2020 men sneaker trends: 5 trends you should know!

Our editorial team reviewed hundreds of sneakers while compiling this list of the absolute best for 2020. This gives us a unique position to observe the trends that are shaping the world of designer sneakers this year.

Here are the 5 most important trends of the year:

1. Bulky silhouettes: luxury brands are experimenting with bigger sneaker designs this year. A throwback to the large skate shoes of the 90’. Check, for example, the Gucci Rhyton or the Balenciaga Black Triple S.
2. Minimalism: clean and simple design continue to sell, thankfully. Common Projects’ Achilles and Koio Gavia Bianco are perfect examples of minimalism with style.
3. New tech: big sneaker manufacturers continue to push new boundaries to make you run faster (see the Nike Zoom Vaporfly 4% Flyknit) or protect your shoes better (see the Nike Air Force 1 GTX).
4. Sustainability: likewise, big manufacturers are also embracing sustainability sneaker productions with reusable materials (see the Adidas UltraBoost 20).
5. High-fashion collaboration: it’s hard to keep track of all the collaborations going on at the moment. Virtually every luxury fashion brand has a sneaker model in collaboration with a streetwear brand at the moment. The latest is Dior x Nike and Prada x Adidas.

Best sneaker brands: The brands that define the sneaker culture:

Athletic brands invented sneakers. But today, you can now buy sneakers from virtually any fashion brand on the planet. From entry-level to high-end luxury fashion statements, there are sneakers available for every budget.

Some brands really define the sneaker culture, however. They created something new and established themselves as true shapers and visionaries.

Here are the 6 brands that are critical to the world of men’s sneakers:

1. Nike

No list of the best sneakers brands would be credible without Nike at the top. The American sports brand continues to renew itself every year with new technology and design. Nike’s capacity to push its sneakers in every direction at the same time is absolutely delightful.

2. Adidas

Adidas has successfully completed a comeback over the past few years, diving deep into the streetwear culture with collaborations with Kayne West and Pharell, for example, while staying true and authentic to their core value.

3. Gucci

The Italian luxury brand Gucci was among the first big names to embrace the casual and sportier men's shoe look. Gucci’s design really took over the streetwear fashion world with iconic models.

4. Balenciaga

French luxury brand Balenciaga came late to the sneakers game. But they came big. The designer is revisiting classics from the 80s and 90s with a modern twist.

5. Tom Ford

High-end designer Tom Ford is known for his use of premium materials and attention to detail. The Tom Ford sneaker collection is absolutely top-notch. They provide a superb style with long-lasting quality.

6. Common Projects

While less known than the other luxury brands in our list, Common Projects has been making a case for luxury sneakers for a decade. Working with premium materials and thoughtful designs, Common Projects earned street credibility among its fans and offers excellent value for money.

 

Sneakers culture: Frequently asked questions: