What are the best sneaker brands for men to buy in 2026?
Eight brands, 286 men's references checked on the official sites in October 2026, five criteria scored out of 10.
Fashion and footwear journalist
Julien Marchand has worked in menswear for ten years. He spent the first four as a sales assistant in a sneaker shop in the Marais, in Paris, advising on sizing and handling returns for peeling soles. He then freelanced for the specialist footwear press before becoming a menswear writer. At Mode Durable he covers sneakers and men's basics, and wears most of the pairs he scores for several months.
Eight brands, 286 men's references checked on the official sites in October 2026, five criteria scored out of 10.
Eight criteria you can check in the shop to tell whether a pair of trainers will last three seasons or three months.
Fabric weight, fleece type, polyester share, seams then washing, checked across six sweatshirt brands.
Fabric weight, collar, cotton and washing, everything that separates a white tee that lasts from one that turns yellow in six months.