Best men's sneakers in 2026: our selection

There is no single "best" men's sneaker: it all depends on what you expect from a pair. A pair that transcends trends, a pair for walking all day, a pair that stands out, or a pair that slips under suit trousers without looking out of place: these are not the same shoes.

This selection brings together twelve models that are widely accepted in 2026, each with its own purpose. All are available at The Last Step at the time of writing, with a real entry price indicated for each. No phantom models, no hard-to-find references.

Key Takeaways in 30 Seconds

·       Most versatile: adidas Samba OG (€69), pairs with everything from jeans to wide-leg trousers.

·       Most comfortable: New Balance 2002R (€100), running base, real cushioning, understated look.

·       Best price: adidas Handball Spezial and Nike Dunk Low, from €39.

·       Most striking: Salomon XT-6 (€110) or New Balance 9060 (€119).

·       Good practice: two complementary pairs, one with a flat sole for style, one running shoe for walking, cover almost all situations.

The Top at a Glance

Model	Style	From	For Whom
adidas Samba OG	Terrace, timeless	€69	The safe bet, goes with everything
adidas Handball Spezial	Terrace, suede	€39	Best style-to-price ratio
adidas Gazelle Indoor	Terrace, retro	€60	Slim silhouette, vintage appeal
Nike Air Force 1 Low	Basketball, leather	€60	The absolute classic, durable
Nike Dunk Low	Basketball, two-tone	€39	The color game, low entry price
Air Jordan 1	Basketball, iconic	€60	Those who want a piece with history
New Balance 530	Retro running	€79	Immediate comfort, forgiving fit
New Balance 2002R	Technical running	€100	Comfort above all, discreet look
New Balance 9060	Modern chunky	€119	Assertive volume, current silhouette
ASICS Gel-NYC	Hybrid retro running	€95	The style-cushioning compromise
ASICS Gel-Kayano 14	Y2K running	€130	Fans of technical and grey
Salomon Speedcross / XT-6	Outdoor, gorpcore	€110	Those who want to stand out

Prices recorded in our catalog on July 26, 2026, for informational purposes: in the sneaker market, they fluctuate depending on available colors and sizes.

How We Built This Selection

Three criteria, in this order.

Style Longevity. A good sneaker should still be wearable in three years. This immediately rules out silhouettes too strongly defined by a single season. The models selected here have all existed for fifteen to forty years, or have an aesthetic that is sufficiently established not to become dated.

Real Comfort. A painful pair will stay in the closet. We therefore clearly distinguish between flat-soled models, which are more stylish but less cushioned, and running models, which are frankly more comfortable for long walks.

Availability. Every model on this list is in stock with us, in men's sizes, at the time of update. This is what distinguishes a useful selection from an article that recommends pairs that have been out of stock for two years.

The Safe Bets: Terrace Silhouettes

adidas Samba OG, from €69

It's impossible to open a sneaker ranking in 2026 without starting with it. Born on indoor football pitches in 1950, the Samba has become the most worn sneaker in Europe in three years, and it has survived the trend effect that should have swept it away.

What explains its dominance: a thin gum sole, a leather upper with three suede stripes, a low profile that slims the foot. It pairs equally well with raw denim jeans, wide-leg trousers, or shorts. The Black White Gum colorway and the classic Cloud White remain the two most versatile options.

Its weakness: the cushioning is almost non-existent. It's a style shoe, not a walking shoe. For the fit, it's true to size but narrow; we detailed this in our guide on how to size adidas Samba. The entire range is in our adidas Samba collection.

adidas Handball Spezial, starting from €39

The Spezial is the suede version of the Samba, with a slightly more generous profile and a color palette that is often more interesting: bright blues, browns, muted greens. It also offers a slightly more comfortable fit than the Samba, as the material is softer.

Above all, at an entry price of €39, it's the best style-to-price ratio in this entire selection. If you're hesitant to invest in a terrace silhouette, start with this one. See it in the adidas Handball Spezial collection.

adidas Gazelle Indoor, starting from €60

Sleeker, more retro, the Gazelle Indoor plays a different card: that of assumed vintage, with its suede upper and T-toe that betrays its origins as an indoor sports shoe. It fits a little narrower than the Spezial, and its more discreet design makes it easy to wear daily.

This is the model to choose if you find the Samba too common. Our adidas Gazelle collection covers the available colorways.

Timeless Nike Classics

Nike Air Force 1 Low, starting from €60

Released in 1982, the first basketball shoe to incorporate Air technology, and probably the best-selling sneaker in the world. Its thick leather, robust sole, and generous volume make it an indestructible pair that can handle winter, rain, and daily commutes without a hitch.

The Triple White colorway is a special case: it's probably the most consensual sneaker ever produced. The downside is that it gets dirty quickly and needs to be maintained. The black version in tumbled leather is more forgiving.

In terms of comfort, the AF1 is heavy but well-cushioned. The fit is generous: many wearers go down half a size. Head to our Nike Air Force 1 collection.

Nike Dunk Low, starting from €39

The Dunk plays on a field no one else occupies as well: color. Its two-tone construction, inherited from the 1985 university colors, makes it the most diversified silhouette on the market. Panda, Team Red, Racer Blue: there's a Dunk for every jacket.

Lower and thinner profile than the AF1, thinner sole, more sporty look. The cushioning is average; it's a style pair. With an entry price of €39, it's the most accessible entry point to the Nike wardrobe. See the Nike Dunk Low collection.

Air Jordan 1, starting from €60

The one that started it all in 1985. The Jordan 1 is not the most comfortable on this list, nor the easiest to wear, but it's the only one with such a rich history. In its High version, it structures a silhouette; in Low, it's more discreet.

It's also the most counterfeited model on the market: if you buy second-hand anywhere other than a verified reseller, first read our guide on how to spot a fake Air Jordan 1. Our Air Jordan collection includes available models.

New Balance, Comfort First

New Balance 530, starting from €79

If you're looking for a pair to walk in without thinking about it, this is it. Derived from 90s running shoes, the 530 combines breathable mesh and synthetic overlays with in-house cushioning technologies. The result: immediate comfort, no break-in period, and a forgiving fit that accommodates wider feet.

Its discreet silver aesthetic goes with everything, which explains why it's seen so much in the city. It fits true to size, as we verified in our guide on New Balance 530 sizing. See the New Balance 530 collection.

New Balance 2002R, starting from €100

The choice of connoisseurs. The 2002R is based on a high-end running shoe, with serious cushioning and premium materials, especially the mesh and suede or Cordura versions. Its look is more understated than the 9060, almost erased, and that's exactly what we want from it.

This is the pair we recommend to someone who walks a lot and refuses to sacrifice style. The New Balance 2002R collection gathers the available colorways.

New Balance 9060, starting from €119

The other end of the spectrum: assumed volume, massive sole, deconstructed lines. The 9060 is New Balance's answer to chunky, and it's probably the most current silhouette in this selection. It completely changes an outfit and works particularly well with wide pants.

Excellent comfort, but you have to embrace its bulk. The Rain Cloud Grey and Black Castlerock colorways are the easiest to integrate. See them in the New Balance 9060 collection.

ASICS, the Return of Technical

ASICS Gel-NYC, starting from €95

The Gel-NYC is an assumed hybrid, built from several running models in the ASICS catalog. It combines real Gel cushioning and a Y2K aesthetic, with mesh and suede overlays that add depth to the colorways.

It's an excellent compromise: more stylish than a pure running shoe, more comfortable than a terrace shoe. It fits true to size, with half a size up recommended for wide feet, as detailed in our guide on ASICS Gel-NYC sizing. See the ASICS Gel-NYC collection.

ASICS Gel-Kayano 14, starting from €130

The Gel-Kayano 14 is the model that launched the whole retro running wave. Released in 2008 as a serious running shoe, it has returned as a fashion piece without losing any of its technicality: front and rear Gel cushioning, support structure, silver material play.

This is the most "technical" pair on the list, and the most divisive. Those who love it wear nothing else. The ASICS Gel-Kayano 14 collection features in-stock colorways.

Stand out from the crowd: Salomon

Salomon Speedcross and XT-6, from €110

Originating from trail running, these silhouettes have been adopted by fashion without going through the traditional sneaker box. Lugged sole, Quicklace lacing, technical materials: nothing like the rest of this selection, and that's the whole point.

They are also, objectively, among the most comfortable here, with real foot support. Reserved for those who want a pair that doesn't look like their neighbor's. See the Salomon collection.

Three alternatives to know

Outside the top 12, three sneaker brands deserve a mention for specific needs:

·       Converse Chuck 70, from €65: the timeless high-top canvas, in a premium version with a thicker sole and more comfortable lining than the standard Chuck. Ideal for summer.

·       Vans Old Skool, from €60: the original skate shoe, its side stripe, and checkerboard pattern. A more casual look than the rest of this list.

·       Puma Speedcat, from €45: ultra-slim silhouette from motorsport, recently brought back into the spotlight. The sleekest on the market, the exact opposite of the 9060.

Which sneakers to choose based on your needs

Your need	The model to favor
One pair that goes with everything	adidas Samba OG or Nike Air Force 1 Low
Walk a lot without suffering	New Balance 2002R or New Balance 530
A tight budget	adidas Handball Spezial (€39) or Nike Dunk Low (€39)
Stand out	Salomon XT-6 or New Balance 9060
Summer use	Converse Chuck 70 or adidas Gazelle Indoor
A piece to keep for years	Air Jordan 1 or Nike Air Force 1
A slim silhouette under tailored pants	adidas Gazelle Indoor or Puma Speedcat

The criteria that really matter when buying

The material. Leather lasts longer and is easy to clean, but it gets hot. Suede is more elegant and fragile, requiring waterproofing. Mesh breathes and is forgiving for wide feet, but it wears out faster. The choice depends on the use, not the price.

The sole. A flat sole, like Samba or Dunk, slims the silhouette but doesn't protect the joints. A running sole, like 2002R or Gel-NYC, changes everything on a ten-thousand-step day. This is the most underestimated criterion when buying, and the one most regretted.

The fit. Terrace silhouettes fit narrow, running models wider. If you have wide feet, opt for New Balance or ASICS rather than a Samba. Our size guides by model provide detailed measurements.

The color. A simple rule: for a versatile first pair, stick to white, black, gray, or a natural tone. Bold colors wear out faster visually and limit outfit combinations.

Common mistakes

·       Buying a stylish pair for all-day walking. A Samba for 15,000 daily steps is a bad idea, no matter your attachment to the model.

·       Taking your usual size without checking. The fit varies greatly from one model to another, even within the same brand.

·       Neglecting suede care. An un-waterproofed Spezial or Gazelle will get marked at the first rain.

·       Accumulating too many highly specialized pairs. Two complementary silhouettes, one flat and one cushioned, cover 90% of situations.

Caring for your pair to make them last

A good sneaker that is poorly maintained will age faster than an entry-level pair that is well treated. Basic habits: brush dry regularly, waterproof suede and canvas before the first wear, never dry near a heat source, and alternate pairs to allow linings to dry.

For details by material, our guides on cleaning suede sneakers and machine washing cover practical cases, including what absolutely not to do.

Our verdict

If there's one thing to take away from this ranking of the best men's sneakers, it's the distinction between style and comfort. Terrace silhouettes, Samba, Spezial and Gazelle, offer the best look for the lowest price, but they are not made for covering long distances. Running models, 530, 2002R, Gel-NYC and Gel-Kayano 14, do the opposite: they handle an entire day and are content to be discreet.

The combination that works in almost all cases is one pair from each category. A Samba OG or an Air Force 1 for style, a 2002R or a 530 for walking. The rest depends on taste, budget, and the desire to stand out.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best men's sneakers in 2026?

The adidas Samba OG and Nike Air Force 1 Low remain the two most versatile choices. For walking comfort, the New Balance 2002R and 530 have the edge. To stand out, the Salomon XT-6 and New Balance 9060. The right model primarily depends on the intended use.

What is the most comfortable sneaker brand for men?

New Balance and ASICS, without hesitation, because their city models are based on running foundations with real cushioning. Adidas' terrace silhouettes and classic Nike flat-soled shoes prioritize style over comfort.

What budget should I plan for a good pair?

Between €39 and €130 for all the models in this selection, depending on the colorway and availability. Terrace silhouettes and Dunks are the most affordable, while technical running models are the most expensive.

Which sneaker should I choose for a first pair?

An adidas Handball Spezial or a Nike Dunk Low if the budget is tight, a Samba OG or an Air Force 1 if you want a pair that will last the longest in terms of style.

Should I take my usual size?

That depends on the model. Samba and terrace silhouettes fit narrow, the Air Force 1 fits large, New Balance 530 and Gel-NYC fit true to size. Always check the model's guide before ordering.

What's the difference between a fashion sneaker and a running sneaker?

The sole and the cushioning. A fashion sneaker, with a flat, thin sole, creates a silhouette but becomes tiring over time. A running sneaker includes cushioning designed to absorb impact, and remains comfortable throughout an entire day.