These are the most stylish men’s sneakers for SS23
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 it’s time for us to step into spring. This is 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 2023 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 Uniform Standard to Unseen Footwear’s latest sleek suede release, here are the best sneakers for spring 2023…
Russell & Bromley ‘Out Pace’ 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 Russell & Bromley, are crafted from the brushed fabric, feature sporty rubbed soles and are lined with biscuit-coloured leather. Versatile, luxurious and — above all — comfortable, they’re the ideal kicks for stepping out on springtime city breaks.
Uniform Standard ‘Series 1’ Sneakers
Spring is the perfect time to add some tonal shades to your wardrobe. With the plants outside blooming and blossoming for the first time in 2023, slip on a pair of neutral-coloured kicks and you’ll fit right in with nature.
From Uniform Standard, these ‘Series 1’ sneakers look to be inspired by classic basketball shoes. Clean, minimal and subtly branded, this shade of suede is even called ‘Earth’. They’re guaranteed to put a spring in your step.
Duke + Dexter ‘Ritchie’ Sneakers
And now for something completely different. Whereas the two trainers above are sneakers styled for both informal and formal dressers, Duke + Dexter has taken a casual look and doubled down on its durability.
These sneakers may be suede, but they’re crafted in a washed-out sage colour; butter-soft uppers stitched onto lightweight EVA soles. Lined in a breathable bamboo fibre eco-lining, these are the pastel-toned trainers of your Easter dreams.
North-89 ‘No.1’ Sneakers
Green isn’t a normal colour for kicks — despite there being four pairs on this list to feature the colour. But we stand by our solid-soled choices. And, once you clap your eyes on the latest trainers from North-89, it’s a look that’ll win you over through the seasons to come.
At once laid-back and luxurious, delicate and durable, these are surprisingly versatile sneakers — and effortlessly elegant. And, if true quality is key to your sneaker requirements, rest easy that every single aspect of their weatherproof design is carefully completed by some of the most skilled artisans in sneaker-dom.
CQP ‘Renna’ Sneakers
You’ll find our favourite feature of these sneakers on the inside. Slip off CQP’s new athletic-styled sneakers and you’ll spot their striking calf leather linings — in the brand’s signature cognac colour. It’s a rich, unctuous look, and one that reflects the care and quality of these grey-green shoes.
Elsewhere, they’re fitted with stable and well cushioned VIBRAM soles and micro-fibre heel linings if you are going to use them for sporting purposes. And those layered leather panels subtly differ in colour — from heel to quarter to that unique army inspired toe area.
Aurélien ‘Cambridge’ Sneakers
Spring may be an excellent, bright and bold time to make a statement — but don’t underestimate the perks of versatility. From Aurélien, these subtle grey sneakers will step you comfortably and classily across dress code divides.
And they’re also incredibly well-made; hand-stitched in Portugal and laced up with the strongest cotton laces you’re likely to double-knot all year. Less distinctive than durable, they’ll still soon become your signature shoes this spring.
Harrys London ‘Mallory’ Sneakers
But suede shouldn’t have all the high-stepping fun. Another alternative material to lace up this spring is wool — and nobody knits it better than Harrys London. The British brand’s ‘Mallory’ sneakers have reinforced knit uppers, with barely-there suede trims — in an almost velveteen shade of navy.
There’s also some unseen microfibre reinforcement to guarantee that the wool won’t stretch or bag, and the shoes’ extra-light soles are topped with ‘Technogel’ insoles for optimal comfort. They may be featherweight trainers — but they’ll knock your socks off.
Unseen Footwear ‘Marais’ Sneakers
If it’s vintage style you’re after, stop the search. Unseen Footwear are masters of retro design — and these ‘Marais’ trainers in a spectrum of off-white leathers replay and re-lace the greatest hits of sneaker style.
There’s a chunky sole with a textured tread. There’s a slight retro pattern to the layered leather construction. And that shade of greyed-out suede? It looks like it’s stepped straight out of the seventies. Spring for these, and you’ll have trainers as timeless as the brand itself.
Axel Arigato 'Clean 180’ Sneakers
Finally, we’ve fished out a pair of classic kicks. Bright white sneakers with choice green accents have been a mainstay of men’s wardrobes since Stan Smith first stepped out his Adidas tennis shoes in the late 1960s.
Thankfully, these ‘Clean 180’ from Axel Arigato have come on leaps and bounds since then. Set on serrated soles made using partly recycled rubber, this durable design is hand-manufactured in Portugal from LWG-leather — a responsibly-sourced, low-impact twist on the textile.
Want more fine footwear? Introducing the new ‘Boston’ loafer from Gentleman’s Journal x Crockett & Jones…
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