These are the best men’s sneakers for spring 2022
From Uniform Standard to Unseen Footwear, we round up the freshest kicks to put a spring in your step this season…
Words: Jonathan Wells
Unlace those heavy leather boots — because winter is over and we’re stepping into spring. It’s a season of pastel shades, sunny days and brand new starts. And you know what that means; last year’s tatty old trainers just won’t cut it anymore. It’s time to slip off those sneakers and look for some fresh kicks — ones that’ll see you through to summer 2021 in style.
As always, we’ve scoured the best brands in sneaker style for the key designs of the season. From a pair of suitably spring-coloured shoes from Unseen Footwear to Uniform Standard’s latest deep red release, here are the best sneakers for spring 2021…
Aurélien Cambridge Sneakers
Among the many benefits of spring, the lighter nights and temperate weather are perhaps the most warmly-welcomed. What’s more, when the puddles dry up, you can start lacing up suede sneakers once more.
These navy numbers, from Aurélien, are crafted from the brushed fabric, feature sporty rubbed soles and are lined with leather. Versatile, luxurious and — above all — comfortable, they’re the ideal kicks for stepping out of lockdown.
Unseen Footwear Clement Sneakers
Spring is the perfect time to try adding green tones to your wardrobe. With trees and plants blooming and blossoming for the first sunny days of 2021, slip on a pair of khaki kicks and you’ll fit right in with nature.
From Unseen Footwear, these ‘Clement’ sneakers are inspired by classic basketball shoes. Clean, minimal and unbranded, even that chunky bright sole can’t temper the versatile design. Guaranteed to put a spring in your step.
Oliver Cabell Low 1 Red Sneakers
Spring; what better time to make a statement? And what better sneakers to make that statement with? From Oliver Cabell, these bright, bold trainers are seriously scarlet. They’re crazily crimson. They’re ridiculously red.
But they’re also incredibly well-made; hand stitched in Italy and laced up with the strongest cotton laces you’re likely to double-knot all year. Distinctive and durable, they’re soon to become your signature shoes this spring.
Rubirosa Odile Low 002 Sneakers
Light, bright, brushed and unassuming, Rubirosa’s ‘Odile Low 002’ trainers in taupe are the epitome of understated luxury.
These are trainers with wingtip detailing so subtle you have to squint to see it. They’re trainers with only a white strip of a sole — the most nonchalant of nods to their informal character. And they’re crafted from fine suede; the suavest of all materials. Breezy, easy and casual, they’re ideal for the season.
Sunspel Men’s Suede Tennis Shoes in Washed Denim
And now for something completely different. Whereas Rubirosa above have styled a sneaker for formal dressers, Sunspel have taken a casual look and doubled down on its durability.
These sneakers may be suede, but they’re crafted in a washed denim colour; butter-soft uppers stitched onto hardwearing rubber soles. Cut in the contemporary low profile of a tennis shoe, these are the pastel-toned trainers of your Easter dreams.
Tod’s Tabs Sneakers in Brown Suede
If it’s vintage style you’re after, stop the search. Tod’s are masters of the traditional — and these ‘Tabs’ trainers in brown suede replay and re-lace the classic hits of sneaker style.
There’s rubber pebble detailing on the heel and outsole. There’s a slight retro pattern to the layered leather construction. And that shade of suede? It looks like it’s stepped straight out of the seventies. Spring for these, and you’ll have trainers as timeless as the Tod’s brand itself.
Uniform Standard Series 1 in Triple Brick Suede
‘Brick’ isn’t a normal colour. It isn’t even a particularly nice sounding colour. But, once you clap your eyes on the latest kicks from Uniform Standard, it’s a peculiar hue that will win you over.
At once laid-back and luxurious, delicate and durable, it’s a colour that’s surprisingly versatile — and effortlessly elegant. And, if springtime has you feeling more in tune with the environment, these dark-red trainers are also a beacon of eco-friendliness; with outsole, footbed, insole and shoe bag all created from recycled materials.
Adidas Originals Cord Suede Sneakers
And, finally, kicked back into play from Adidas are these retro ‘Cord’ trainers. Inspired by an archive design, the familiar three-striped style was originally designed to be worn with corduroy trousers — hence the name.
Today, with smooth suede uppers — a similar deep red shade to those ‘Brick’ kicks above — paired with tan accents and detailing, they’re a reliable, affordable option by one of the all-time shoe-making greats.
Inspired by Uniform Standard’s eco-friendly sneakers? Here are the best recycled men’s fashion brands…
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