7 Best Classic Sneakers For Men, 100+ Shoes Tested in 2023
Wear any of these crisp, iconic pairs of sneakers to elevate your style and looks. Whether you want one for streetwear, or evening semi-formal wear, these kicks offer not only stylish appeal and comfort, but also interesting historical anecdotes that are sure to spark conversations with other sneakerheads.
For this guide, we recommend a wide-ranging list of men’s classic sneakers that have survived the test of time and are beloved by generations. Depending on preference when it comes to style or budget, there’s a perfect pair of kicks for you from the Nike Air Max series, Vans, Converse, New Balance, and Adidas Stan Smith, among others.
To recommend the very best, we’ve rounded up 200+ pairs of men’s classic sneakers and vetted all of them. Head on below to see our favorite picks.
Table of contents How we test sneakersBest overallBest NikeBest AdidasBest PUMABest high topBest valueMost popularComparison
Overview
How we test sneakers
A team of dedicated testers and shoe lab technicians are working together to gather crucial data from a battery of mechanical tests. A panel of testers wear each shoe on a variety of activities and report back to us with their assessments. We’ve a data-driven approach when writing our reviews and finalizing our top rankings.
These are the steps taken:
- Purchase the pairs of classic sneakers for men across different brands. We don’t agree to sponsorship to preserve the independence of our comprehensive reviews.
- Wear-test all models rigorously. We don’t only do a quick on-foot try but take the shoes to long hours and days of usage, engaging in athletic events and day-to-day activities.
- Subject the sneaks further to the rigors of wear and tear everyday use. This allows us to evaluate their overall comfort, break-in time, versatility, cushioning, durability, et cetera.
- Make sure all the best picks are backed up by in-depth reviews from our in-house sneaker experts.
Finally, we give all the men’s classic sneakers in the catalog their ratings. Check the CoreScore to see the top-rated models in the bunch.
Best men's classic sneakers overall
Vans Old Skool
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$25
Sun and Ski
$33
Stadium Goods
$39
Karmaloop
Free shipping and exchange
$40
CoreScore
- Top 9% in sneakers
- Top 12% in Vans sneakers
- Top 1% most popular sneakers
Pros
- A classic silhouette deserving of any wardrobe
- Easy to wear in
- Super comfortable
- Fits true to size
- Incredibly breathable thanks to the all-canvas upper
- Clean aesthetics
- Very durable outsole
- Brakes well on the board
Cons
- Not very durable in comparison to other modern skate shoes
- Collect stains easily
Verdict
Vans Old Skools have soared from subculture staple to mainstream fame repeatedly over the years. It’s easy to see why. With a classic, versatile silhouette, brand recognition, and a comfortable, breathable upper, who could resist having a pair in their wardrobe? While the canvas/rubber construction might not be the most durable and can collect stains easily, the Vans Old Skool still looks amazing when beaten and worn.
Best Nike classic sneakers for men
Nike Air Max 97
Amazon
Free shipping
$111
Stadium Goods
$115
Champs Sports
Free shipping & returns
$120
Nike
$130
CoreScore
- Top 27% in sneakers
- Top 18% in Nike sneakers
- Top 1% most popular sneakers
Pros
- Good all-season sneaker
- Good for sockless wear
- An identifiable piece of fashion history
- Fits true to size
- Near indestructible
- Lightweight
- Feels as athletic as it looks
- Great even for winter
Cons
- Takes some time to wear in
- Attaches to stains easily
Verdict
What else can be said about the Nike Air Max 97 that hasn't been said before, the shoe has literally had books written about it. It's an athletic, versatile, and comfy sneaker that looks incredible in so many colorways. There's a reason it's been one of Nike's most popular sneakers for decades. Like others in its family, this is a silhouette that will stay relevant for years to come and work with most wardrobes.
Best Adidas classic sneakers for men
Adidas Campus 00S
Amazon
Free shipping
$110
Adidas
Free shipping and returns
$110
Finish Line
Free shipping & returns
$110
Champs Sports
Free shipping & returns
$110
CoreScore
- Top 1% in sneakers
- Top 1% in Adidas sneakers
- Top 4% most popular sneakers
Pros
- Extremely padded tongue and collar
- Astounding comfort
- Awesome for daily and casual wear
- Spot-on fit
- Light on foot
- Soft suede upper
- Worth the price
- Old-school vibes
- Stylish for casual fits
- Comes with two extra sets of laces
Cons
- Requires break-in period
- Its midsole’s a tad firm
- Difficult to clean and maintain
Verdict
If only one word can be associated with this sneaker, it is ‘favorite.’ It is unbelievable how many times Adidas Campus 00S has been referred to as the sneakerheads’ new favorite shoe. I mean, why couldn’t they when this sneaker made them feel like cool kids? Apart from its badass retro skater look, it is a top pick when taking outdoor walks as it is supremely padded, delivering additional comfort every stride.
Best PUMA classic sneakers for men
PUMA Suede Classic XXI
Amazon
Free shipping
$48
Shoebacca
Free shipping & returns
$55
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$70
Puma US
$70
CoreScore
- Top 22% in sneakers
- Top 16% in PUMA sneakers
- Top 24% most popular sneakers
Pros
- Timeless design
- Topnotch quality
- Environment-friendly
- Great for short walks
- Affordable
- Easy to style
- Wide array of color options
Cons
- Stiff at first
- Less arch support
Verdict
The iconic Suede Classic was relaunched in 2021 as the PUMA Suede Classic XXI. Retaining classic style from 1968, this sneaker comes with fresh colorways and upgrades without compromising its OG quality and comfort. Moreover, it has a timeless and stylish design that will absolutely complete your casual outfit while at the same time not hurting your pocket.
Best classic high top sneakers for men
Vans SK8-Hi
Amazon
Free shipping
$38
Stadium Goods
$49
Sun and Ski
Free shipping
$57
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$64
CoreScore
- Top 12% in sneakers
- Top 19% in Vans sneakers
Pros
- Classic silhouette that works with any wardrobe
- Fits true to size
- Breathable
- Durable
- Comfortable when broken in
- Padded collar for ankle support
- An easy silhouette even for a hi-top
Cons
- Takes time to put on
- Can take time to wear in
- Not good in wet weather
Verdict
The Vans Sk8-Hi is the original subculture sneaker. Built as a super-padded skate shoe it was soon adopted by the punk rock scene for its large space on which to customize. Today it's not just a piece of history but a versatile and easy-going silhouette that works with almost any outfit. Not only that but it's strong enough to last years of use and abuse.
Best value
CoreScore
- Top 10% in sneakers
- Top 21% in Adidas sneakers
- Top 1% most popular sneakers
Pros
- Classic silhouette
- Numerous colorways and collaborations
- Easy to style
- Durable
- Weatherproof
Cons
- Runs large
- Lack of support
- Takes some time to wear in
Verdict
The Adidas Stan Smith is a legendary sneaker with a claim to fame as the original white tennis shoe for the masses. Culture has respected that for the last 50 years the Stan Smith is still as relevant today as it was when the man was winning trophies. It's fair to say that with its robust design and sleek looks, it's probably going to last another 50.
Most popular classic sneakers for men
Nike Air Max 90
Nike
$96
ASOS
Free shipping & returns
$104
Amazon
Free shipping
$105
Champs Sports
Free shipping & returns
$110
CoreScore
- Top 24% in Nike sneakers
- Top 27% in running sneakers
- Top 1% most popular sneakers
Pros
- Very durable
- Breathable
- The stuff of legends and rightly so
- Huge amounts of colorways
- Great price for a statement shoe
- Fits true to size
- Quality materials
- Easy to clean
- Stain resistant
Cons
- So stiff it asks for adjustment period
- Normal and wide feet find it too narrow
Verdict
The Air Max 90 is a sneaker with a backstory. Everyone has seen it and most love it. If you grew up between 1990 and 2010 you probably wanted a pair. Each pair feels ready to last another 30 years, with breathability to boot. Regardless, Nike renews these year after year offering more and more options to whet any appetite.
