Top 2023 Sneakers for Men: The Men's Health Sneaker Awards

Chelsea Kyle

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OUTDOOR RUNNING & TREKKING | RACER | SPORTS FROM THE 80S | SPECIFIC SPORTS | WORK ATTIRE

A KNOWLEDGEABLE INDIVIDUAL once stated, "You can gain a wealth of information about an individual through the footwear they wear." In reality, we are uncertain of the identity of this individual. We fabricated the quote to emphasize the importance of footwear, but we are confident that someone wise must have expressed a similar sentiment. Footwear holds the key to understanding a man's style preferences (and by extension, his personality) more than any other fashion essential or accessory.

We, at Men's Health, take shoes and sneakers very seriously. Every member of our team, from our fitness editors to our fashion writers, recognizes the significance of good footwear. This is true whether we are discussing dress shoes for a best man speech, sandals for beach outings, or boots for a hike. It is equally true when it comes to a high-quality pair of sneakers.

The ideal sneakers should be purpose-built for each specific activity. Basketball sneakers, for instance, necessitate sturdy support and exceptional traction. Golf shoes should offer stability during forceful drives, while the finest pickleball footwear ought to provide reliable grip for maintaining stability as you move around the court. Regardless of your personal interests, there is a shoe or sneaker designed for your chosen pursuit, and we are here to assist you in finding it. Welcome to the 2023 Men's Health Sneaker Awards.

Cumbersome and bulky boots can hinder your performance on trails and dampen the joy of outdoor activities. These sleek and efficient shoes will carry you through the most challenging terrains.

Altra Torin 7Equipped with ample padding, a cleverly redesigned tongue, and a solid, molded heel design, the Torin 7 is tailored for speed and optimal performance.

Arc'teryx Konseal FL 2 Like Arc'teryx's renowned mountaineering garments, the Konseal FL 2 is designed for rapid, lightweight (thus the "FL" in the name) ascents. Don't be deceived by the urban fashion appearance. These are agile, supporting, and prepared to tackle the most intricate approaches.

Kailas Fuga Pro 3 Trail Running Shoes MenKailas demonstrates that you receive what you pay for with this high-quality, extremely technical trail runner.

Believe us when we express it's constructed for significant velocity and extended distances across every territory.

Mammoth Power TR BOA MidWith a daring, SpaceX-worthy design, the Energy TR BOA Mid appears prepared to soar, even while stationary. This leading Mammoth sneaker showcases a highly adhesive Vibram Megagrip outsole for substantial grip.

The Northern Frontiers VECTIV Endless 2 Somewhere between a vintage lunar boot and a path sprinter lies the VECTIV Endless 2.

The watertight blueprint embraces like a hand-cover, and the arched midsole guarantees your feet remain firmly-rooted, regardless of the circumstances.

Salomon X Ultra 4

Lightweight, nimble, and stable meet challenging, technical, and adhesive (as in "grippy"). This is a reliable go-to sneaker designed for intense climbs and descents.

Asolo Softrock

When you desire footwear that's as snug and lightweight as your ultralight backpack, there's the Softrock

It is specifically designed for fastpacking and rapid hiking, when every gram of equipment is important.

When you desire earnest trail-ready footwear, but an authentic boot is excessive, there's On's Cloudtrax. It's a middle-height hiker that maintains equilibrium between support, comfort, and wearability from the urban area to the wilderness.

Hoka Speedgoat 5 Mid GTXAccording to Hoka's own statement, this is "a tireless worker for messy, damp weather conditions." We couldn't agree more.

The Vibram Megagrip and Gore-Tex material imply that this shoe is prepared for any challenges that may arise on the trail.

Asics Gel-Trabuco 11Vibrant, daring, and easily recognizable as Asics, this off-road runner features a robust sole that effortlessly grasps and adjusts to any off-road terrain.

Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2 Currently 20% Reduced

$160 at ADIDAS$200 at BackcountryProper fitting is crucial above all else. This hiking shoe designed by Adidas showcases dual-loop pull tabs for a trouble-free and effortless fit.

Merrell Moab SpeedMerrell utilizes its extensive experience in creating robust hiking shoes to develop the Moab Speed. In line with its name, it is lightweight but features a resilient Vibram outsole, coupled with plush foam padding on the interior.

Columbia Facet 75 Alpha This rugged hiker gives the impression of being sculpted from a single block of rock.

So it's not shocking that it's extremely sturdy with state-of-the-art waterproofing to top it all off.

Next-generation runners provide immense cushioning for smoother jogging experiences.

Brooks Ghost 15Brooks maintains the Ghost tradition with the latest iteration, Ghost 15. It is incredibly lightweight, comfortable, and available in approximately thirty-six shades to maximize personalization.

New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v3New Balance continues to keep things vibrant and daring with the eye-catching, race-ready FuelCell that appears to require a recharge after each jog.

Topo Athletic SpecterTopo's inaugural high-cushion trainer is indisputably distinctive. With an extremely assertive heel and a design reminiscent of a rocking motion, it is constructed with a specific intention of propelling you forward and capturing your energy upon recoil.

Asics Gel-Kayano 30From recreational training runs to 5Ks to marathons, Asics's Gel-Kayano 30 is engineered to cover long distances—literally—with adaptable stability and a more harmonized stride.

Diadora Mythos Blushield Volo 3With a lightweight breathable sieve design, this is a speedster that's constructed for intense, long-distance runs. Plus, the striking, retro-'90s design is [chef's kiss]!

Under Armour UA Flow Velociti Elite The UA Flow Velociti Elite wraps up everything we admire about Under Armour attire—lightweight, high-end, performance-focused design—into a solitary race-ready sprinter.

The Craft Sportswear Nordlite Ultra WPurchase at craftsportswear.comDesigned for elite runners, but suitable for everyday joggers, the Nordlite Ultra W showcases an exclusive midsole for optimal comfort and substantial energy return.

The Hoka Rincon 3Maximized cushioning, minimized weight.

That's the title of the activity with Hoka's Rincon 3—a lightweight runner that showcases one of the top cushion-to-weight ratios in the industry.

Saucony Triumph 21With a gentle collar, a cushioned tongue, and maximum padding all around, this racer provides an ultra-sumptuous foot feel. It's like a run-worthy cushion for your feet.

Mizuno Wave Creation 20 Running ShoeDesigned for serious, long-distance runs, this flagship racing shoe is more cushioned, springier, and more responsive than any Wave Creation shoe before it.

The On Cloudboom Echo 3On brand continues to demonstrate that you receive what you invest in. Its premium Cloudboom Echo 3 introduces advanced foam technology to maximize the return of energy for an extremely bouncy stride.

The Salomon Aero Glide model showcases a retro-futuristic exterior, while inside, it provides maximum comfort with its cushioned tongue and collar area for a secure yet snug fit.

Puma Expand Nitro 2$140 at holabirdsports.comWith unbiased support and utmost comfort, the Amplify Nitro 2 is destined to become your everyday jogger. Bonus: The Fire Orchid/Ultra Blue color scheme is absolutely blazing.

The '80s are back in all their cozy, understated splendor.

Saye Modelo '89 High top, understated style, the Modelo '89 is authentic '80s sport aesthetic.

We're fairly confident they have the approval of Run DMC. Extra points for its plant-based design.

Vans Lowland ComfyCush The shape has barely altered in nearly 40 years because ... why should it? The slender profile and utmost comfort are pure, classic Vans.

Autry CLS SneakersUrban meets athletic style in Autry's CLS Sneaker

It's vintage basketball style with a hint of contemporary usability that functions from the urban areas to the arena and back once more.

Converse Cons Fastbreak Pro LeatherThis remake (pun intended) is a contemporary interpretation of a traditional Converse high-top that is designed to move with you, whether you're playing basketball or skateboarding.

Avia Legacy 816Simple, ageless, and practical, the Legacy 816 is a callback to Avia's inception period, when low-top sneakers still dominated the basketball court.

Onitsuka Tiger paramount 81 EX$130 at onitsukatiger.comThe 40th anniversary of Onitsuka Tiger's paramount 81 brings to mind the brand's most exceptional-performance, high-spec sport shoe from a past era.

New Balance 550New Balance's original 550 was a cutting-edge basketball shoe for the common man.

After three decades, the revival demonstrates that certain aspects remain unaltered.

Saucony Jazz CourtSaucony's interpretation of the classic low-top basketball shoe is a modest masterpiece that's prepared to transition effortlessly from the hardwood to the blacktop and vice versa.

Reebok BB 4000 IIBuilt for the court, the streets, and every other place in between, this nostalgic sneaker pairs perfectly with any outfit and showcases an extremely comfortable interior.

Flamingos Life Leonardo 02$220 at flamingoslife.comFeaturing a retro-inspired design, this brand-new vegan shoe is truly contemporary internally. The most significant aspect is its sustainable construction and bamboo lining for utmost durability.

Diadora Mi BasketThis timeless classic reminds of the Italian sports culture of the '80s with its high-top silhouette and worn-in appearance that gives the impression of just finishing a weekend-long tournament on the court.

Hawk Classics Hawk Sneakers

This Larry Bird-era footwear showcases the identical readiness for the court as its precursor, and the timeless dual-tone heel and suede-and-mesh binding provide it with an ideal vintage touch.

These sneakers with an athletic physique are designed with specialized sports in consideration—from golf to pickleball. (Yes, pickleball!)

On The Roger ProOn's debut tennis shoe is remarkable.

It merges all the efficiency technology of the remarkable running label with the professional knowledge of co-originator and tennis icon Roger Federer.

Nike Air Zoom Diamond Elite Turf$110 at Nike$110 at Dick's Sporting GoodsIt's a game-ready shoe that works on every pregame surface. The forefront strap ensures a secure fit during batting practice, catching pop flies, and everywhere in between.

NoBull Gore-Tex Ripstop Golf ShoeThe simple design of this versatile golf shoe is built for speed, comfort, and play-anytime adaptability, thanks to a genuine 100 percent waterproof Gore-Tex lining.

Puma Solarcourt RCT Racquet Energetic on the outside, all occupation inside. It's light in weight, responsive, and incredibly cozy, regardless of how intense you prefer your racquet sports.

Asics Netburner Ballistic FF 3Now 17% Off

1. 

   Flexible, sturdy, and supportive precisely where you require it, this is one sneaker for the volleyball court to dominate them all.

2. Wilson Rush Pro Ace Pickler With an expanded toe box, a breathable lattice upper, and a padded heel-toe drop, the Ace Pickler is specifically designed for the most rigorous pickleball tournaments.

3. 

   Columbia PFG Pro Sport ShoeIntense angling necessitates rugged footwear.

This specialized angling shoe is constructed with optimal padding, sturdy moisture-to-dry grip, and exceptional water and blemish repellence.

Skechers Viper Court Pro - PickleballA breathable net upper keeps your feet calm, fresh, and collected, while a super-grippy tread ensures you're well-planted in the kitchen.

New Balance NB Numeric Tiago Lemos 1010A vintage, comfortable design plus a padded midsole let this skate shoe propel your kickflips.

Nike Air Jordan 38The state-of-the-art technology in Nike's most recent Jordan incorporates a low-to-the-ground profile to hasten your basketball footwork.

Under Armour's distinctive spikeless golf shoes exhibit versatile sole traction to stabilize your foot while you swing. Moreover, they appear more impressive than nearly any other golf shoe available.

These versatile sneakers are sleek enough for the workplace and comfortable enough to withstand an entire day.

Johnston & Murphy Amherst Lug Knit Sport$135 at johnstonmurphy.comThe combination of business and leisure is emphasized in this athletic shoe, featuring a breathable knit upper and authentic leather detailing.

Allen Edmonds Lawson Lace-up SneakerThe stylish polished calfskin-leather fabrication is prepared for the corporate office, while the sleek outline is understated and minimal enough to wear for drinks after finalizing the agreement.

To Boot Barbera Blue BurnishWith hand-polished calf leather placed on a sporty off-tone sole, this attractive kick pairs well with denim and trainers or dressed up for an evening out.

Rothy's RS01 Sneaker

With an extremely comfortable, already-broken-in fit straight out of the box and timeless good looks, this is guaranteed to be your preferred sneaker. Bonus: Rothy's are completely machine washable.

Ecco Street Lite Luxe

A touch of vintage elegance enhances the timeless allure of this simple sneaker.

The greatest aspect? No need for a period of adjustment. It's extremely comfortable and prepared to accompany you right from the start.

Charles Tyrwhitt Leather and Suede Sneakers$149 at charlestyrwhitt.comThis everyday shoe emits a unique downtown London atmosphere. Furthermore, it's featherweight and resistant enough to sport virtually anywhere, from the supermarket to going out for drinks with friends.

Suitsupply Light Brown Combi SneakerNothing exemplifies "everlasting shoe fashion" like a leather and suede sneaker.

The Tan Jogger Shoe from Suitsupply is a timeless favorite.

Peter Millar Vantage Suede Sneaker

Yet another traditional choice, Peter Millar's Vantage Suede Sneaker combines flexible suede with a timeless outline. Moreover: The entirely lined leather interior and memory-foam footbed resemble a fluffy cloud for your foot.

Oliver Cabell Low 1 | Ocean

A streamlined outline encounters soft calfskin leather in this renowned low-top from Oliver Cabell.

This attractive shoe complements any outfit, regardless of your choice.