10 Types of Men’s Sneakers, from Sports to Sneakers
Men’s sneakers can be casual or sporty, right? More or less, casuals, for example, can be subdivided into categories that may or may not please, depending on the person’s style, others, more focused on physical exercises, even fit into a business suit thanks to its discreet design.
It is right to separate into casual and sporting, as this defines the use of footwear, but we have some nuances within these concepts that call for more specific terms and help to better identify the types of men’s sneakers.
1 – Men’s Sport Sneakers / Performance
What are?
These are men’s sneakers aimed at physical activity. Generally these models have a lot of technology and ergonomics involved to offer the ultimate in comfort and performance.
How to recognize?
This category includes sneakers with soles for high impact and traction, technological fabrics, a lot of internal comfort and generally more extravagant design, often using strong colors.
Where to use?
At the gym, in the park and anywhere else you go to exercise or sport. The elaborate design is not recommended for casual outfits.
2 – Men’s Casual Shoes
What are
It is difficult to define men’s sneakers as casual, there are models with sports footprints that are, others have a more retro look, there are minimalist that are considered as well.
We can consider retro casuals, retro sports and other categories mentioned below as casual subcategories.
How to recognize?
As they include a large number of styles, they have varied characteristics, but generally have a simpler upper, without so many panels, soles without the need for traction or cushioning, that is, the suppression of sporting elements in favor of others that combine better with casual clothing.
Where to use?
Walk in general, occasions that do not require a formal shoe or athletic shoes. From going to the mall to the rock concert, they fit together on several occasions.
3 – Minimalist Men’s Sneakers
What are?
They are types of men’s sneakers with a very clean design, which becomes extremely discreet when in dark colors like navy, brown or black. The simple look makes it easy to combine, which has made these shoes gain strength among men who adore the idea of capsule wardrobe.
How to recognize?
Few colors, clean leather with almost no cutouts and seams, soles of adequate thickness, neither too thin nor too thick. It can be tie, velcro or slip on type. Their success started with those made of leather or canvas in white, but little by little other colors are arriving, generally neutral, such as brown, beige, navy and gray.
Where to use?
At any time, even more than a few years since men have gotten used to the idea of combining them with tailoring, this combo takes sneakers even to slightly more sophisticated environments, but make no mistake, the social shoe is still the rule on some occasions.
4 – Men’s Retro Sport Sneakers
What are?
They are casual models at their core or sports inspired, but ended up becoming casual over time. That old shoe face guarantees the charm and personality of the shoe and makes it suitable to go with jeans or even chinos in some cases.
How to recognize?
It has a thicker sole, often with sporty stripes and a slightly stronger color mix, as well as slightly more sturdy and comfortable soles.
Where to use?
Very casual environments, where a relaxed and stylish outfit is welcome. Many of the models adored today by brands like Vans, New Balance and Adidas can be considered retro
5 – Retro Casual Men’s Sneakers
What are?
They also look like tennis shoes of the past (60s, 70s and 80s, preferably) they have less sports elements *, they are better behaved and they combine easily, especially when they have neutral colors.
* Note: almost all tennis has something sporting, since most were born on the courts or fields, the Chucks and Vans, now considered casual, are a proof of that.
How to recognize?
Less stout than retro sports cars, they have a simple leather upper that can be made of leather, canvas or nylon, but rarely mixing many panels and materials and only one shoe.
Where to use?
Anywhere that doesn’t ask for a formal dress code or a casual business style. It has little structure for sport, so it is not a good choice for gym or jogging.
6 – Male Sneakers / Ankle Sneakers
Which is?
The term abotinado is somewhat ambiguous, some use it for any sneakers that have a high heel, others refer specifically to the sneaker with a boot face, that is, leather and a little more full-bodied.
How to recognize?
Ankle sneaker refers to the upper of the shoe that is at ankle height, and may be a little taller or shorter. It is very common to have casual or sports ankle sneakers
Where to use?
If it is a Chuck Taylor All Star sneaker , you can wear it in any situation that allows casual stripped clothes, while the stiffer models, like the leather sneakers signed by basketball stars or the skateboard classics can ask for something even younger and with a sporty touch, but it will depend a lot on the look of the piece, as I said, this term is very comprehensive.
7 – Men’s Sneakers Dad Sneakers / Ugly Sneakers
What are?
Very in vogue in recent years, they have that style of sports sneakers that was very successful in the mid-90s and ended up being relegated to uncle shoes when it went out of fashion, hence the nickname “dad sneakers”.
How to reconnect?
Stout, with thick soles, with several leather, nylon and canvas panels overlaid and a color scheme of dubious taste, he was recently adopted by those who like to play the modern, but let’s be frank, they are horrible, no wonder which are also known as ugly sneakers!
Where to use?
Nowhere!
8 – Men’s Hiking Shoes
What are?
They are sneakers designed to keep your feet comfortable and at the same time be resistant, with good traction, allowing you to face any type of terrain, some are even waterproof.
How to recognize?
The look flirts with the sporty and the utility / workwear, soles with good grip on the ground is also another appreciated feature. Leather can be made of a variety of materials combined, but leather and nylon are the most common.
Where to use?
Well, the name says a lot, but in addition to hiking, the hiking sneaker, due to its resistant, adherent and comfortable character, is ideal for use in nature, especially when they are waterproof, as they protect you from shallow puddles and streams.
9 – Shoes
Which is?
Much criticized by some, it has its staunch fans. It is a bad shoe that had good marketing, where the men were convinced that it was an ideal shoe for any occasion, but we know it is the opposite of that!
How to identify?
Low-soled, with no imposing leather and full of details of dubious taste. Expect to find zippers that are useless and eyelets in absurd places, sometimes even a Velcro does not help to close anything. Colors (can have more than one) are usually neutral.
Where to use?
Nowhere! Go look for cool casual sneakers.
10 – Mule sneakers
Which is?
What was it, did you think hell didn’t have a basement? That after the ugly sneaker and the sneaker there was nothing left? For here we have a pair of amalgamated shoes with a slipper, that is, a sneaker that can be carried away by the flood, as there is nothing that holds you to your feet. Mule sneakers are as meaningless as shoes that bear the same name, but a millionth less ugly, because you can’t be worse than a horsebit loafer that is actually a slipper.
Where to use?
Nowhere! Look for a decent sandal.
