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Building a trainer collection is a lot like managing a stock portfolio. In other words, invest your money in the right assets, and they'll provide you with a serious return for years to come
Hypebeast economics aside, now that trainers have successfully sprinted off the running track and into our wardrobes having a few pairs to hand (or, foot) means you'll always be able to dress down smarter looks or elevate simple outfits at a moment’s notice.
“For years, people wore trainers almost exclusively for function, but this is not the case anymore,” says Gary Salter, a stylist who has worked with the likes of Reiss, Asos and Selfridges.
“As dress codes have relaxed trainers have become a staple part of our everyday looks, so it's wise to own a few pairs that complement your existing wardrobe and work for different occasions.
“As a minimum, I would suggest a smart leather pair that can be worn with tailoring, a retro classic from one of the big sports brands and something more technical for throwing on at the weekend.”
Taking that advice, we went in search of the best trainers for men; each rigorously tested with style, comfort, quality and originality in mind. These are the ten kicks that made the cut.
You can trust our independent reviews. We may earn commission from some of the retailers, but we never allow this to influence selections, which are formed from real-world testing and expert advice. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.
A retro runner that has bounced back onto the track in recent years, the Nike tailwind delivers on looks, comfort, performance, and comes with an impressive backstory – making it the ultimate entry model for wannabe sneakerheads.
For the green-toed, Yatay's ethical offering is an excellent fit, while Converse's #throwback Chuck 70 proves why the model is still a classic today.