September 17, 2023
The Very Best Men's Sneakers, For Every Activity
Christopher Ehlers READ TIME: 21 MIN.
The global sneaker industry generates over $131 billion every year, and that figure is only expected to grow. And as anyone who has tried to shop for sneakers recently will tell you, it can be an overwhelming experience given the sheer number of sneaker types that are on the market these days. That's why it's ultra-helpful that Men's Health just released the results of their 2023 Sneaker Awards, from workplace staples to hiking. Here are some of the winners:
Trail, Running, & Hiking
Altra Torin 7
"With plenty of cushion, a cleverly redesigned tongue, and a sturdy, molded heel color, the Torin 7 is built for speed and performance." $150, Altra Running.
Arc'teryx Konseal FL 2
"Like Arc'teryx's legendary climbing apparel, the Konseal FL 2 is built for fast, light (hence the "FL" in the name) ascents. Don't let the streetwear looks fool you. These are nimble, supportive, and ready to tackle the most technical approaches." $220, Arc'Teryx.
Nike Pegasus Train 4
"This Franken-kick looks like a heady mashup of a modern trail runner and a '90s-era athletic sneak. Under the hood, it's all business with serious trail-running chops and a waterproof Gore-Tex layer to boot." $160, Nike.
Kailas Fuga Pro 3 Trail Running Shoes
"Kailas proves you get what you pay for with this premium, ultra-technical trail runner. Trust us when we say it's built for serious speed and long distances over any terrain." $260, Kailas Gear.
Racing Shoes
Brooks Ghost 15
"Brooks continues the Ghost tradition with the latest Ghost 15. It's ridiculously lightweight, comfy, and available in roughly three dozen colors for maximum accessorizing." $140, Brooks Running.
New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v3
"New Balance is still keeping it fresh with the bright, bold, race-ready FuelCell that looks like it probably needs a recharge after every run." $230, New Balance.
Topo Athletic Specter
"Topo's first-ever high-cushion trainer is undeniably unique. With an ultra-aggressive heel and a rocker-style design, it's purpose-built to propel you forward and catch your energy on the rebound." $160, Topo Athletic.
Asics Gel-Kayano 30
"From weekend training runs to 5Ks to marathons, Asics's Gel-Kayano 30 is designed to go the distance–literally–with adaptive stability and a more balanced stride." $160, Asics.
80's Sport
Vans Lowland ComfyCush
"The silhouette has hardly changed in almost 40 years because ... why should it? The slim profile and maximum comfort are pure, vintage Vans." $85, Vans.
Onitsuka Tiger Ultimate 81 EX
"The 40th anniversary of Onitsuka Tiger's Ultimate 81 recalls the brand's highest-performance, high-spec sport shoe from a bygone era." $130, Onitsuka Tiger.
Saucony Jazz Court
"Saucony's take on the vintage low-top basketball kick is an understated masterpiece that's ready to move from the hardwood to the blacktop and back again." $100, Saucony.
Flamingos Life Leonardo 02
"With a retro-inspired design, this all-new vegan shoe is actually thoroughly modern on the inside. Most important: a sustainable construction and a bamboo lining for maximum durability." $220, Flamingos Life.
Specialized Sports
On The Roger Pro
"On's first-ever tennis shoe is a banger. It combines all the performance tech of the epic running brand with the pro experience of co-creator and tennis legend Roger Federer." $199, On Running.
Nike Air Zoom Diamond Elite Turf
"It's a game-ready shoe that works on every pregame surface. The forefoot strap ensures a snug fit during batting practice, catching pop flies, and everywhere in between." $110, Nike.
Puma Solarcourt RCT Racquet
"Playful on the outside, all business inside. It's lightweight, responsive, and ridiculously comfortable, no matter how hard you like your racquet sports." $85, Puma.
NoBull Gore-Tex Ripstop Golf Shoe
"The dead-simple design of this go-anywhere golf shoe is built for speed, comfort, and play-anytime versatility thanks to a legit 100 percent waterproof Gore-Tex lining." $189, No Bull.
Work Sneakers
Johnston & Murphy Amherst Lug Knit Sport
"Business meets play with this sport kick featuring an airy breathable knit upper and genuine leather trim." $135, Johnston & Murphy.
To Boot Barbera Blue Burnish
"With hand-burnished calf leather set on a sporty off-tone sole, this handsome kick works well with jeans and joggers or dressed up for a night out." $425,
Rothy's RS01 Sneaker
"With an uber-comfy, already-broken-in fit straight out of the box and classic good looks, this is guaranteed to be your go-to sneaker. Bonus: Rothy's are 100 percent machine washable." $179, Rothys.
Peter Millar Vantage Suede Sneaker
"Another classic, Peter Millar's Vantage Suede Sneaker pairs supple suede with a timeless silhouette. Plus: The fully-lined leather interior and memory-foam footbed are like a cloud for your foot." $215, Peter Millar.
