Top Men’s Sneakers 2024: Ultimate Picks

Did you know half of the 277 people who tested sneakers for Runner’s World were men¹? This fact shows how many types of men’s sneakers they looked at for 2024.

The search for the best men’s sneakers of 2024 involved lots of testing. In the Verywell Testing Lab, experts checked sneakers for looks and how comfy they were all day. They worked with personal trainers and athletes to pick sneakers from top brands. They tested them on treadmills and looked deep into each shoe’s design. The team spent thousands of hours testing in gyms to try out many different sneakers². They focused on things like how well they fit, cushioning, and if they prevent blisters.

The Hoka Clifton 8 got approval from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) for being comfy and good for your feet. The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 was praised because it’s great for stability, especially if you have plantar fasciitis. Each sneaker’s details were carefully checked, like the materials used and how they support your feet. Walking coaches and foot doctors helped make sure all foot shapes were considered.

Key Takeaways

• Men make up half of the 277-member wear-test crew in Runner’s World¹.
• Rigorous testing involved tens of thousands of hours in gyms to handle dozens of shoes².
• Both elite and widely accessible sneakers were evaluated for comfort, fit, and durability².
• The Hoka Clifton 8 received the APMA Seal of Acceptance for its design and arch support.
• The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 is praised for its stability and plantar fasciitis support.
• Different sneaker features, from upper materials to drop measurements, were precisely analyzed².

Introduction to 2024 Sneaker Trends

The sneaker world is always changing. In 2024, we’re seeing big trends that mix style and tech. These changes are all about helping sneakers fit into all parts of your life.

This year, old-school styles are back in a big way. About 88% of sneakers are bringing back old memories with their designs³. You’ll see sneakers inspired by the late ’90s, like the Asics Gel-Kayano 14 and New Balance 580v2⁴. Also, be ready for fancy sneaker collabs, such as the Sacai x Nike LDWaffle, which add a touch of high fashion to sneakers⁵.

New sneaker designs are all about new ideas and being useful. Nearly half of all sneakers use eco-friendly materials³. Brands are also making waterproof sneakers from materials like Gore-Tex. For example, you can find waterproof Adidas Stan Smiths and Nike Air Force Ones⁵. This shows the sneaker world is working harder to look good and perform well.

Simplicity is key for many sneaker fans, with 53% of new men’s sneakers being simple in design³. These clean and simple sneakers are made from top-quality leather and come in basic colors. They’re a timeless fashion choice and are easy to match with any outfit⁵. For people who like things straightforward yet stylish, this is great news.

Right now, 72% of sneakers have parts made of mesh, a trend from the ’80s and ’90s³. And see-through sneakers, first made famous by Virgil Abloh, are becoming more common⁵. These trends show off new styles and let you express your unique fashion sense.

In 2024, expect to see sneakers leading in both new design and ways to help the planet. No matter if you like eco-friendly shoes, simple looks, or find joy in nostalgic designs, there’s something for everyone. The sneaker market will be full of choices that match your style and care for the Earth.

Most Popular Sneaker Brands in 2024

In 2024, several brands are leading in the sneaker world. These include Hoka, Nike, Adidas, and Brooks. They stand out by bringing new ideas and following the athleisure trend. Each one meets the needs of different buyers.

Collabs with fashion designers are big news in the sneaker scene. The CLOT x Adidas Superstar team-up saw CLOT move from Nike to Adidas. This gave CLOT a fresh way to express itself⁶. Another cool example is the Daniëlle Cathari x New Balance 991v2 ‘Matcha’. It features a green look inspired by a Starbucks drink⁷.

• Hoka’s Clifton 8 – Eco-conscious features
• Brooks’ Adrenaline GTS 22 – Specialized support
• Asics x Hidden NY Gel-NYC – Released in March 2024 and instantly sold out⁶
• Nike Air Max 95 – History-making design

New Balance stands out by mixing uniqueness with high demand. The New Balance x Miu Miu 530 SL sold for $1,120 and quickly sold out⁶. The Aimé Leon Dore x New Balance 860v2 ‘White’ is loved for its elegant style⁷.

The Joe Freshgoods x New Balance 1000 ‘Black Ice’ makes a new look for the 1000. In 2024, it gets people talking⁷. Puma Mostro also makes a strong comeback. It impresses with fashion team-ups and a special show in New York⁶.

Being inclusive is also a big deal for brands. They offer a wide range of sizes to fit all kinds of feet. This is especially important for men’s athleisure shoes. It shows that being both stylish and comfortable matters.

Cutting-Edge Sneaker Designs

In 2024, sneaker designs will be at their best. You’ll see new ideas and materials that mix style and function perfectly. The Salomon XT-6 Sneakers, for example, look good and feel strong, a top pick for those who love both.

The Reebok Club C 85 brings back the old-school cool. And the Puma Palermo Leather Sneaker combines cool looks with quality wear, standing out in the new sneaker scenes.

Maison Margiela’s Tabi Sneakers are breaking rules with their split-toe look. They open a whole new world of footwear fashion. In the world of luxury, Balenciaga, Gucci, and Versace are creating shoes that wow with their style and craft¹⁰.

Luxury sneakers are in, with Prada, Christian Dior, and Alexander McQueen leading. They make shoes that are both elegant and stylish, perfect for those who love fashion. These sneaks make any outfit cool and unique.

Saint Laurent and Common Projects are focusing on simple, yet classy designs for everyone. Then you have Off-White and Givenchy, using modern looks and high-quality stuff to stay on top in luxury shoe world¹⁰.

High-Performance Athletic Shoes

In 2024, high-performance athletic shoes are at their peak, offering top-notch stability and function. For example, the Adrenaline GTS 22 has the APMA Seal of Acceptance. It’s perfect for athletes with flat feet or plantar fasciitis, giving them the stability they need.

The HOKA Tor Summit 2 is a standout, focusing on technology for trail running. It mixes durability with comfort, the result of lots of research and innovation. These advancements help athletes perform their best, no matter the sport.

The Asics Novablast 4 hits high marks with an overall score of 73. It shines in comfort and cushioning, scoring an 8.3 out of 10. This makes it reliable for stability. The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 is similar, scoring well in responsiveness and weighing just 9.03 oz. This quality makes it a top pick for athletes seeking high-performance shoes.

Enter 2024, the Brooks Ghost Max 2 and Hoka’s Mach X 2 make exciting entries. They’ve improved on last year’s models with better materials for comfort and performance. This shows the ongoing drive to make the best shoes.

When choosing high-performance shoes, price and features matter. Running shoe prices vary from $110 to $285. Men’s shoes weigh between 7 oz. and 10.5 oz., while women’s shoes range from 6.1 oz. to 9.5 oz¹¹.

Brands keep upping their game, offering shoes that ace athletes’ toughest challenges. With these shoes, you’re set for top performance, whether you’re on rugged terrain or at the track.

Sustainable Sneaker Materials

In 2024, the sneaker industry is really big on being green. Brands are making shoes with the planet in mind. They use stuff that’s good for the Earth, like ZQ Merino Wool, fibers from eucalyptus trees, recycled ocean plastic, and even cork¹².

Companies like Cariuma and Allbirds are shining stars in this green movement. They’re big on using natural and recycled materials¹²¹³. Sneakers made this way, like the Allbirds Men’s Tree Runners, are really popular because they use things like lyocell and castor bean oil¹³. They’re all about lasting long and being tough, with things like recycled rubber and organic cotton¹².

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 and Reebok Club C are also cool. They use recycled plastic bottles and mesh, all while staying stylish and high-performing¹⁴. They have certifications from places like OEKO-TEX® and Global Recycled Standard to prove their green claims¹². The trend towards these green shoes shows how important it is to make sneakers sustainably¹³.

Brands keep raising the bar with shoes like Veja’s Marlin. They’re made of things like recycled bottles, sugar cane, and rice waste¹³. Veja and other brands offer these eco-friendly shoes at prices people can afford, such as Rothy’s (which cost between $69 and $269) and Allbirds (ranging from $95 to $145)¹⁴.

Smart Sneaker Technology in 2024

In 2024, smart sneaker technology has taken a giant leap. These shoes come with sensors, smart insoles, and connectivity features. They make the shoe experience better by offering data analysis and feedback. This means you get shoes designed just for you, helping you perform better in sports. They track your speed, distance traveled, and even how you walk. This data, along with AI, suggests ways to improve your foot health and performance.

For example, smart sneakers now have sensors in the soles that give you feedback on how you run. They also have smart insoles that track your steps and analyze how you walk, improving how you move. New Balance is at the forefront of this technology, as seen in their New Balance 990v5 made with 20% USA materials¹⁵¹⁶. These sneakers even have reflective parts, like the ASICS Gel-Kayano 30, which are safer for running at night¹⁵.

Fashion isn’t the only focus; smart sneakers also use high-tech materials. Take SOM Footwear, for instance, which makes shoes in the USA and uses special water-repellent and breathable materials¹⁶. This keeps your feet comfortable and the shoes lasting long on any ground. Carson Footwear in Milwaukie, Oregon, makes handcrafted shoes for running that also feature smart technology¹⁶.

This table shows a few advanced features of the top smart sneakers in 2024:

In 2024, smart sneakers are much more than shoes. They act as personal fitness aids that grow with your sporty activities. They merge advanced technology seamlessly. This not only boosts your performance but also cares for your feet. Thus, the sneakers are a key part of staying fit.

Limited-Edition Sneaker Releases

The 2024 sneaker world is buzzing with talks of new exclusive releases. These special drops come from big-name team-ups and offer cool designs. They are loved by collectors and fans. For example, shoes like the New Balance x Miu Miu and Asics x Hidden NY Gel-NYC mix high fashion with sneaker style perfectly. This boosts their beauty and value to collectors.

Nike, adidas, ASICS, and others are making waves with cool designs and partnerships. They’ve helped grow the sneaker market to over $131.1 billion. Now, it’s set to hit $215.6 billion by 2031¹⁷. Big-name matches such as Wales Bonner x Adidas and Jacquemus x Nike show the buzz around these special shoes¹⁸.

Exciting sneaker drops happen between Thursday and Saturday. This timing gets fans really eager. For example, in 2024, fans looked forward to the Air Jordan 5 ‘Olive’ on March 2nd, plus others¹⁸. Each special release brings something new. They often use rare materials and unique designs, making them stand out.

Prices for these unique shoes can vary a lot, reflecting their special appeal. In June and July 2024, limited-edition men’s sneakers were selling from $115 to $225¹⁷. Even sandals, like the exclusive Way of Wade 11 by Li-Ning at $225 USD, become sought-after due to their rarity¹⁹.

Here is a detailed table of some key collaborations in 2024:

Collectors love these limited-edition sneaker releases. They bring together sneaker love with a desire for luxury. Fans cherish the unique styles and see them as valuable collectibles.

Conclusion

The 2024 sneaker scene shows how much people like style, performance, and eco-friendliness. There were many types of sneakers to choose from. Some were great for sports, while others were cool for everyday wear. The Asics Gel Resolution 9 and adidas Avacourt 2 were top picks for tennis shoes. They really showed what men and women look for in the best sneakers. Also, in January 2024, every NBA player unveiled their latest sneakers. This event highlighted how dynamic and exciting the sneaker market is²⁰²¹.

Special releases made collectors happy with a mix of old-school cool and new tech. Fans loved the Nike Kobe 8 Protro ‘Radiant Emerald’ and the Under Armour FUTR x ELITE, which came out in February²¹. The top ten list included four sneakers just for players, showing how much people like unique and personal touches in sneakers²¹. These limited editions made sneaker culture richer and more interesting.

Looking ahead, sneakers will keep getting more intertwined with high fashion, innovative tech, and green practices. Shoes like the Asics Solution Speed FF 3, Nike Vapor Pro 2, and Mizuno Wave Exceed Tour 6 are showing us the future of performance shoes. They focus on helping you move faster and smoother²⁰. Brands are ready to shake things up in the sneaker world, inspiring us and pushing the boundaries of design and function. It’s an exciting time to be into sneakers, as lots of new and cool things are on the way. This push for better and more stylish shoes will set trends that shape the industry’s future.

Source Links

1. The 10 Best Running Shoes for Men – https://www.runnersworld.com/gear/a26028922/running-shoes-for-men/
2. Best Gym Shoes for Men (2024) | Garage Gym Reviews – https://www.garagegymreviews.com/best-gym-shoes-for-men
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6. The Best Sneakers of 2024… So Far – https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/best-sneakers-of-the-year/
7. The biggest and best sneakers of 2024 (so far) – https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/best-sneakers-2024
8. Best in Class – https://nymag.com/strategist/article/best-tennis-shoes-for-men.html
9. The Best White Sneakers for Every Style, Taste, and Budget – https://www.gq.com/story/best-white-sneakers
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11. The Best Running Shoes of 2024 – https://gearjunkie.com/footwear/best-running-shoes
12. 9 Best Sustainable Sneakers And Tennis Shoes (2024 Review) – https://www.thegoodtrade.com/features/sustainable-sneakers/
13. Sustainable trainers for men: Best eco-friendly sneakers for in 2024 | OPUMO Magazine – https://www.opumo.com/magazine/eco-friendly-trainers/
14. 9 Sustainable Sneaker Brands for 2024: AI’s Curated Picks | AI Sustainable Shopping – https://aisustainableshopping.com/ai-recommended-sustainable-sneaker-brands/
15. 5 Best Sneakers for Men Over 40 in 2024 — DAPPER & GROOMED – https://www.dapperandgroomed.com/blog/5-best-sneakers-for-men-over-40-in-2024
16. Best Made in the USA sneakers for men in 2024 | OPUMO Magazine – https://www.opumo.com/magazine/best-made-in-the-usa-sneakers/
17. Sneaker Release Dates 2024 | SneakerNews.com – https://sneakernews.com/release-dates/
18. The Most Anticipated Sneaker Launches of 2024 – https://www.esquire.com/uk/style/fashion/a46550686/sneaker-releases-2024/
19. The JJJJound x adidas Samba “Tobacco” Steps Into This Week’s Best Footwear Drops – https://hypebeast.com/2024/6/best-sneaker-releases-june-2024-week-4-nike-adidas
20. Best Tennis Shoes of 2024 – https://www.tenniswarehouse-europe.com/Learning_Center/Gear_Guides/Tennis_Shoes/Best_Tennis_Shoes.html
21. Top 10 NBA Sneakers Worn in January 2024 – https://www.si.com/fannation/sneakers/on-court/top-10-nba-sneakers-worn-in-january-2024

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