Sneakers: Should Gentlemen Wear Them? – Trainers & Sport Shoes in Classic Menswear

When you buy something using the affiliate links on our site, we may earn a small commission.

Sneakers and hybrid shoes are becoming increasingly popular as more people lean towards more casual dressing. Let’s take a closer look at these sporty footwear and find out whether or not you should introduce them into your wardrobe.

What Constitutes A Sneaker?

Sneakers are often called a number of different things, you may have heard them called trainers, runners, gym shoes, or even tennis shoes. The term sneakers typically refer to a type of shoe that’s very flexible with a rubber sole, some kind of synthetic material with rubber or even leather on the upper portion of the shoe.

Raphael shows the rubber sole on a pair of sneakers
Raphael shows the rubber sole on a pair of sneakers

Depending on your location in the world, you may have heard sneakers referred to some of the following different names. Here in the US, for slang, sometimes, people might even call them kicks. Across the planet and Great Britain, you might hear them being called trainers. In Canada, you might hear them called runners or gutties. On the warm land of South Africa, you might hear them referred to as takkies. In Nigeria, as canvas shoes and in Greece, sportex. 

Brief History of Sneakers

Sneakers as Athletic Footwear

Back in the 18th century, people used to wear plimsolls. These were shoes with a rubber sole that was not the greatest of design. They actually couldn’t even be differentiated between left or right. Plimsolls were typically worn by students during their physical education courses. The term plimsoll comes from the resemblance of the plimsoll line on a ship’s hull.

Around 1892, we the US Rubber Company made a much more comfortable option, with rubber soles and a canvas upper portion, these were Keds. The very first basketball shoes were designed by Spalding in as early as 1907 In 1917, Henry Nelson McKinney, an advertising agent was the very first person we see using the term sneakers. The shoes grew in popularity gaining the name sneakers because they were so quiet one couldn’t hear you sneak up on them while you wore them.

A vintage pair of Spalding basketball shoes [Image Credit: Deb Burr of whiskeypointpottery]
A vintage pair of Spalding basketball shoes [Image Credit: Deb Burr of whiskeypointpottery]

In 1917, Converse was working on a basketball shoe and then a redesign in 1922. Chuck Taylor then asked the company to create something that offered more flexibility and a little bit more support. They became known as Chuck Taylor All-stars. Sneakers continued to grow in popularity and then went international in 1924.

Adolph Adi Dassler of Germany was one person who created some shoes which he named after himself, Adidas. Adolph worked on his idea at his mother’s home in Bavaria. A fun little side fact, Adi’s brother worked on and created another shoe brand which is quite popular these days, Puma.

Taking Sneakers Outside of Sports

Sneakers were primarily used for sporting events up until the 1950s. This is when we started to see a shift where people started to wear sneakers as a more fashionable statement. We see James Dean wearing sneakers in the movie Rebel without a cause. NBA legend, Michael Jordan, helped skyrocket sneakers to new heights. He signed a contract to wear the most popular sneaker ever created, the Nike Air Jordans. Over the years, brands have continued to push the rules of fashion using different color combinations, designs, and functions in their shoes.

Kyle's pair of Nike Air Jordans
Kyle’s pair of Nike Air Jordans

These days, we see sneakers being made for virtually any kind of occasion, walking, skateboarding, running, many many others. We also are seeing a greater amount of hybrid shoes being created. For example, the Cole Haan dress shoe that happens to have a Nike rubber sole.

Should A Gentleman Wear Sneakers?

As long as the shoes are being worn at the correct time and in the correct place, it is acceptable to occasionally wear sneakers. An incorrect time to be wearing sneakers, for example, trying to wear running shoes to a job interview or trying to wear basketball shoes with a suit. A better way to use these shoes would be to wear the correct sporting shoe when you are playing a particular sport. In a more casual setting, you could also wear some low profile sneakers with shorts in the summer or perhaps with a pair of chinos in the cooler months.

Never attempt to wear sneakers with a full suit
Never attempt to wear sneakers with a full suit

Should A Gentleman Wear Hybrid Shoes?

Hybrid shoes tend to fall into the category of trendy. Of course, you should feel comfortable going ahead and occasionally trying this type of shoe if you would like, but please note, it will not stand the test of time as much as a classic shoe would. It will be a better use of your money to buy a few pair of versatile sneakers which are going to serve you in a multitude of different occasions.

A pair of versatile leather sneakers
A pair of versatile leather sneakers

Sneakers in Casual Attire

The one big thing you want to watch out for is to ensure that the sneakers you’re choosing to wear match the style of clothing and the location of which you might be going. For example, it will be best to make sure that you’re not trying to take a multi-mile hike across the mountain top in your expensive leather sneakers. Instead, opt for something that’s going to be easy to clean, offers great comfort and great support.

Sneakers in Professional Settings

We all know that sneakers are going to work wonderfully for a casual setting but what happens if you happen to be in a more professional setting, it can get a little bit tricky. Does your work environment allow you to be able to wear sneakers? And if so, what’s the dress code like in terms of what colors you can and can’t wear? When you are able to wear sneakers in the workplace, the one thing you want to make sure of is that your sneakers are complementing both you and your outfit but are not demanding all the attention. Opt for a sleek low-profile design or have something that has a low top style with neutral colors as opposed to a high-top shoe with a thick sole. Ultimately, the cleaner the design, the better. 

Kyle's smart casual attire
Kyle’s smart casual attire

A Note On Buying Sneakers & Hybrid Shoes

When shopping, the sneakers section often offers a lot of options that come in different price points. So, are expensive sneakers acceptable in all situations? The answer is no. The style and design will be what dictates a shoes’ worthiness to be worn in various settings. It’s important to remember that a high price point does not equate to a high variety of different options for outfits.

More moderately priced pointed and even high priced pointed unconventional sneaker options include the following brands, we have Yeezys, Nike Air Jordans, Y3, as well as the Ultra Boost by Adidas. Extremely well-known brands that people all over the world seem to like to shop from are as follows, we have Reebok, K.Swiss, Adidas, New Balance, and many many others.

How Do You Wear Sneakers Stylishly?

Make Sure It’s Appropriate for The Occasion

Are you looking for a sneaker that’s going to allow you to wear it for a multitude of different occasions? Or are you looking for something that’s going to allow you to run track at your local gym? Knowing the occasion and what you plan on wearing your sneakers will help you decide which ones you should be wearing. For someone who likes to lift, go ahead and try the Converse Chuck Taylor as the flat bottom helps keep you extremely structured and flat to the ground. If you enjoy a lengthy run, go ahead and try Asics.

Match The Style With Your Age

Teens to Early 20s

Men in an age group of teens to early 20s often have a lot of flexibility with what kind of shoes they choose to wear. They might still be in school and they’re probably not super settled into their career choice yet. These men can choose from a wide variety of sneaker options from the Nike SB or something more sleek and professional, like a pair of leather sneakers from Oliver Cabell or Greats the Royale.

Nike SB Dunk High "MF Doom" sneakers [Image Credit: MF Doom's]
Nike SB Dunk High “MF Doom” sneakers [Image Credit: MF Doom’s]

Mid 20s to Mid 30s

Depending on the individual style preferences, men in their mid 20s into about age 35 might want to try something like a clean classic pair from K-Swiss or something more low-profile and comfortable like a pair of Vans for when you are out and about around town. Both of these brands offer a great deal of support without charging excessive amounts of money.

Mid 30s to Mid 40s

For men in their mid 30s into mid 40s, a great shoe option that offers a lot of comfortability would be a sneaker from Saucony. For a more upscale approach to your overall outfit, try wearing a leather sneaker option from a place like Hugo Boss.

Hugo Boss leather sneakers [Image Credit: V2MShop]
Hugo Boss leather sneakers [Image Credit: CLOTHBASE]

Mid 40s and Older

For men who are in the 45 and older crowd, let’s say you’re going out for a good workout, try a pair of Nike trainers that are well structured and offer a great deal of support when you’re at the gym.

Even so, all these are just suggestions and that any age group should feel comfortable trying any of these styles. 

Conclusion

Sneakers have been around for quite some time and ever since they’ve arrived, we’ve seen that a wide array of different styles and functions grow. Ultimately, it is appropriate for our gentlemen to wear sneakers, it’s just important to remember when and where you choose to wear them. Age, physical needs, and style preferences will guide you on what type of sneakers you should be wearing. It’s best to always keep it classic and timeless when selecting various sneaker styles in your wardrobe. Once you’ve got the foundation down for your sneaker options in your wardrobe then you can start to add a little bit of an oddball color or two into the mix and remember that in a formal setting, a classic dress shoe is always going to serve you better than a sneaker would.

Classic sneakers will go a long way when matching items in your wardrobe!
Classic sneakers will go a long way when matching items in your wardrobe!

Outfit Rundown

Today, I’m wearing a single-breasted bright blue peak lapel suit jacket. I have on a crisp white dress shirt and I have this wonderful tan-colored linen pocket square from Fort Belvedere. The pocket square pairs wonderfully since the pant I chose to wear which have kind of a nice cream color to them as well.

I’m finishing off the look with a navy blue leather pair of sneakers from an Italian brand called Velasca. The cream pants offer a nice way to break up the two different shades of blue between the shoes and my jacket while still remaining in the smart casual category.

Kyle's smart casual ensemble featuring a pair of leather sneakers (Pictured: Light Brown Linen Pocket Square from Fort Belvedere)
Kyle’s smart casual ensemble featuring a pair of leather sneakers (Pictured: Light Brown Linen Pocket Square from Fort Belvedere)

Because the Italian sneakers happen to be a neutral color of navy and also leather, they work on a variety of different outfits including this one.

Reader Comments

  1. Well, I am an eighteen years old guy from Italy. Of course, most people who surround me, especially peers, of course, wear them and, since I have started to wear classic clothing, I have stopped wearing sport shoes to show up, unless I actually have to: see PE at school or other types of physical activities. At the end, I strongly dislike them and, even looking much differently from the people who do have my same age and surround me. Of course I do not wear black oxfords to go to school, but, since recently I’ve had an accident which kinda obligated me to wear shoes to walk more comfortably, one of my greatest joys was to wear shoes which had a leather sole, and the shoes I do own that are such, are a pair of full brouges oxfords and a pair of tassel loafers. Thus, to conclude, I strongly dislike them, so I wear them only when needed and in no other occasion (like all of us strongly dislike a woman who never wear heels, I guess); so I would say, wear them if needed, but they just don’t look good with classic clothing, not even a combination. Thus, last thing, for those who wear them at all times and wanna switch toward a more classic appeal, not all dress shoes are uncomfortable like an oxford might be, if worn for the first times, at first, just switch to Chelsea boots of derbies: you’ll look much better and even your feet will say thanks.

  2. As a kid in the 1970s I started wearing them as part of my casual wardrobe and then for years did not wear them except in the gym. At work, it was black dress shoes and at the weekend I favoured proper welted leather shoes instead of trainers, as we call them in the UK.

    My kids wear them all the time but dress codes are more casual. I think they looked quite sloppy and they can become quite malodorous. A teenager’s closet with a couple of pairs of sneakers inside is a place to be feared. The synthetic material makes them pongy although newer technology is making that less of a problem.

    I went to Italy and a lot of guys wear quite bright coloured New Balance which look quite good with denim.

    I now wear them again; I write this wearing a pair of black Stan Smiths but I do not think they are a great look and I would not be seen dead wearing them with anything other than jeans, gym pants or shorts.

    The suit /sneaker combo is hideous.

  3. “Back in the 18th century, people used to wear plimsolls.”

    Here in Britain I wore plimsolls during PE in primary school in the 21st century!

    Personally, I quite like simple white trainers (even if they’re a bit common) such as Stan Smiths, Common Projects and German Army Trainers. Unfortunately, they tend to be too narrow for my feet.

  4. Adidas Sambas. The white with black side stripes and white suede trim version. Usually with jeans, though occasionally with chinos, but never with suits. Simple and a classic. My nephew says it’s “old-school cool” and that’s good enough for me.

  5. Very good post – I will pass it on to my sons who are in their 40’s……
    When I’m on the lake I wear trad white Keds. Very casual like yard work I wear my old Jack Purcells . Back in the 60’s we called them “bumpers” Rgds/JL.

  6. ‘Sneakers’ I see here are athletic basketball, tennis and running shoes as example. Everything makes sense. I have for years seen the white canvas rubber sole shoe worn in casual dress up summer or tropical event. As long as the white canvas has no silly designs or ‘racing stripes’, they can accompany white ducks and blue or plaid blazer. Not, though with a shoe that screams “I can dunk a basketball” or “run the 110 high hurdles.”
    .

  7. Mr. Rogers wore some sort of vans sneakers. Michael J Fox as Marty McFly wore Nikes on Back To The Future. Michael Keaton as Batman wore some sort of Nikes or Jordans for his Boots on his BatSuit

    1. I’ve read that Howard Hughes commonly wore white sneakers with his business suits. Of course the man was as eccentric as one could possibly be!

  8. A point maybe considered is more stylish than less. A canvas summer shoe for casual , yet dress might be a bit more classy if it did not have any marking on it’s exterior that lets anyone know it’s brand or make. If it makes one feel good to read the brand inside the shoe….go for it. If one needs
    the security of showing the brand of ones canvas shoe …help will eventually be coming.

  9. Interesting. I left a brief comment this morning, which showed in the Comments, and now it’s gone. Glitch or editorialized?

  10. First, let me thank you for this very insightful and well written article and this critical appraisal and evaluation of a nowadays omnipresent kind of shoe.

    Monochrome, subtle sneakers in basic colors like white, brown, beige or grey are indeed a suitable shoe for every occasion that boat shoes would be appropriate for, and I would even argue they can sometimes even be smarter than the latter.
    It is only a shame that far too many sneakers out there come with far too flamboyant designs and packed with unnecessary strong contrasts. Let alone the quest for brown sneakers with beige instead of white soles is often a difficult endeavor, although the esthetical advantages of the former should be evident to every shoe producer.

  11. Hi. I wear Guisippe Feragamo sneakers with sport coats and trim shorts or pants. I have also attended sneaker balls.

  12. From a Woman’s point of view, I like my men in shoes that coordinate with his suit.
    A suit sets the tone for the Event.

  13. Adidas Sambas are very flexible white/black with various trim colors and can be had cheap if you can sit for a sale.

    I like Golas for a loose fit (adidas fairly narrow) and a million different color combos.

    I had one incredible pair of tan Pumas but they were a limited one-off. I tried to recreate the magic and bought a follow on pair but they’re good beaters and little else.

    These hybrid shoes are disgusting and embarrassing. It’s like someone staking out an extreme position for negotiating effect in the leather vs rubber sole debate.

Comments are closed.