With fashion evolving day in and day out, various outfits are being introduced into the market ranging from clothes to shoes. When it comes to shoes, particularly the evergreen sneakers, they too, have evolved with time. They are available in various types and that often confuses the customer and retailers.
That’s why, we have created a list of different types of sneakers to make a retailer informed about the various types or variety of sneakers a shoe industry has.
So, let’s get started and trail through the list of types of sneakers, understanding their key differences.
Different Types Of Sneakers For Men
1. High-Top Sneakers
When compared to normal sneakers, high-top sneakers go above the neck (i.e., ankle). These sneakers are made to give a tailored tight fitted style while offering a rough and tough look to an individual. These types of sneakers are best suited for a casual and sporty look while providing ankle support for outdoor activities and adventures such as hiking, skateboarding or biking. They also act as the best shoes for the winter season.
2. Slip-On Sneakers
Slip-on sneakers are those that feature a slip-on design without laces. The collar is made from elastic panels or stretchy materials for the feet to easily and comfortably slip through, without the hassle of tying laces. The casual and comfort-centric design makes it a good addition to everyday attire. Its ergonomic design which is its lightweight and flexible construction makes it a foremost choice while travelling.
3. Synthetic Sneakers
As the name suggests, synthetic sneakers are made from synthetic materials such as polyester, nylon or polyurethane instead of natural materials like leather and suede. They offer a wide range of practical uses such as athletic activities and sports such as running, jogging, gym workouts and also for casual wearing. These types of sneakers mostly come with moisture-wicking properties helping a wearer to be dry and comfortable.
4. Dress Smart Sneakers
These types of sneaker shoes are designed to bridge the gap between casual and formal looks while giving a smart look. Its sleek and minimalistic design offers an easy pair with a variety of outfits. They can be put on from the office to social gatherings, dinners, parties and so on. The key here is to choose sneakers with high-quality materials and designs that can complement the rest of the outfit.
5. Athletic Sneakers
A sneaker with performance, comfort and support to enhance athletic performance and reduce the risk of injury is known as an athletic sneaker. These sneakers are specially designed for sports, exercise and athletic needs. It comes with cushioned soles, lightweight construction, and a shock absorption technique for stability and agility during physical activities such as gym workouts, aerobics, basketball, tennis and soccer.
6. Retro Sneakers
A nostalgic throwback to classic sneakers typically from the 1970s, 80s, and ’90s, featuring vintage-inspired designs, bold colours showcase the sense of charm. They are generally used as casual wear to support running errands, friends hangouts or walking on the road. They are also suitable for casual social occasions, outdoor events, backyard barbecues or music festivals.
7. Textile Sneakers
These types of sneakers for men are made from textile materials such as canvas, cotton or synthetic fabrics. They are lightweight, breathable and comfortable in design making them suitable for everyday casual activities such as light jogging, hanging out with friends or enjoying leisure activities. They are extremely useful for travelling purposes due to their lightweight and easy-to-pack design.
8. Leather Sneakers
If any individual man wants to experience the luxurious look and feel of leather with casual comfort, then leather sneakers are for him. These sneakers offer great durability with a sophisticated look. They are a nice fit for semi-formal occasions as well as travelling purposes. Its timeless appeal, durability and comfort give it a new dimension of style and functionality.
9. Skate Sneakers
As the name suggests, skate sneakers are specially designed for skateboarding. The design is optimized with durable construction, and flat soles to provide skaters support, traction, superior grip and flexibility. They are also engineered with features like reinforced caps and padded collars for added protection and support during high-impact landing.
While skate sneakers are primarily designed for skateboarding, they have transcended their original purpose and they are now widely embraced as casual footwear while nicely fitted with a variety of occasions including casual outings, social gatherings and urban streetwear fashion.
10. Dad Shoe Sneakers
These shoes are known for their bulky and oversized design, that’s they are also called chunk or ugly sneakers. They feature high soles, thick midsoles and retro designs. The cushioned soles provide comfort and support while making them ideal for everyday wear such as walking, running and casual outings with friends and family, excluding formal and professional settings.
11. Canvas
Canvas sneakers are built with canvas upper material with rubber sole and lace-up closure which provides comfort and versatility for various occasions. They are widely popular for their casual and laid-back look, making them great for everyday activity or casual activities such as picnics, outings or casual sports. They offer great traction and support making this sneaker a suitable wearable for light physical activities.
12. Designer Sneakers
Designer sneakers are premium footwear made by fashion houses or luxury brands with high-quality materials, expert craftsmanship and cutting-edge design to give it a feel for status, style and luxury. They are designed to be worn on a variety of occasions including formal and social. These designer shoes are popular among travellers, social gathering events, parties and night-out lovers. Multiple shoe distributors in India import or connect to local manufacturers to deliver these premium-class sneakers to their seekers.
13. Sock Sneakers
This is a type of sneaker that combines the comfort and flexibility of socks with the supports and structure of sneakers. The sock-like upper in these sneakers is generally made from knit fabric or mesh to provide a comfortable and snug fit to the ankle. Sole is made from foam or rubber to provide traction and support to its wearer while offering versatile use for various occasions and activities.
14. Plimsoll Sneakers
Originating in the United Kingdom, built with canvas and rubber where canvas covers the upper part and sole is made from rubber. These sneakers offer a canvas upper, rubber sole and lace-up closure design that makes this sneaker a great option for everyday casual uses such as picnics, beach trips, or casual hikes. The lightweightness and breathable design make it perfect for warm weather conditions while the robber sole provides traction and durability on various surfaces.
15. Velcro Sneakers
When a sneaker is featured with velcro straps instead of traditional laces or buckles it is called a Velcro sneaker. They are easy to fasten, put on and take off without the need for tying or adjusting laces. These sneakers are popular with children, seniors, and individuals with mobility issues due to their convenience and easy-to-use features. They can be used in a variety of activities such as running, walking a dog, lounging, light exercises, gardening or outdoor activities.
16. Suede Sneakers
Suede sneakers offer casual comfort with the luxurious texture of the suede, which provides a velvety texture and rich appearance to the wearer. These sneakers can be paired with jeans, chinos or shorts to give a laid-back yet fashionable casual look while meeting friends for coffee or exploring the city. These sneakers are also a nice option for formal occasions such as date nights, dinners or even semi-casual events and that’s why almost all footwear manufacturers in India make these sneakers to leverage the features and feel the suede sneaker offers.
17. Formal Sneakers
These sneakers are made to give stylish alternatives to traditional dress shoes with sleek and minimalist designs while fabricated with leather or suede. They are the perfect choice for business meetings, cocktail parties, evening events, dinners, dates, and social gatherings, where a polished yet laid-back look is desired. They provide comfort without compromising on style, making it a go-to choice for the modern gentleman looking to make a statement with their footwear.
Conclusion
So, to stay up-to-date with the ever-evolving fashion trends, knowledge of all types of sneakers from high-top to formal is crucial. This knowledge will help you to sport a look that works well with the occasion and feel confident.
For retailers, the fashion trends mandate the diversification of their offerings to meet the market demand. This allows them to generate more leads. We, at ShopTribe India, manufacture and distribute a wide range of sneakers while following the trends around footwear. This relieves the pressure off the retailers and lets them concentrate on their expansion and selling.