Date: May 29, 2022

Sneakers come in many shapes and sizes these days. From basic unstructured canvas to the brightest, finest leather; from minimalist looks to metal fastenings and high technology; there are few rules when it comes to trainers. With so many options available, it can be hard knowing exactly what’s what and even harder to know what’s most likely to suit your wardrobe and taste.

Luckily, you have us here to make things easier. We’ve put together a How To Wear Sneakers Style 101 guide that should have you acing your footwear exams in no time.

• Basic Sneakers – These are your Converse, Vans, etc., types. Sometimes they come in leather, but they’re typically found in canvas and in basic colours. On the whole they’re generally affordable, easy to wear / clean, and work well with just about anything. They might not be the most comfortable, however.
• Refined Luxury Sneakers – They might bear a resemblance to your basic plimsolls, but they’re more expensive and often made from suede or leather by brands like Tom Ford, Lanvin & Saint Laurent. These are not something you’d take to a music festival.
• Classic Sports Sneakers – Your Nike Air Max, Reebok Pump, Asics Gel-Lyte and other forms of old school sporting greatness. What was once ready for the track and field is now kept safely in a shoe collection at home.
• Modern Sport Sneakers – Again, these are your Nike, Adidas and Puma-tier brands, but with modern styling and shapes. As a rule, it’s harder to pull off modern sports sneakers than it is to pull off classic styles.
• Hiking / Trail Sneakers – As the name implies, these shoes were designed with technical activities in mind, but are fast finding a place in mainstream fashion. Think Salomon, La Sportiva or Keen. Not the easiest to style.
• High-fashion Sneakers – These are the work of brands like Givenchy, Christian Louboutin, Maison Martin Margiela, Diemme and even Giuseppe Zanotti. They’re loud and designed to be noticed.
• Luxury Techwear – This is the category for the likes of Rick Owens, A-COLD-WALL* and other designers who are really pushing the limits of sneaker design. Blending technical sneakers, high fashion as well as their own unique aesthetic, these are real statement pieces.

Source: How To Wear Sneakers & Look Damn Fine At Every Occasion