It is now a fact: elegant men’s sneakers exist, indeed. Give the green light to sneakers if you are invited to a wedding, if you have to attend a formal dinner, a gala event, and, why not, a romantic date. Even in the business sector, sneakers are doing great, displayed during office meetings, business trips, or to make an impression at a job interview. All important occasions that require not only a certain preparation, but at the same time a refined outfit. And if one is not always willing to give in to the rigor of a structured head-to-toe ensemble, with a pair of elegant men’s sneakers you can embody the ideal compromise, the ace up your sleeve to combine style and practicality.
Beige elegant sneakers from Kenzo Menswear Spring/Summer 2024Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images
The essential thing is to select them carefully following some golden rules, with the aim of avoiding mistakes and fashionista reprimands. How to choose the best models to hit the mark? First of all, focus decisively on the color palette, which should be as neutral as possible: four ecumenical shades such as white, blue, beige, and black are enough. It’s better to avoid bright panels, disruptive applications, and intrusive graphics, preferring without hesitation clean and simple silhouettes, with soles in matching tones and tone-on-tone laces. Because sometimes to make it to the list of the best sneakers overall it’s better to lower the volume. In short, less is more should be your mantra.
White sneakers are the perfect touch to update a formal outfit
Han Myung-Gu
White men’s sneakers, worn with nonchalance even far from strictly sporting contexts (think Wimbledon, where the all-white look is mandatory), are a smart and easy exit strategy to refresh formal outfits that include suits and tailored pants. The South Korean actor Park Bo-Gum, for example, perfectly demonstrates the final payoff of this happy combo. Among the available variations of white sneakers, the all-white version triumphs without interruption, with the upper in total white, without any frills. The smartest shapes for elegant white men’s sneakers include round toes and brushed shapes: from the classic Stan Smith to the high canvas Converse, they work perfectly with both slim fits and soft, flowing volumes.
Elegant white sneakers to put on your list
Common Projects Original Achilles
They are called Original Achilles Low and are of exquisite Italian craftsmanship. Common Projects has managed to create the one and only pair of elegant sneakers with a capital E. Solid color leather upper, flat laces, tone-on-tone tongue, padded collar, and reinforced heel. Plus, lovely details of an intellectual shoe, the model code printed in gold on the outside and the leather lining and insole. Find them on Mr.Porter for 390 euros.
€390 – BUY ON MR.PORTER
Converse CTAS High
Their coolness is indisputable. The high white All Star sneakers from Converse have a durable canvas upper for the classic Chuck look, OrthoLite cushioning for optimal comfort, and, no less important, Chuck Taylor’s iconic ankle patch and All Star badge. Try them on so you won’t leave them on Footlocker at 74.99 euros.
€74.99 – BUY ON FOOTLOCKER
Diadora Magic Basket Low Icona
The Diadora Magic Basket Low Icona shoes are among the must-have old-school models, with a basketball DNA, but with a timeless sporty style perfect for any occasion. Made of leather with suede inserts, they are characterized by the special Wax processing, for an even more authentic effect that prevents breakage, ensuring quality and robustness. On Amazon for 69 euros instead of 100.
€69 – BUY ON AMAZON
Blue sneakers. See: impeccable
Neil Mockford
If we talk about timeless rigor and elegance, blue is absolutely a color that cannot be questioned. An evergreen in formal occasions, especially during the daytime, it proves to be the right choice, to be chosen with complete confidence. If even a tough guy like Jason Statham, accustomed to leather jackets and cargo pants, proudly shows up in a total blue look, including elegant sneakers, it must mean something. A contrast white sole, or in tonal nuances, the blue sneakers that rightfully move to the dressed segment of the wardrobe prefer premium materials like leather, nappa, and suede. As for mesh and technical fabrics, trust us, better leave them for workout sessions.
A trio of elegant blue men’s sneakers to grab on the go
Clarks Costa Lace
The responsibly certified Clarks lace-up leather sneakers have all the requirements to make a strong impact on daily looks (and beyond): smooth upper, tone-on-tone laces, low EVA white sole, durable and resistant. On Amazon on sale for 69.90€, instead of 110€.
€69.90 – BUY ON AMAZON
Nike Revolution 6
If comfort is the key to a successful run, the Nike Revolution 6 sneakers offer cushioning and flexibility with each step, adding a dynamic and agile style to even the most “stiff” looks. On AboutYou for 57.90€ instead of 64.90.
€57.90 – BUY ON ABOUT YOU
Brunello Cucinelli
The best elegant beige sneakers for men, the neutral that conquers
Ivan Romano/Getty Images
Ludovico Tersigni teaches us that the white and beige combo always works, sneakers included. That’s why in choosing the next elegant men’s shoes those in the natural tones of browns create an intelligent continuity between five-pocket pants and a flattering lengthening effect. Branded beige sneakers, sneakers with matching soles or with uppers molded on classic shapes, they can only win over even the most skeptical for their undisputed comfort.
Three fresh elegant beige sneakers to replace classic lace-ups
Polo Ralph Lauren
These Polo Ralph Lauren sneakers are a true must-have for lovers of the daddy cool style: a classic shape inspired by tennis, premium materials like suede, and tone-on-tone details in total sandy beige. They are even on sale. What more could you ask for? On AboutYou on sale for 149€.
€149 – BUY ON ABOUT YOU
Maison Margiela Replica
They are a must for understated elegance. Maison Margiela’s Replica leather and suede sneakers with a tongue work great with the latest comfortable spring suits due to the gentle contrast with the natural rubber sole. And since it’s the details that make the difference, it’s good to remember the iconic Maison Margiela white stitch on the back. They are available at LuisaViaRoma for 520 euros.
€520 – BUY ON LUISAVIAROMA
PUMA Caven 2.0
The Puma Caven 2.0 discreetly reinterpret the profile of 1980s basketball shoes, for a classic and elegant look both on and off the court. These sporty style sneakers combine the comfort of SoftFoam foam with a stylish retro aesthetic that will truly never go out of style. And at least 20% of the material used is recycled, while the outsole is made with at least 10% recycled materials: a step towards a better future. Total beige from Puma on Amazon for 65 euros.
€65 – BUY ON AMAZON
Black sneakers, versatile from the office to the ceremony
Jeff Spicer/Getty Images
Launched on planet Earth from the dark galaxies of Star Wars, Joel Edgerton lands on the red (or rather blue) carpet in dark suit and elegant black sneakers featuring the Monogram Vuitton flower. The Australian actor embodies the definitive example of why one should seriously consider buying a pair of black sneakers: they elegantly and with just the right twist of sophistication pair with the most formal looks, such as suits and tailored pants, retaining a hint of that dark side that makes everything more fascinating and mysterious. We have some veto on it: never with a tracksuit and never with shorts, otherwise the charm breaks. Once again, it’s the materials that raise the bar and make the difference in the final overview: leather and suede win by a mile, laces should be tone-on-tone, and the lines should be chosen as essential as possible. No chunky, yes to the party.
The elegant black sneakers you must have
adidas Advantage Base Court
These tennis-inspired adidas Advantage Base Court shoes enhance your style with a silhouette taken from the archives. The synthetic leather upper, composed of at least 50% of a mix of recycled materials, is soft yet durable for a pleasantly enveloping fit. The perforated three stripes and the rubber sole complete the iconic look. Solid and compact, find them on Amazon for 65 euros.
€65 – BUY ON AMAZON
Michael Kors Keating
Classic yet original, the low Keating sneakers by Michael Kors are perfect to wear on weekends or to work. Made of smooth leather, they are embellished with embossed logo and tone-on-tone stitching. The elegant design makes them ideal to match both a suit and a more casual pair of pants. Practically perfect, find them on Farfetch for 175 euros.
€175 – BUY ON FARFETCH
New Balance 550
In leather, the New Balance 550 sneakers reintroduce a legendary basketball model as an homage to the original from 1989. Originally worn by professional players in the ’80s and ’90s, the new BB550 is super simple, clean, and true to its heritage, perfect under semi-formal looks. Find them at SlamJam for 140 euros.
€140 – BUY ON SLAMJAM
Read AllinReplica RECOMMENDS style tips:
David Beckham is a fan of these 65 euro Vans (that can be ours)
Essential, light, and colorful rainproof jackets. We like them like this!
The 16 best denim jackets for spring 2022
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on GQ’s latest news