Sneakers (whose history can be found here in VIRAL) have existed for a very long time, but Converse and Adidas were two precursors of these shoes as we know them today. The American brand is a hit with the All Stars, one of the first pairs of its kind, and Adidas stood out for the technicality of its shoes when it adapted its models to the constraints of certain sports.
An example ? The Stan Smiths. No more high-top sneakers: "tennis" was born, now low to facilitate ankle movement and movement on the court.
One of the first pairs of sneakers
Over time, sneakers have changed according to fashion and trends, sometimes glorified, sometimes shunned. Now slightly in decline after unprecedented success in recent years, they were brought back to the forefront in the mid-2000s by brands such as Lanvin or Dolce & Gabbana.
D&G, spring summer 2005. (Couldn't find a larger image...)
All the luxury brands and designers have thrown themselves into "sneakmania" , designing thousands of models, from the most basic to the most eccentric. And as always, the entry level followed, so that Nike was able to bring out its old models.
Lanvin has created a model of high and low sneakers that has become a basic, with a multitude of variations, sometimes sober...sometimes less so.
The price of a pair of sneakers? From €50 to €5,000. From the fairly mediocre pair of Converse in terms of quality, to the pair of crocodile Tom Fords handmade in Italy, there is an impressive nebula of prices and ranges.
Without going to extremes, it could be interesting, if you can, to have an "accessible" pair to wear during the week for example, and a more stylish luxury pair to really refine some of your looks.
Personally, I have never regretted purchasing a pair of luxury sneakers and consider them to be good investments . Judge for yourself, with this pair purchased at the beginning of 2012... Three years of regular wear later, still as comfortable and NOTHING to say about the quality, whether it's the embroidery, the braiding, the sole...
The braiding and embroidery are impeccable. We just notice a few very normal creases (almost invisible) and a lace that is starting to get tired. But after more than 3 years, it's really a lesser evil!
So if you have the means, a pair of designer sneakers can really be a good purchase, while still respecting the eternal quality criteria to be inspected!
The high sneaker: a classic with a thousand styles in the men's wardrobe
First of all, know that “high tops” are not just for tall people. It's all a question of harmony and proportions : it will be difficult to wear high shoes if you are 1m50 and wear size 45; for the vast majority of remaining cases, there is no major obstacle.
Huge American-style sneakers are not really suitable for small sizes, but fortunately, there are endless other variations that I will present to you.
Basic vintage sneakers
Converse All Star, Adidas Top Ten and Nike Spike Lee
Converse, Adidas and Nike, pioneers of high-top sneakers, have designed some of the most famous models across the planet. The high All Star shoes, despite poor quality assembly, have once again become classics sold by millions around the world, just like the Adidas "Top Ten" or the Nike "Spike Lee".
If they are more casual and less versatile than All Stars (which some can wear to go to work without problem), they offer the big advantage of being available in dozens of colors and prints, and can therefore be more "personal " .
Simple but effective, the legendary sneakers perfectly illustrate the way in which sportswear can punctuate streetwear, while being essentially designed to stroll the streets.
How to wear high sneakers?
An infinite number of possibilities, which you probably already know by heart. In a smart version with a t-shirt, blazer and fitted pants, or with the timeless jeans / t-shirt suitable for summer: treat yourself.
The role of these historic brands has been decisive in the history of high-top sneakers, but it must be recognized that it is the creators who have given them a new lease of life. Recognized for their often unique style, many have proposed their vision of this high shoe.
Futuristic sneakers
KRISVANASSCHE, Maison Margiela & Balenciaga.
With the large surface area it offers, the high sneaker is the ideal playground for designers for a futuristic style .
KRISVANASSCHE (brand which will disappear definitively at the end of the season) has worked on a model present in its collections for many seasons now, composed of leather and a tone-on-tone sole without prints, and above all lacing ultra massive on almost the entire shoe.
Maison Margiela remains faithful to the minimalist inspirations of its founder, and created this pair called "future" by favoring a very structured style, enhanced by a rubber sole.
Finally, Balenciaga struck very hard with its Arena model which has become legendary: quasi-pyramidal, this sneaker favors straight lines and a certain minimalism. The corset-style lacing adds even more character to a piece that is nevertheless very easy to wear.
How to wear futuristic sneakers?
Stylish, recognizable, the Arena have a little hype side that can be interesting. Worn here with bleach jeans and an oversized sweatshirt, they enhance without fuss an outfit with an assumed "trendy" spirit. This isn't necessarily bad, but it's essential to already master the basics!
In fact, because they are often plain and minimalist, futuristic sneakers are easy to wear . Dark/coated jeans placed on top, fitted pants, or even shorts: they are quite versatile!
You have to be daring, but when you spend the week in basic outfits, it can be really nice to be able to wear much sharper outfits on the weekend. Let us remind you in passing that it is not because an outfit appeals with its character that it should be rejected, quite the contrary.
Dark sneakers
Givenchy, Rick Owens & Ann Demeulemeester.
The fact that the high sneaker became mainstream quite quickly did not prevent the big names of the "dark" or "antifashion" movement from getting into it.
Riccardo Tisci invested in Givenchy with a bang in 2007, and even if his style no longer surprises anyone today, gothic and punk inspirations still mark the Tyson, the French house's flagship sneakers. Massive and sculpted sole in a streetwear spirit, leather inserts and multiple topstitching, hook-and-loop tab inlaid with metal stars: a model that is borderline crude and very recognizable, at the crossroads of several styles.
Next to it, Rick Owens appears almost sober with his "Geo Baskets", close to the cartoon universe with very round shapes and exaggerated volumes. The toe, sole and very high tongue make it an easily recognizable model.
Ann Demeulemeester plays on an even more tortured register with sneakers in very elaborate shades, here coated in gradient. The notched sole completes the shoe well which, ultimately, is not so difficult to wear.
What to wear dark sneakers with?
In this case, even if it is possible, the basic jeans are not suitable for this type of piece: it is better to wear black jeans that are a little destroyed , the important thing being not to appear too smooth.
You can play on the volumes of the pants for example, with a (light) harem pants style or dare to go for a total black look by focusing on atypical shapes, like with this very fluid and long Rick Owens T-shirt. Of course, you have to take on these imposing looks.
Bling-bling sneakers
Versace, Giuseppe Zanotti Design & Christian Louboutin.
When some seek minimalism at all costs, others see sneakers as a godsend for making tons of them... To the delight of certain very bling-bling personalities, finding the opportunity to mix streetwear inspirations and taste for what shines.
Versace recently launched its Palazzo model, rather showy with its gold metal Medusa. With elastic lacing and a strapped tongue, this model offers many details and bling-bling, but successful finishes.
Giuseppe Zanotti goes further by embedding a huge strapped chain on his London model. This model is almost blinding in red, although we must recognize, here again, an approach that goes a long way!
Finally, Christian Louboutin and his taste for metal are not to be outdone by adorning his "Louis Flat Spykes" with dozens of studs... but the result is less surprising and conclusive than on other models.
What to wear them with?
No more bling, you die.
Obviously, a "gangsta" look is ideal for wearing these ultra flashy sneakers... provided you have either a lot of self-deprecation, or a deep love for transgression! Because in terms of bad taste - even ridiculousness - we can't do better.
Fortunately, bling-bling sneakers can also find their place in a set of less flashy pieces, and add a nice boost to your look.
Once again, if the sneakers are well made, with beautiful materials and a careful finish, the only limit will be that of your style and your desires !
Ultra luxury sneakers
Berluti, Salvatore Ferragamo & Bottega Veneta.
It is not because a piece is signed by a luxury name that it is worth its price : unfortunately, this sector has been guilty of numerous abuses, not hesitating to sell off its know-how to increase its margins. Fortunately, some brands continue to honor the demanding concept of luxury with sumptuous models.
Bootmaker Berluti , to begin with, launched into sneakers recently, creating a “bootmaker” model called Playtime. The magnificent patina, the reversed assembly covering the leather sole and the numerous details distinguish a very refined model.
In an even younger spirit, Salvatore Ferragamo offered a model in calfskin applied with ostrich and velvet python leathers. The golden brass "Gancio" buckle superbly finishes off this pair, which is certainly a little showy, but for the right reasons!
Finally, in another style, the Italian brand Bottega Veneta combines braided leather (not really braided, more like threaded) with varnished or smooth pieces, to create a model closed with deployable buckles. The result, almost futuristic, is successful and requires a lot of precision work.
What to wear them with?
Very simply... Obviously, the boot style will go very well with jeans, but also with a suit or any other formal outfit: it will bring just a touch of casualness without compromising the elegance of the look. With beautiful products, this type of association is just crazy!
But it is also possible to stay in a relaxed register by opting for your good old jeans, chinos, shorts... The same goes for exotic leathers bringing a particular nobility to your outfit, even if budget-wise it is not always easy to be able to afford this type of piece.
Low-top sneakers and other tennis shoes: the increasingly “trendy” alternative
Yes, every fashion is made to be undone, high sneakers see considerable competition from their low counterparts, also called tennis shoes. Here again, many variations so that everyone can find their style!
The mythicals
Nike AC classic, Adidas Stan Smith & Reebok Classic
Some sneakers have reached a level of popularity such that they are often considered "mythical"... The Nike Classic AC, very simple with the perforated logo, is timeless and wearable with almost everything .
The Stan Smiths belong to a more vintage repertoire : they embody an era and a personality, which does not prevent them from making a strong comeback. Although less popular in recent years, the Reebok Classic has left its mark on our youth and stands out with a more original "running" inspired design.
How to wear low-top sneakers?
With a suit, neutral basics like Nike ACs find their place very easily. This goes for all dressy outfits, such as flannel pants and a shirt.
You can also play it like Beckham by opting for a casual style, combining jeans and a shirt with rolled up sleeves with your favorite Stan Smiths.
Canvas versions
Tretorn T58, Gucci & Lacoste Marcel
To make good shoes, we favor leather for its robustness, its beauty and its flexibility. But let's not be dogmatic: light, fresh and elegant, canvas allows you to create superb tennis models for the summer.
Tennis specialist Tretorn has opted for a solid weave which has the advantage of providing a beautiful texture to the shoe.
Turning towards much more simplicity, the Italian Gucci partly abandons its logo canvases for a simple white woven cotton, dotted with tone-on-tone leather inserts and fitted with golden brass eyelets. With a stitched sole, of course.
Then there are the famous Lacoste Marcel. Queens of canvas tennis, they have the spirit of the sport whose name they bear . In terms of quality/price ratio, for the model presented (with the ribbed sole), it is not as good as a sewn, but it remains honest in my opinion. In any case, better than Converse!
The canvas tennis shoe, with its total relaxation, remains the most interesting when integrated into a casual look: here, the beautiful mesh polo shirt and the pleated pants, although elegant, work particularly well with this pair of Gucci .
The little sisters of tall models
Givenchy Tyson, Balenciaga Arena & Converse All Star
Illustration of this growing awareness of low-top sneakers : high models reworked into low-top versions by brands to adapt to the trend. The Tysons created under the leadership of Tisci at Givenchy retain all the attributes of their predecessors, and in particular the architectural sole.
Same principle for the Arena, whose specificity was their very straight lines: even if this appears less on the lower version, the original spirit remains.
Finally, the small Converse seriously compete with the high version, especially during this summer period.
What to wear them with?
Well, almost with everything, like many of their big sisters. The Arena can be worn with a suit for example, or integrated into an outfit with biker jeans for example, or any other formal pants!
More simply, chinos, jeans rolled up above the ankle or smart jogging pants will do the job perfectly. Wearable on a daily basis even in many professional areas, Converse completes both very casual and more formal outfits.
Running sneakers
Valentino Fluo Camouflage, New Balance Classic 574 and Lanvin Cross Training
Our best friends, when it comes to going for a run, have attracted the attention of many designers, to the point of gaining ground in the "urban" wardrobe of men. But be careful: they are often only for show and do not have all the technical specifications of real running shoes.
Valentino has insisted on these tapered shoes for many seasons, adorning them with its famous camouflage pattern and studs. New Balance is riding the vintage trend and bringing back old models, while Lanvin is trying to completely revisit the aesthetic of this shoe by mixing (almost to the point of absurdity) materials.
How to wear running sneakers?
The two designers at the head of Valentino have almost always been supporters of the suit/running duo, the two elements being diametrically opposed. Personally, I am not a fan of this choice, but I will let you be the judge, especially since this association is very successful and has been repeated many times.
And finally, putting running in a more casual context is an effective option: this offers the possibility of playing with materials (joggings or canvas, etc.) or colors.
The ennobled
Chanel, Lanvin & Berluti Playtime
Finally, low-top sneakers also feature some luxurious and rare touches, also symbolizing the explosion of the sportswear trend among luxury brands .
Chanel has redesigned running in its own way, incorporating tweed, its trademark... but only a few large sizes for men are available. Lanvin uses a varnished python in petroleum blue to give character to its famous sneakers, while Berluti, once again, relies on the "bootier" option for its low Playtimes.
What to wear them with?
Here again there are many possibilities, that of simplicity being interesting. A leather jacket, simple dark jeans: the noble materials and work well done will take care of the rest!
So here are some inspirations a few days before the sales. Your questions and comments will be read carefully as usual!
Without forgetting our own sneakers...
On the sneaker side, everything is made in Portugal with French and Italian leathers chosen by us.
