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For the longest time ever, haute couture and streetwear were best described as mixing oil with water. The sophisticated finesse of high fashion was never associated with ‘commoner clothing’—that’s just how the cookie crumbled.
Over the years, however, our perception of elitist attire began to expand past fancy dresses and tuxedos. Thanks to brands like Gucci, Supreme, and Off-White, now you too can wear your Fendi gown with a pair of lace-up Balenciagas.
The enormous list of designer brands can either be viewed as an exciting taste test or a never-ending rabbit hole.
If you can’t manage to fit more than 12 tabs on your computer screen without getting a headache, we’ll provide a short list of some of the best men’s designer shoes to help keep things easier to read.
Finding The Best Men’s Designer Shoes
There are two ways to view shoes: as a practical necessity or as a fashionable statement piece. In haute couture, designers usually cater to style rather than functionality.
For instance, crystals, excessive buckles, and exaggerated platforms are considered commonplace on designer items, but they usually get in the way of wearability.
Of course, this may not matter to you if you believe that style requires sacrifice. At the end of the day, trendsetters should consider their relationship with fashion and their personal needs before settling on a design.
Also, the best men’s designer shoes should offer some degree of practicality and comfort. You should be able to walk in them for at least a couple of hours unless they’re specifically made for photoshoots or indoor use.
13 Best Men’s Designer Shoes
Budget-conscious trendsetters know that designer brands require consideration and justification. Every purchase should serve a purpose, so you don’t have to worry about excessive splurging.
If you’ve already rounded up a collection of reputable shoes and want to add a few more to your list, you’re in luck.
From Nike to Versace, we’ve gathered some of the best men’s designer shoes that are considered a worthwhile investment.
We’ll provide details on price points, where to buy them, and explain what makes them different compared to other brands.
Before you click off, be sure to check out our FAQ section. We’ll address some common concerns related to designer shoes and provide a few styling tips.
#1: Gucci Rhyton star-print sneakers - White
#2: Balenciaga monocolour runner sneakers - Red
#3: Nike Yellow & Blue Dunk Hi 1985 SP Sneakers
#4: YEEZY Black & Grey BSKTBL Knit Sneakers
#5: Alexander McQueen White Sprint Sneakers
#6: Dolce & Gabbana Red Mesh Sneakers
#7: Saint Laurent Off-White & Blue SL24 High-Top Sneakers
#8: Salvatore Ferragamo Navy Cube Sneakers
#9: VERSACE Chain Reaction Sneaker in Emerald Black Cerise
#10: TOM FORD White & Black James Sneakers
#11: Prada logo-plaque lace-up sneakers - Black
#12: Valentino Garavani White & Black VL7N Sneakers
#13: Off-White White & Blue Out Of Office 'OOO' Sneakers
What Are The Most Popular Men’s Designer Shoes?
If you’re going to invest $500+ on a pair of designer shoes, you might as well opt for the most popular brand. Fortunately, there are hundreds of iconic kicks to consider, which include these notable contenders:
- Gucci: If you prefer the classic tennis shoe over chunky lace-ups, we highly recommend opting for the Black Ace kicks
- Balenciaga: Sneakers can’t be made elegant, right? Well, think again. Contrary to popular belief, this designer brand subverts your shoe-related expectations by offering up the men’s Speed sneakers.
- Nike: Home to the Air Force 1 and the Air Jordans, it would be a disservice for us to not include this household brand on our list.
- Yeezy: Want to dress like Kanye West? If so, you can finally adopt his signature drip by wearing a pair of Boost 350 V2 ‘Zebra’ sneakers.
Why Are Men’s Designer Shoes So Expensive?
Shoe collecting is a serious hobby, one that requires lots of research and tons of money. When it comes to designer kicks, the expense is usually justified by two means: construction and exclusivity.
Most brands utilize a premium selection of materials, such as rubber, canvas, and leather. This also includes additional embellishments like embroidery and beadery.
Expertly crafted by a team of professionals, you can relax knowing that your $400 pair of shoes won’t disintegrate anytime soon.
It’s worth noting that most designer brands offer limited-edition collections in order to drive up the hype. Short-in-supply stocks will usually garner increased demand, as well as more publicity.
Of course, each extravagant purchase comes with bragging rights—something that you can never get with a pair of Sketchers.
What Are Men’s Designer Shoes Made Of?
As previously mentioned, designer shoes are typically made out of leather, canvas, rubber, and synthetic materials.
Of course, this depends on the type of footwear, as slides and boots may require a different assortment of materials.
If you’re curious about the composition of your chosen pair, we highly recommend reading the product description on the brand’s website.
How To Clean Men’s Designer Shoes
It doesn’t matter if they were bought at a designer boutique or at a department store. Shoes require routine care and maintenance to ensure durability and to maintain their quality.
We recommend gently brushing off any surface-level debris with a microfiber cloth.
Afterward, you can use a damp rag to remove stains and blemishes. Keep in mind that caked in dirt or abrasive substances may require professional help.
Are Men’s Designer Shoes Worth It?
Shoes are considered a major wardrobe staple. You can’t leave the house without them, nor is an outfit complete without a coveted pair.
It may seem outrageous to spend hundreds of dollars on a pair of designer kicks, but trust me, it’s an investment worth making.
Most luxury brands take pride in the quality construction of their products and pay close attention to their material composition.
How To Style Men’s Designer Shoes
There are four main components to an outfit: tops, bottoms, accessories, and of course, shoes. If you can’t create a cohesive ensemble, no worries.
A styling slump gets the best of us. Below, we’ll show you some ways to style your new men’s designer shoes.
Head-to-toe hypebeast is a daring look to pull off. If you prefer something a bit more subtle, we recommend opting for a simple monochrome outfit in black.
Paired with a graphic tee, black pants, and a pair of Balenciaga kicks, it’s the easiest way to transition from casualwear to branded fashion.
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to opt for a sports jersey and a pair of gym shorts when it comes to styling Nike sneakers.
Instead, we suggest rocking a streetwear outfit composed of sweatpants, a puffer vest, and a neutral-toned flannel underneath.
Wearing a full-on white outfit may lead to headaches and unwanted attention. To help soften this blaring shade, you can never go wrong with light-washed jeans and a fun cardigan.
For shoes, we recommend sticking to your good ol’ Air Force 1s.
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