In the booming sneaker world, it’s harder than ever to find a durable pair of kicks that don’t cost an arm and a leg. Prices seem to rise constantly, making it nearly impossible to keep up with trends without shelling out a fortune each time there’s a new release.
If you’re sick of spending hundreds on shoes that die out in a year, this list of the best cheap sneakers for men is for you. They’ll get you where you need to go without leaving a dent in your personal finances.
Just because they’re affordable sneakers doesn’t mean they skimp in the style department. These shoes deserve to be in your rotation since they look as good as they feel, designed with comfort and versatility in mind.
Rather than breaking out your bank card for new shoes every few months, these are the best cheap sneakers for men to keep your feet and wallet happy.
Key Takeaways
There are two ways to think about cheap sneakers for men: kicks under $100 that will last a year or two and affordable sneakers in terms of value, which cost a little more upfront but won’t need replacing any time soon. This article contains a mix of both types of cheap sneakers to help you find shoes to match your personal style (that won’t leave a gaping hole in your wallet).
In a hurry? Tropicfeel Dune Sneakers combine a low price with unmatched value, designed for versatility, comfort, and durability. If you’re looking for something less athletic, Oaxen Sneakers by Myrqvist is under $250 and great for business casual wear.
Ready to discover what we deem worthy as the best cheap sneakers for men? Keep reading.
Sizes Available: US 6-12.5 | Colors Available: 4 | Fit: Regular | Material: Recycled Polyester
In terms of value, style, and function, it’s hard to beat the Tropicfeel Dunes if you’re looking for the best cheap sneakers. This pair is designed for all-terrain wear, with special features for travelers and city slickers.
They’re quick drying if you’re commuting in the rain and packable, so they won’t take up heaps of space in your luggage. Whether you wear them daily to work or while exploring new cities around the globe, the Dune sneakers are designed to accompany you wherever life leads without leaving a huge dent in your wallet.
Sizes Available: US 3.5-14 | Colors Available: 36 | Fit: Narrow | Material: Canvas
When it comes to classic sneakers, Converse takes the cake. The iconic All Star high tops have been around for more than 100 years, which is a testament to their timeless design.
For under $100, these are the best cheap sneakers for men seeking vintage vibes and a go-with-everything footwear style. Wear them with jeans, shorts, or your Sunday best. This is one pair of cheap sneakers for men that are never going out of fashion.
Sizes Available: US 7-14.5 | Colors Available: 20+ | Fit: Regular | Material: Leather
Maybe calling these cheap sneakers is a bit misleading, but not when you factor in the value you get here. These white sneakers are a minimalist’s dream and will last for decades, making them a worthy investment piece.
They’re affordable when you consider how many pairs of white sneakers the average man runs through.
Sizes Available: US 4-13 | Colors Available: 3 | Fit: Regular | Material: Recycled Mesh, Synthetic Suede
These are the best cheap sneakers for men who prefer a chunkier silhouette. The black and gray colorway makes them easy to match with most outfits, deeming these kicks a worthy closet staple when you’re stumped for footwear.
Plus, a budget price and vintage design make them an attractive option for guys searching for affordable black sneakers. They’re also way more interesting than typical monochrome shoes.
Sizes Available: US 4-14 | Colors Available: 8 | Fit: Regular | Material: Canvas
Nike makes plenty of affordable sneakers, but we’re particularly partial to these SBs. Designed with skaters in mind, this pair is an awesome alternative to Vans and basic Air Force 1s.
With neutral or bright colorways to choose from, these are the best cheap sneakers for men who prefer a durable canvas and low-key design. Pair them with streetwear-inspired looks or jeans and your favorite hoodie. They go with pretty much anything and provide unmatched comfort.
Sizes Available: US 4.5-13 | Colors Available: 26 | Fit: Regular | Material: Recycled Vegan Materials
In the world of cheap sneakers for men, it’s always worth investing a little more for a sustainable pair. These Loci sneakers are made from 100% recycled materials and crafted with comfort as the first priority.
With an innovative design featuring natural cork insoles, bamboo lining, and a water-resistant coating, these shoes are built to last. They may not be as cheap as some other sneakers on this list, but the single investment will save you from buying half a dozen pairs down the line.
Sizes Available: US 6.5-12.5 | Colors Available: 9 | Fit: Regular | Material: Leather
Leather shoes don’t come cheap, but these affordable sneakers from Myrqvist bypass the traditional retail markup and are delivered straight to the consumer for a fraction of the price.
Showcasing Portuguese craftsmanship with the finest French leather, these kicks will carry you from the board room to the bar with impeccable style. The white leather construction makes them easy to wear with any business casual getup but look equally at home with jeans or joggers.
Sizes Available: US 4-15 | Colors Available: 48 | Fit: Regular | Material: Canvas
This classic skateboard shoe has been on the market since the late ‘70s and still remains one of the best cheap sneakers for men today. Whether you go for the iconic checkerboard design or keep it sleek with all black, these slip-ons will get you where you need to go in style.
They’re ideal for casual outfits, though my boyfriend wears his in place of fancy loafers, proving that this type of shoe really works with anything.
Sizes Available: US 6-15 | Colors Available: 17 | Fit: Regular | Material: Vegan Materials
A reviewer put it perfectly when he said these shoes are “worth the hype.”
If you’re seeking affordable sneakers that look like a million bucks, these are the ones to choose.
Sizes Available: US 4-18 | Colors Available: 6 | Fit: Regular, Wide, X-Wide | Material: Suede, Mesh
These shoes have been around forever and still manage to stay at the forefront of sneaker trends. Always under $100, this timeless New Balance option has plenty of neutral colorways to choose from.
They’re the optimal pick if you struggle to find sneakers that fit well since they come in wide and extra-wide options (half sizes, too). While they look best with jeans or casual summer fits, these are the best cheap sneakers for men after a simple, wear-anywhere kind of pair.
Sizes Available: US 5.5-12.5 | Colors Available: 4 | Fit: Regular | Material: Suede
It’s rare to find affordable sneakers made from suede, but this high-quality pair won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Coming in at under $200, these are the best cheap sneakers for men seeking a dressier option.
They’re nicer than standard athletic shoes and easily match any sophisticated getup. Designed with comfort in mind, these shoes are unlined with a cushioned sole and come with two pairs of laces, so you can style them however you please.
What to Look for in the Best Cheap Sneakers
Color
One of the top considerations when choosing the best cheap sneakers is color. This is especially important when you consider how to match trainers to your outfit. Neutral colorways tend to be the easiest to pair. Choose black, white, or gray sneakers if you plan on wearing them daily or want something versatile for a variety of situations.
It’s also worth having a pair of colored kicks to showcase your unique style. Wear these as a statement piece with monochrome or otherwise boring outfits.
Style
Most of the best sneaker brands make kicks in a variety of styles, allowing you to choose a pair that suits you and your unique tastes. The main types of sneakers you’ll come across are high tops, athletic sneakers, slip ons, and dressy sneakers.
The style of your sneakers majorly dictates where you can wear them. Athletic sneakers, for example, belong in the gym or casual hangouts, whereas dressy sneakers (made from leather or suede) work well for the office and or fancier functions.
There are definitely some gray areas when it comes to sneaker styles, so don’t feel like you’re completely boxed in by whatever you choose. Take high tops, for instance—you can easily wear this sneaker style with jeans and a hoodie, or you can dress them up with nice slacks and a blazer.
Material
Material matters for three major reasons: comfort, durability, and general style of the sneaker.
First off, material is the top driver of comfort in a shoe. Shoes made from soft, breathable materials will be more comfortable right out of the box than those made of rigid, inflexible components.
In general, canvas or mesh sneakers have the shortest break-in period, which makes them easy to wear as soon as you get them. On the other hand, materials like leather and suede become more comfortable over time but may cause blisters during the first few weeks.
This brings us to the second point: durability. Because as challenging as it is to break in leather sneakers, these tend to be the most long-lasting shoes, thanks to the tough material. While mesh and canvas are more comfortable in the short term, they’re also the most susceptible to rips and tears. The lifespan of these shoes is significantly shorter than those made of a higher-quality material.
Lastly, material often dictates the style of the shoe since higher-end fabrics like suede and leather create dressier sneakers than mesh, canvas, and polyester, which comprise casual athletic sneakers.
Final Verdict
The best cheap sneakers for men come in all shapes, sizes, and price points. For tried and true cheap sneakers, stick with Vans or Converse, which have been around for decades without falling out of fashion. Looking for something with a longer lifespan? Try the Tropicfeel Dune Sneakers that are durable and perfect for commuters or
FAQ
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While most sneakers are relatively inexpensive to make, they go through a large retail markup before making it to the consumer. However, there are brands like Oliver Cabell and Myrqvist that bypass this markup to cut costs and deliver their shoes directly to customers. Another reason sneaker prices are high is due to a shortage in the supply of rubber and plastic, with demand still surging. This is why it’s worth purchasing shoes from innovative companies like Loci, which use recycled and sustainable materials like cork and bamboo in their sneaker construction.
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The sneaker market is still booming, so much so that with every pair of new sneakers released, old sneakers lose their value. This is seen most starkly on resale sites, with traditionally crazy prices being slashed almost in half as new models make it to the market.
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