Top 10 Best Trainers for Men in the UK 2020 (Nike, Vans, adidas Originals and More)

When it comes to choosing new trainers, there are two ways to tackle it - pick what looks good, or choose the most practical. But, what if we told you it’s possible to marry both? In this section, we’ll go over the different styles and materials, as well as advising which pairs will work best for particular situations and attires.  

The first thing you’ll want to consider is what type of trainer you would prefer. While there are a large variety of trainers to choose from, they can generally be narrowed down to four simple and easy to distinguish styles. So, let’s take a look at each individually. 

The most common style of trainers you're likely to come across is the low top. Just in case you’ve been living under a rock, these trainers cover the foot, cutting off around or below the wearer’s ankles. 

These are by far the most versatile of all the different styles, as they can be worn with pretty much everything. From summer shorts, to formal attire, they're going to look great providing you’ve got the right pair. 

Moving on from the low to the high top, these iconic shoes have humble beginnings. Originally designed to be worn as part of a sports kit, it was believed that having an upper part which covered the ankle would give more protection to those playing games such as basketball. 

As with most sportswear, they’ve gradually become adopted into streetwear trends. For this reason, high tops are often better suited to more casual attire. Although, recently designer brands have been producing them, so you might be able to snag some more classy, albeit slightly extravagant options to wear with your suit. 

As you’ve probably guessed, the slip-on trainer is one that does just that. This style generally uses a flexible upper and an elasticated ankle which allows the wearer to easily slide them on and off. Which means there will be no unpleasant laces ruining the clean silhouette of the shoe. 

These trainers come in a wide variety of designs and materials, whether you're after sophisticated leather uppers for more smart-casual events, or canvas espadrilles for relaxing summer days at the beach. Just make sure to match them to your outfit, otherwise they can quickly look out of place.

If you’re looking for trainers for your work out, a kick about at the park, or you simply like the active look, then finding some versatile running trainers could well be on the top of your list. 

Whether or not you're the active type, you may want to consider this style if you're constantly on your feet for work. These trainers will be a practical and extremely comfortable choice, with cushioned soles for those long hours spent standing up. 

Of course, you’ll want them to look good too! Luckily, sportswear chic is back on trend, and brands have been producing a wide variety of both practical and stylish sports trainers over the last couple of years.

When it comes to materials, trainer manufacturers don’t like to rock the boat too much. Which is why you’ll often find the same classic materials being used. Let's take a look at each of the pros and cons of each.

Leather is one of the most common materials used in footwear. It has the advantage of being naturally waterproof, while bringing an added touch of class helping you achieve a smarter look. If looked after properly, this material can last ages, so you won’t be forking out for a new pair every year. 

The downside to leather is that if you want to keep it in good condition, they’re going to need some care. Leather trainers can also require breaking in time if you’re not used to wearing such a robust shoe. 

If your trainers aren't made from leather, the next most common type of textile used is cotton canvas. This is often used to create a variety of different sneakers, high tops and plimsoles. The big plus is that these trainers are low cost and low maintenance, so you won't have to worry about the upkeep. 

Unfortunately, canvas trainers aren’t very warm or weatherproof, so you may be left with some wet socks if the weather turns. They’re also not very durable, unlike leather trainers.

This fabric is generally reserved for active and sports-style trainers. The synthetic material can be made from nylon, polyester or even faux leathers (think PVC), all of which are breathable and lightweight, making them ideal for fitness and longer periods of wear. 

The only issue is that these materials tend to be significantly weaker than leather or canvas, and can wear down rather quickly. So you might be required to repurchase a pair sooner than you’d want to. 

Finally, you’ll want to consider the sole. The majority of the time trainers will use a rubber tread. This is because rubber soles are long-lasting, slip-resistant, and most importantly for those of us living in the UK, it’s waterproof. 

Some active trainers will possibly use a synthetic sole as they are more lightweight, making them a solid choice for running and working out. The only problem is that they aren’t as water-resistant or slip-proof. So, on a wet day you could end up with damp socks, or on your bum, neither outcome being optimal. 

Now we’ve gone over the most important considerations, it's time for the fun part! From smart leather pairs for more formal occasions, to those you’d be happy trawling through the countryside in, here in ranking order are the top 10 best trainers for men.

If this article has got you thinking about footwear, you might want to check out some of our other articles below. From winter boots for toasty toes, to the best running shoes to keep you one step ahead of the pack, we've found a selection of the most fashionable and functional picks!

We hope this guide has proved that you don't need to be a sneaker head to find the ideal pair of trainers. With a bit of careful consideration you'll have a new addition for your wardrobe in no time. In fact, we're pretty sure there is more than one perfect pick, so don't be surprised if you're tempted by a couple more!

Author: Lewis Clark