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Thanks to Gucci, the luxury sneaker phenomenon has been in full swing for more than 30 years.  Today, the real luxury lies not in spectacular shoe designs but how often you can wear them.  “ Fashion Sneakers” have transformed into one of Men’s greatest fashion accessories, to be worn everywhere from the boardroom to black tie events.  As new designs explode each season, we’ve tracked down a few of our recent faves:

GOING CASUAL

You don’t have to be a sneakerhead to know how to dress around a pair casually.  You can appear stylish without trying, but you are paying for that luxury as the prices of non-athletic sneakers are relentlessly on the rise.

Common Projects, commonprojects.com

The cult brand founded by sneaker enthusiasts Peter Poopat and Flavio Girolami is rumored to have been instrumental in legitimizing the high-end sneaker category back in 2004.  And they haven’t looked back.  So many styles; so many celebs trotting around in them.  Enough said.

Gucci Ace Embroidered Low-Top, gucci.com, $695

With a nod to Gucci heritage, Alessandro Michele has killed it with these kicks.

Blue and Red Leather High-Top Sneaker, Dior Homme, www.dior.com

Sneaker in Ardoise Calf and Argetno Gros Grain, www.bottegaveneta.com, $860

Saint Laurent Signature Court Classic in Black and Graphite Leather, www.ysl.com, $595.00

SUIT UP

Not for the faint-hearted.  Translation: Your suit must be slim and suave for this to be effective, and must be paired with minimalist sneakers.  Yes, that means forgo those covered in crazy colors or logos.  Worn incorrectly can easily make you look like a douchbag. 

Givenchy Leather Sneakers, www.mrporter.com, $495.

Giuseppe Zanotti’s Coby, www.giuseppezanottidesign.com, $995

With the signature element – metal bars – coupled with velvet and patent leather, these could be perfect for your next black-tie event.

WEEKENDERS

If your profession still requires Church’s oxfords or Johnston & Murphy wingtips you still have the weekend to strut your style.

Rockrunner Camouflage-Print Canvas, Leather And Suede Sneakers, www.mrporter.com, $1,075

 Adidas x Quickstrike Superstars, $150

Designed by two true sneakerheads, DJ Clark Kent and Russ Bengtson.

New Balance x Concepts 998 “Boston Marathon”, cncptsintl.com

Super limited edition, and one that shouts your patriotism.  Not a bad move in this tense election environment.

HELP!  I’M SO OLD SCHOOL

So maybe you can admire the luxe sneakers from afar, but they are not for you…no matter what you are wearing.  Where to go from here?  Classics, baby.  Below are the kicks that stand the test of time.  And won’t break the bank.

Adidas Samba Classic

While the Adidas Stan Smiths are cooler now than ever, we feel they are currently too ubiquitous.  Every man, woman, child (and model…) can be found wearing them today.  It’s no wonder they are the brand’s best selling shoe ever…

A great, chic alternative?  The Samba Classic.

Converse …anything

Since launching in 1917 with Chuck Taylors, then following up in ‘35 with Jack Purcell’s, the brand has maintained both popularity and its cool edge.  Staying relevant with chic collaborations – anyone who can play alongside Damien Hirst, Missoni, John Varvatos, and Woolrich deserves this longevity.  And to be worn by you.  With customization available, the varieties are endless…

The Original:  Chuck Taylor All Star Low Top

One of a Kind:  Jack Purcell

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Vans Old Skool

What originated in the skating counterculture is now timelessly embedded in the style arena.  Perfect when paired with anything from dark denim to shades of khaki.

Tretorns

A perennial favorite, off the court rather than on as originally intended 125 years ago, Tretorn has made modern adjustments: denim, flannel, bright new shades to name a few.  If you have held back thinking they are just for women, well consider asking some of the men wearing them today – ahem, Kanye West and Alex Pettyfer. 

 Author’s Side Note:  When researching luxury sneakers, I went onto Amazon Fashion as they now carry some cool brands — John Varvatos, Hugo Boss, Calvin Klein and Ted Baker to name a few – who offer seriously cool kicks.  Under their heading “Men’s Fashion Sneakers” however, the first item featured is the Unisex Classic Croc.  Shame on you, Amazon.  Shame on you.

Tags: adidas samba, adidas x quickstrike, bottega veneta, common projects, converse, dior homme, Fashion, giuseppe zanotti, givenchy sneakers, gucci, new balance x concepts 998, rockrunner, saint laurent signature, sneakers, tretorns, vans