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There are only a few certainties in a man’s life: death, taxes and trainers. Today, trainers come in uncountable number of styles and almost every fashion brand includes trainers in their footwear collection.
So get yourself kitted out with a pair of new men’s trainers. Not sure what pair to buy? We created a list of 100 best sneakers for men of all time to help you decide on your next purchase. To make it easier we have broken them down in basketball shoes, Vans, Adidas, Nikes and the shoes that we’re sold for a cause.
15 Best Basketball Shoes
So let’s start with the basketball shoes. These trainers are all iconic and are made in collaboration or to celebrate a player throughout their career. We count down our favourite 15.
100. Wilson by Bata John Wooden
Hall of fame basketball player Earvin ”Magic” Johnson launched his career wearing Wilson by Bata basketball shoes. Wilson by Bata used lightweight polyurethane for their soles years ahead of other manufacturers in 1977.
99. Air Jordan XI
Tinker Hatfield introduced patent leather on a basketball trainer for the first time in 1995. It’s already been more than two decades after its initial release, however, Air Jordan XI is still considered one of the best basketball shoes of all time.
98. Starbury
Player Stephon Marbury created a low cost alternative for basketballers. The main idea behind his project was to offer high-quality, inexpensive shoes to future generations of kids and basketball players.
97. Nike Kobe X
One of the most technologically sound sneakers of Kobe’s signature line made its debut in 2015. A new traction system combined with innovative design helped to create this pair of the best NBA shoes.
96. Nike Hyperdunk 2015 iD
Nike’s Hyperdunk line has been a part of Nike Basketball family from 2008. The Nike Hyperdunk 2015 iD offers responsive, low-profile cushioning and flexible support with Nike Zoom Air and dynamic foam in the collar.
95. Nike LeBron 13
Nike is determined to exceed your expectations with their new Nike LeBron basketball shoes.
I demand the same excellence and versatility from my footwear than from my game.
– LeBron, Basketball player
94. Nike Zoom LeBron Soldier 9 Premium
Nike Zoom LeBron Soldier 9 Premium are one of the top rated basketball shoes. These shoes are made with an innovative strap system, low-profile, responsive cushioning and their innovative strap system provides 360° of lockdown.
93. Reebok Pump
The first Reebok style mentioned in this list was introduced in the 1989. Its retail price was significantly higher that of other high-end basketball shoes, however, people in the 90’s were willing to pay for quality.
92. Under Armour Curry One
Command the floor in comfort and style. Under Armour Curry One let you control the game with seamless precision fit and charged cushioning.
91. Nike Zoom Hyperchase
Designer Hiroshi Fujiwara created one of the best looking basketball shoes thanks to more edgy silhouette and new exciting colourways.
90. Adidas J Wall 1
John Wall is another aspiring basketball player who was rewarded with a signature shoe. The J Wall 1 is available in many colourways and its unique air mesh upper is used for comfort and breathability.
89. Nike Kyrie 1
Kyrie Irving’s first signature basketball shoe made its debut in 2014. Foam under the heel was added for impact protection. The Nike Kyrie 1 has nice aesthetic features and is available in bright red.
88. Nike Zoom HyperRev 2015
This is the second instalment of the top rated basketball shoes. The Nike Zoom HyperRev 2015 was one of the best Nike offerings that year thanks to its molded heel counter, foam collar and many colour options to choose from.
87. Nike Air Max Emergent
These basketball shoes provide great support and excellent airflow on the court.
86. Nike Zoom Ascention
Nike Zoom Ascention basketball shoes feature high-tensile stitching on a mesh upper for breathable, dynamic support.
Top 15 Best Nike Shoes
Nike have made some of the most iconic trainers of all time. From the Dunks to hi-tops, here we look at our top 15 to move us on with the list.
85. Nike SB Dunk Low Pigeon
Nike Dunk Low Pro SB Pigeon hit the shoe market in 2005. The release of these Nike Pigeon created a buzz on social media and made headlines across the country. These are one of the best and most hyped trainers ever.
84. Nike Dunk Low Pro SB “Denim Forbes”
These cool sneakers were designed by a use of frayed light and dark denims throughout the upper and the trim on the shoes’ outsoles is bright red.
Raw denim, also called dry denim, is denim that hasn’t gone through the pre-wash process. Raw denim is usually very stiff at first, but it later loosens up.
83. Nike Dunk Low Pro SB “Supreme”
Nike collaboration with a skate store Supreme was released in 2002, but Nike Dunk Low Pro SB “Supreme” are still one of the most sought after SB’s in the market.
82. Nike SB Dunk Jedi
Nike SB Dunk Jedi were given their name because of their neon laces that resemble a lightsaber. To make Star Wars fans even more excited, these shoes feature a neon green heel tab as well as a contrast stitching.
81. Nike SB FLOM
”FLOM” stands for For Love of Money. New York City artist Futura created Nike Dunk High Pro SB “FLOM” in 2005 and there were only 24 pairs of these shoes made. However, Nike dropped a slightly wider release in yellow and black.
80. Nike Dunk Low Pro SB “Heineken”
Yes, they’re green. This was actually an unofficial collaboration and the existence of Heineken star on the heel caused Nike a legal trouble. It’s rumoured that there are only 4000 pairs of Nike heineken trainers in green suede, white leather with the iconic black swoosh.
79. Nike Dunk Low Pro SB “Cali”
California flag was used as an inspiration to create these sneakers. Nike Dunk Low Pro SB “Cali” nicely mixes leather and suede. Allegedly, only 444 pairs were made. However, “Cali” P-Rod 2.5s are your option if you’re interested in getting “Cali” themed sneakers.
78. Nike Dunk Low Pro SB “Tiffany”
And the last pair of Nike Dunk Low Pro SB’s has the colour of your female partner’s favourite jewellers. The light medium robin egg blue colour Nike trainers definitely had to make the best shoes of all time list.
77. Nike LeBron 8 “South Beach”
We’re staying in the USA, but we’re moving to Miami! Once LeBron left his “throne” in the Cleveland and headed to the Miami, the Nike LeBron 8 ”South Beach” was created. The Miami Vice colourway utilises teal, pink, and black.
76. Nike Air Foamposite One “Galaxy”
Well, these are definitely one of the coolest shoes ever. Air Foamposite and glow-in-the-dark sole created an enormous craze when the trainers were released in 2012. The Galaxy colour scheme added its bit to the overall hype.
75. Nike LunarEpic Flyknit
Delivering smooth ride and a virtually unnoticeable, second-skin fit, Nike LunarEpic Flyknit might be the ones for you.
74. DQM x Nike Air Max 90 “Bacon”
DQM stands for Dave’s Quality Meat and their theme is butchery. The air max 90 bacon Shades of pink, red and brown should symbolise, you guessed it, bacon.
73. Nike Air Max 95 “Stash”
A colour palette of different shades of blues and greys was used to design one of the hottest sneakers of all time.
72. Nike Air Max 90
Nike Air Max 90 is a street icon. These all white Nike shoes will help you create effortlessly stylish outfits and will definitely help you stand out in the crowd. Check out more articles about white trainers and find out how to clean them.
71. Nike Free Run + 2
The sequel to successful Free Run was designed in 2011. Nike’s lightweight black breathable mesh upper will provide you with a barefoot feel.
Top 35 Collaborations
Now let’s look at some of the best sneaker collaborations on the market. Collaborations are probably the quickest selling sneakers, due to their exclusivity and limited editions. Spoiler alert: Kanye West will crop up a few times.
70. Nike Air Yeezy
A good few years before Kanye West started collaborating with Adidas, he designed Air Yeezy for Nike. The Jordan inspired sole gloves in the dark.
69. Kanye West x Louis Vuitton Jasper
Kanye also created a whole collection in collaboration with Louis Vuitton. There were three different models and ten colourways all together. The most eye-cathing Jasper’s have pink soles.
68. Adidas Yeezy Boost 750
Adidas Yeezy Boost 750 is to be released on June 11th. The sneaker will be designed featuring beautiful yet simple materials.
67. Jeremy Scott x Adidas Originals JS Bear
It’s safe to say that this is the weirdest shoe in our 100 top shoes ever list. Jeremy’s furry Metro Attitudes with Teddy Ruxpins growing from the tongues caught everyone’s attention in 2011.
66. ALIFE x Reebok Court Victory Pump “Ball Out”
Tennis ball fuzz on a sneaker? These sneakers were available in other colours such as white and orange as well, but the neon green ones were the most popular option.
65. Atmos x Nike Air Max 1 B “Viotech”
Earth tones combined with a purple swoosh made this collaboration memorable.
64. The Simpsons x Vans “KAWS”
The Simpsons x Vans “KAWS” would also make the list of a bit weird collaborations. 14 different models were released in a very low run of only 100 pairs per style.
63. ESPO x Nike Air Force II Low
Collaboration between ESPO and Nike started the trend of ”invisible” footwear. Stephen Powers was responsible for the Air Force II Low transformation.
62. Union x Nike Air Force 180 Low “Clerks Pack”
Neons, pastels, camo print, Safari print and fades were put together by Union to create these sneakers.
61. Nike Dunk High “Pharrell”
As you’ve probably noticed, Nike has already done many collaborations. Nike also collaborated with musician Pharrell and Nike Dunk High “Pharrell” were born in 2005.
60. Patta x Nike Air Max 90 ”Homegrown”
Are am 90 homegrown the nicest shoes ever? Released in 2006, these green trainers still belong to the most desirable Air Maxes ever.
59. Nike Air Max 1 X Parra ”Amsterdam”
Dutch artist Piet Parra collaborated with Nike in 2010. This very special sneaker featured Parra’s iconic tag and was released in a limited run of 24 pairs in 2005.
58. Nike x Patta x Parra ”Cherrywoods”
This shoe was created to celebrate Nike x Patta fifth anniversary. ”Cherrywoods” also called ”Burgundy Pattas” feature a touch of recently mentioned Piet Parra.
57. Rick Owens x Adidas Ro Run
Over-exaggerated silhouette and dark colours. You can easily tell that these shoes were designed by Rick Owens.
56. Maharishi x Nike Terminator ”DPM”
Maharishi x Nike Terminator ”DPM” were released to celebrate the launch of a book called Disrupted Pattern Material. DPM collaborated with Nike to create an orange-sole limited shoe.
55. Missoni x Converse First String Auckland Racer
Missioni collaboration with Converse happed in 2012. The influence of an Italian brand Mission is evident in the shoe’s signature textiles.
54. Yo! MTV Raps x Puma “Big Daddy Kane”
Yo! First Pumas in our list! These cool sneakers honour artist Big Daddy Kane. These shoes can easily be recognised thanks to their old gold chain draped off the ankle collar.
53. Solebox x New Balance 1500
German Solebox is a boutique run by brothers Hikmet and Suekret Sugoer. They collaborated with New Balance and designed Solebox x New Balance 1500. The shoe’s timeless colourway features grey, black, and dark green suede.
52. Comme des Garcons Play x Converse Jack Purcell
A very interesting collaboration happened in 2011 between a Japanese brand Comme des Garcons and Converse Jack Purcell. The Play signature red heart was added to the upper.
51. Ronnie Fieg x ASICS GEL Lyte III “The Cove”
All blue everything. Ronnie Fieg’s “The Cove” model was released in 2010 and it was inspired by a getaway spot in the Bahamas.
50. Supreme x Nike Delta Force Mid SB
A yellow mid-80s basketball shoe was updated and the 2004 version was designed using semi-monochrome patterns.
49. Stüssy x Nike Air Huarache Light
Nike Air Huarache Light were originally released in 1993. 10 years later, Stüssy made them popular again when they were released in lurid green and sedate orange and grey.
48. Jeremy Scott x Adidas Originals Forum “Money Runway”
This was the very first collaboration between Adidas and Jeremy Scott. The currency-covered shoes were a huge hit back in 2002.
47. ARC x New Balance 1300
ARC and New Balance teamed up to design ARC x New Balance 1300 in 2009.
Pig suede on the tip, saddle, and foxing plus jacquard knit meshes are the staples used on many of our domestically-made classics.
– Steve Cusick, Product developer for New Balance
46. Supreme x Vans Half Cab
Supreme mixed four checkered patterns to create Supreme x Vans Half Cab in 2006. Believe it or not, the unusual combination worked very well.
45. IRAK x Adidas Rmx EQT Support Runner
IRAK is a notorious group of NYC-based graffiti artists. They designed two successful colourways of IRAK x Adidas Rmx EQT Support Runner.
44. ALIFE x Adidas Grand Slam
This collaboration between ALIFE and Adidas can be recognised thanks to white mesh, gold stripes and red lining. The shoe was released in 2003.
43. Converse 1HUND(RED) Artists Chuck Taylor All Star by Hiroshi Fujiwara
Not a simple name, but a very simple design characterise this collaboration. These Converse shoes were available in red and had Hiroshi’s fragment design logo embroidered on the heel.
42. J. Crew x New Balance 1400
J. Crew collaborated with New Balance in 2011. The 1400’s silhouette, simple colour suede and bright orange New Balance logo worked great together.
41. UNDFTD x Visvim FBT
Visvim is another Japanese brand. They teamed up with UNDFTD to create a shoe with a fringed running moccasin in 2008.
40. Adidas Originals ObyO David Beckham ZX 8000
This shoe was created in collaboration between Adidas and one of the biggest sports fashion icons, David Beckham.
39. Air Jordan Retro IV LS “Lightning”
Are these the best Air Jordans of all time? These trainers were released in very eye-catching colourways in 2006.
38. Bobbito x Nike Air Force 1 ”High Wheat”
Bobbito Garcia and Rasheed Wallace are responsible for the Air Force 1 High. Yes, the shoes were designed in the colour of wheat.
37. Adidas x Raf Simons Ozweego 2
Very popular 90s style Adidas trainers first landed in 2013.
36. Adidas Stan Smith
The first leather tennis sneaker was released in 1971.
Top Ten Vans Shoes
Though they are a skater brand, Vans has some of the best trainers on the market! Sneakerheads come far and wide for some of the Van drops.
35. Vans California Buffalo Boot Vintage “Green”
This mid-cut Vans feature dark green suede and mesh throughout the upper.
34. Supreme x Vans Sk-8 Hi “Public Enemy”
Another great collaboration with skater brand Supreme was released in 2006. Check out how to wear high tops.
33. WTaps x Vans Syndicate Chukka
The 2007 collaboration between Japanese streetwear brand and Vans featured coveted bones logo.
32. Vans Sk8-Hi Pro “Pacific Blue”
This pair of blue suede shoes was released in 2012. We’re not sure Vans Sk8-Hi were the ones Elvis had in mind though.
31. Vans Chukka Slim “Beads”
This is a slimmed-down version of the classic Vans Chukka.
30. Vans California Chukka Boot “Gaute”
Multicoloured textured side-panel and leather laces are important features of this summer trainer.
29. Vans Vault 106 Moc Horween “Camo”
This limited Vault collection came in anticipated low-top.
28. Vans Era 59 “Lime Punch”
Lime green laces made the shoes’ grey and black upper more exciting.
27. Vans California Chukka Del Pato “Chili Pepper/After Dark”
Black-red-white combination of mid-cut Vans had to make this list.
26. Vans Half Cab
Is the 1992’s Vans Half Cab the best skate shoe ever created?
Top 15 Best Adidas Trainers Ever
Adidas are known for creating some of the best trainers for men. If you’re looking for style and substance then Adidas is the brand for you.
25. Adidas Superstar Pro Model
Adidas ultimate favourite shoes launched in 1969 and made the shell-toe design popular.
Check out the video below for an inspiration on how to style Adidas Superstar.
24. Adidas Samba
PHOTO CREDIT: Office
These classic sneakers were introduced in 1950 and became popular very quickly.
23. BAPE x Adidas “Super Ape Star”
These men’s shoes come in camo pattern with serrated 3-Stripes and a rubber cupsole.
22. Neighborhood x Adidas Superstar
These shoes were designed to celebrate 35th Anniversary of Adidas Superstar in 2004.
21. Footpatrol x Adidas Originals Campus 80s
One of Adidas’ classic silhouettes was popularised again with the introduction of the Campus 80s Primeknit Pack.
20. Adidas Skate Busenitz
These top shoes were created with a skating hero Dennis Busenitz on the bones of classical football style.
19. Adidas Los Angeles
This sporty street style shoe features iconic design lines from the LA Trainer.
18. Adidas Gazelle
Available in three colours, Adidas Gazelle belong to fans favourites.
17. Adidas ZX Flux
These shoes feature high-quality woven textile upper with visible coarse texture and rubber toe bumper.
16. Adidas ZX Flux Adv Asymmetrical Shoes
ZX Flux design was updated with an asymmetrical lacing.
15. Adidas Tubular Radial
Adidas Tubular Radial can easily be recognised thanks to neoprene upper and ’90s-inspired cutout 3-Stripes.
14. Adidas Very Spezial Primeknit
The vintage look of the Spezial was refreshed with a modern primeknit upper.
13. Adidas Eqt Running Guidance Primeknit
With an eye-catching design and stretchy Adidas primeknit upper, these trainers are considered one of Adidas’ nicest.
12. Adidas Tubular Invader
Available in core black, clear aqua and red, this shoe features elements pulled from retro sneakers.
11. Adidas Kiel Shoes
Synthetic textile upper, rubber toe bumper and comfortable textile lining define Adidas Kiel trainers.
Top Ten Best Trainers Designed For A Good Cause
We found it very difficult to decide on top ten shoes of all time as everyone has a different preference. However, it’s always an amazing idea to use fashion to positively influence someone else’s life. Therefore, we decided that shoes designed for a good cause deserve to conclude this list.
10. Nike Air Max 1 x Eminem ”Big Proof”
These shoes were designed by rapper Eminem to support his charity called The Marshall Mathers Foundation. Eminem’s sneakers honours his crew member and friend DeShaun ”Big Proof” Holton who was killed in 2006.
9. Eminem x Carhartt x Air Jordan 4s
Another pair of shoes designed by Eminem for a good cause. All the proceeds went to the Michigan State University Literacy Through Song-Writing program.
8. DeMarco’s Vans
DeMarco’s red autographed Vans were sold in auction to raise money for Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls, a non-profit New York organisation for young musicians.
7. Johnny Marr x PF Flyers Centre Lo
6. Example’s Old Shoes
All proceeds went to the Teenage Cancer Trust.
5. TOMS (Navy Burlap Men’s Del Rey) Sneakers
TOMS matches every pair of shoes purchased with a pair of new shoes given to a child in need. The campaign is called ”One for One”.
4. Bicion and Mache Sapphire Trainers
These are supposed to be the most expensive trainers ever made. All proceeds from auction will go to charity Soles4Souls.
3. Children’s Designs x Nike for Rory McIlroy
This one is a bit different. McIlroy’s Rory Foundation and Nike collaborated with the Cancer Fund for Children in Northern Ireland to raise funds and awareness through the children’s designs.
2. Nike Air MAG
Great Scott! Nike Air MAG inspired by Back to the Future Part II was designed by Tinker Hatfield in 2011. These super-high shoes with self-tightening laces and lights in the heel were sold via auction only and helped to raise a lot of money for The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
1. HyperAdapt 1.0 Nike trainer
The newer model was first used in celebration of Back to the Future Day (October 21, 2015) and the shoes are to be released in summer 2016. The proceeds will also go to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
Check out a short video to find out how HyperAdapt 1.0 trainers work below.
Your Quick Guide to Looking
So now we have gone though the sneaker list, lets look at the best ways to keep your exclusive creps clean
- Know the material! Suede doesn’t work well in water, leather needs regular up keep etc
- Raw denim will rub off onto white shoes, so remember to pin roll your jeans
- When it comes to cleaning your shoes a tooth brush is your best friend
- Make sure you invest in a good shoe protect to keep them clean and scuff free
- Lastly, no one looks good in dirty trainers. It will ruin your outfit so keep them clean
On That Note…
We hope you enjoyed this article and your favourite trainer of all time made our top 100 shoes list!
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