sneakers, even as a kid and teenager I when more for plain black or white.
Nice!!
A good plimsoll (not to be confused with seminal New Wave band the Plimsouls) belongs in everyone’s wardrobe. Jack Purcells are a fave of mine. The ‘smile’ on the toe is fun.
The only ones of those that I would wear would be the Lacostes or the Chucks. I like the New Balance but they are way to “gym shoe-y” and less “sneaker-y”. Personally I struggle a lot with sneakers. I basically never wear them except for when I’m actually exercising. I do have a a pair of Onitsuka’s that I like (similar to these http://www.zappos.com/onitsuka-tiger-by-asics-ultimate-81-green-white, but I think mine are green on green) but I just struggle finding something to wear with them that I like.
Love the Vans and the Jack Purcells, and I’ve been hunting for a fun sneaker like the Air Max 90 and New Balance 998. Also on the retro note, I think the Asics Gel-Lyte IIIs look really slick in a clean colourway.
Good call, Jared!
I’m a big fan of Adidas and was wondering what you think of these?
http://www.dsw.com/shoe/adidas+neo+se+daily+sneaker+-+mens?prodId=206457&productRef=SEARCH
Also you can’t go wrong with Vans or Converse.
If I wore sneakers, I would rock those. Grey keeps it understated so you don’t look like Beiber in high top J’s.
I like those! Very clean and streamlined. Stylish, but not taking up too much attention.
And agreed – you really can’t go wrong with Vans or Converse!
I’ve had those #4 Vans bookmarked for almost three weeks with my mouse hovering over the buy button. Considering I have SG’s approval, I guess it’s time to actually click the button.
The #6 Puma reminds me of green and yellow Adidas shoes I had a couple of years ago. Because of them, I was accused over and over of being a Green Bay Packers fan, which is totally acceptable if you’re from Wisconsin like our style recommender-in-chief, Megan, but that’s not a complement for a Broncos fan.
Let us know when you’ve pulled the trigger, Andrew!
I would love to wear pair #1. So classy. But #3 is cool too. Choices are based on how the shoes appeal to me.. I would not like to own more than 2 pairs, so that’s it.
I love the Jack Purcell’s!! I have a few pairs. I also like to wear Adidas superstars…goes great with a lot of things!
I vote for #3 – if they are as comfortable as they are smart looking, you can’t go wrong!
It seems like I always criticize your sneaker choices, but I kind of have to! I love your advice and perspective, but I don’t think we will ever see eye to eye on sneakers.
Keds? Keds are old lady shoes. Sorry, I have to say it.
Second in line for that honor are the canvas Vans (4) that pretty much look just like them. Vans has made so many cool, classic shoes that I wish they’d toss this design away and bring something better back. Growing up with Vans, they used to be kind of edgy. These Vans are made for your Grandpa and match your Grandma’s Keds perfectly.
Converse? Heck yeah. Nubuck? FML. Seriously? If you’re going to wear Converse, own it. Canvas all the way, all day long. Don’t hide behind the gimmicky ones!
Nikes 5 & 6…. I don’t even know where to begin there. But I bet Nike 10’s are very popular in middle schools across America.
I already ranted on New Balance in a previous post, my mind hasn’t been changed.
Lacoste’s not my thing, but I like that style of sneaker. If someone wants a similar style not involving reptiles on the side I’d suggest checking out Merrell Evo Rants which are similar.
Puma’s and Vans 9… approval!
hahaha
The one sneaker aside from Chuck’s that I could wear for the rest of my life are Adidas Superstar 2’s. So many different combinations of materials and colors, you can get a lot of different looks and they’re very comfortable. Just don’t get them in white…