5 TOP MEN’S SNEAKER TRENDS

BY INGRID SCHMIDT

20 All-star kicks to build any guy’s sneaker wardrobe or top off his Father’s Day gift list

May 23, 2022

As they say, shoes make the man. Especially when they’re sneakers. When boundaries between athletic and dress shoes are forever blurred and comfort reigns supreme, nuance and details are the key to style.

Just in time for Father’s Day on June 19, our roundup of cool sneakers for men of all ages and styles hits on the season’s trends. Taking a foothold are the nostalgia of retro styling and throwback high-tops, fresh renditions of summer whites and suede, and new riffs on slip-ons.

Let Dad get his kicks with our guide to 20 of the best men’s sneakers at our boutiques.

−

SOUTH COAST PLAZA

THE MEN’S SNEAKER EDIT

−

Vans x Mollusk

New Old School

Sneakers with vintage vibes are having a major moment. Two SoCal brands (Vans and Mollusk Surf Shop) have teamed up for a collab that serves up new takes on archival styles. Harry Styles and Justin Bieber are fans of Vans, while Golden Goose (loved by the likes of Chris Hemsworth) channels ‘80s basketball and skateboarding in its Ball Star sneakers.

Vans x Mollusk Authentic SF
714.549.2159

Gucci Tennis 1977 Slip-On Sneaker

Slip-Ons to Slip Off

A perfect pick for lazy summer days, this classic slip-on silhouette is just as easy to slip off when he wants to feel the grass between his toes or the sand under his feet. The style that nods to Southern California skater culture gets dressed up in Gucci’s GG logo or Berluti’s luxe patinated leather, while Balenciaga slashes the back off its distressed, retro sneaker to create a new sneaker mule. Dolce&Gabbana even has one that’s red carpet-ready, a crystal-encrusted version of the Logotape Sorrento.

Gucci Tennis 1977 Slip-On Sneaker
714.557.9600

Hermès Daydream

Fresh Summer Whites

Stylish white sneakers continue to ride the trend wave. No surprise, since they go with everything (from jeans to shorts to khakis to suiting) and never look out of style. One key theme is sleek and minimalist. The other boasts a maximalist platform — Tod’s cleverly built up its signature pebbles to drive the point home.

Saint Laurent Smith

High-Tops with a Twist

A heightened interest in nostalgic styles has caused a surge in throwback basketball high-tops inspired by the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s. At The Webster, Los Angeles brand Amiri has adorned theirs with a patchwork bandana design, while Dior offers a riff on a 1974 diamond logo pattern, and Saint Laurent adds wrap laces as a cool finishing touch.

Nike Blazer Mid ’77 Premium

Suede for all Seasons

A lighter warm-weather alternative to leather, sleek suede instantly transforms a sneaker into a dressier hybrid that can straddle work and play. We particularly love the contrast of an athletic sole with sculptural molded curves by Giorgio Armani and the wingtip detailing that means business on blue suede sneaker-shoes at Cole Haan.