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At Men’s Health, we take sneakers seriously—very seriously. And with good reason.
No longer just for sport, the shoe style has completely dominated the footwear market, even sneaking (sorry, we had to) its way into near-universal acceptance for formal attire.The sneaker’s comfort is simply unmatched, and with ceaseless innovations in both style and function, there’s truly no need to fill your closet with much else than a fresh pair of kicks. Our team of editors spent over 250 hours testing countless styles in the gym, on the basketball court, and sprinting to meetings in order to determine the best sneakers for any occasion. The following selections earned high praise for superior performance, design, and of course, comfort. Meet the sneaker champions for all your daily moves—in suit pants or sweatpants—worthy of your attention and hard-earned dollars.
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Basic rubber soles? Old news. They’ve been upgraded with high-tech foam, carbon plates, and thousands of tiny beads—crazy, right? Today’s kicks are loaded with game-changing tech and unorthodox ideas, altering the way you run, walk, and feel. Find the right pair for foot nirvana and a one-of-a-kind ride.
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A marathon is a challenge, but choosing the right footwear shouldn’t be. Go the distance in the sneakers with state-of-the-art technology to put your best foot forward with a lightweight feel, great energy return, and just the right amount of cushioning to motivate you to improve your performance.
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Want to try to set a new personal record on the squat, deadlift, or any key Olympic lift? Then you can’t just lace up any old pair of kicks. Instead, score a top-notch sneaker with a hard sole, one that’ll let you drive into the ground with your heels. It’s all about generating maximum force—and these shoes can help.
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Ah, nature. One of the last remaining places where you can unplug and clear your head of all the noise of modern life. But when you’re out scaling a mountain or strolling a forest trail, the last thing you want to focus on is your feet. That’s when a solid, dependable, and (we promise) stylish hiking shoe comes in handy.
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Can one pair of sneakers provide both a stable platform for weight training and handle the lateral forces of change-of-direction movements, all while staying flexible enough to let you sprint and jump with ease? That’s the challenge for today’s cross-trainer. And yes, a select few shoes are up to the task.
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Take the proper steps to ensure you’re getting the support you need with a walking sneaker that’s durable, sturdy, and extremely comfortable with the best cushioning possible. Trust us, your feet will thank you later.
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The game of basketball has never been faster, pushing even weekend warriors to cut harder and sprint with greater ferocity. That places heavy demands on your ankles and your midfoot to deliver explosive force—and that requires a shoe that delivers stability and midfoot lockdown. Bench those old high-tops, because these new all-stars are a slam-dunk success.
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Every guy needs a crisp white sneaker: consider it a clean canvas for endless outfit opportunities. Scuffs and dirt after multiple wears only add cool factor to your kicks with markings of great adventures and good times.
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What’s old is cool again, especially when it comes to sneakers. These throwback styles offset your modern duds to create a stylish juxtaposition with a dose of nostalgia to boot.
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The new dress shoe is the dress sneaker. Minimalist designs and high-quality fabrics give the sport shoe an elevated touch to propel you forward on the street and up the corporate ladder.
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Sure, a sneaker can look seriously cool, but is it worth the style flex if your feet are suffocating? These breathable styles will keep you cool and looking cool, too—no sweat.
Senior Style and Gear Editor Adam is the Senior Style and Gear Editor, overseeing grooming, gear, and fashion content on menshealth.com.
