The classic canvas trainer is a year-round staple that should be a fixture of every man's wardrobe. Versatile, comfortable and available in myriad styles, canvas trainers are quite simply a no-brainer. Whether you're a diehard sneakerhead or simply looking to fill your wardrobe with perennial style heroes, do your wardrobe a favour and stock up on a pair: follow our guide below to discover the best canvas trainers for men, as well as what to wear them with.
Why do you need a pair of canvas trainers?
Even if your wardrobe is overflowing with sneakers in all sorts of fabric — nubuck leather, mesh, suede, high-tech nylons — you can never go wrong with a pair of classic canvas kicks. Apart from their laidback look, they're also much easier to clean than leather or suede trainers: simply unlace them, pop them in a laundry bag and throw them in your washing machine with some standard laundry detergent. Canvas trainers are also a great choice for vegans or vegetarians who don't want to wear leather.
However, perhaps the best thing about canvas trainers is that they don't cost the earth, with most coming well in under £100.
How to wear canvas trainers
Comfortable, lightweight and breathable, canvas trainers (usually made from cotton or hemp) are ideal for everyday wear. Team them with jeans and a hoodie for a relaxed weekend look or smarten them up by combining them with tailored trousers or shorts and a chore jacket. Due to their relatively casual nature, we would advise not to wear them with formal attire: opt for a smart pair of dress shoes or even some leather trainers instead.
10 best canvas trainers for men in 2024
Cariuma CATIBA PRO
Brazillian sneaker label Cariuma describes its CATIBA Pro model as "a new kind of skate shoe made for you and the planet". The brand's signature style is sustainably made from premium suede and organic cotton canvas and features a slip-resistant natural rubber sole and a memory foam insole that mimics the anatomy of the foot for arch support and ultimate comfort. For every pair purchased, two trees are planted to aid in the restoration and protection of Brazilian rainforests. Win win.
DiVERGE V2 Marine Blue Canvas
Portuguese footwear label DiVERGE is shaking up the sneaker industry with an innovative platform that allows you to digitally customise your sneakers before receiving your made-to-order pair. For a pair of canvas sneakers that you can put your own twist on, opt for DiVERGE's Portuguese-made V2 model, a high-top sneaker with a classic silhouette that you can customise the colours of to suit your own personal style.
Oliver Cabell Low 1 Shamrock
These low-top trainers from sneaker specialists Oliver Cabell combine a full grain leather and Italian canvas upper with Margom rubber outsoles for ultimate durability and comfort. With the contrast of the shamrock-green heel tab against the black and white upper, they're as stylish as they are sturdy.
CLAE Organic Canvas August
CLAE's August trainers boast a minimal silhouette and pared-back detailing, making them a versatile casual staple that you'll reach for time and again. Wear them with chino shorts and a linen shirt in the summer for an effortless poolside aesthetic. Crafted from hemp canvas with an organic cotton lining, cork footbed and recycled foam insole, they're an eco-conscious purchase that you can feel good about.
Vans ComfyCush Sk8-Hi
Vans' classic Sk8-Hi silhouette has been given an upgrade with the addition of ComfyCush comfort technology. The combination of foam and rubber offer both comfort and grip, while rubber outsoles offer durability and traction and new moisture-wicking lining materials are featured throughout the interior of the shoe. This new and improved level of comfort is guaranteed to put a pep in your step.
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Classic
Converse's classic Chuck Taylor All Star has endured as a footwear iconic for over 100 years, and it's safe to say that it remains as popular as ever. We love this style for its lightweight and durable canvas construction, timeless high-top silhouette and iconic All Star ankle patch.
Adidas Daily 3.0 CLN Lifestyle Skateboarding Shoe
Inspired by old-school skate culture, these men's canvas trainers from Adidas will complement any casual ensemble. Their minimalist silhouette is balanced by a translucent midsole sidewall that reveals the iconic 3-Stripes. Classic with a dose of contemporary cool. Style them with baggy jeans for a low-key skatewear-inspired look.
Novesta Star Master 99 Beige
Cool and classic, these Novesta canvas trainers are ultra-versatile, designed to team with just about anything. The signature style of the Novesta brand, the Star Master still carries the unmistakeable chunky sole and vulcanisation marks that guarantee a true Novesta shoe and its durability.
Stepney Workers Club Dellow S-Strike
These black canvas men's trainers from east London label Stepney Workers Club are made to stand the test of time, thanks to a hard-wearing vulcanised rubber sole. The skateboarding inspired white leather S-Strike logo will elevate any casual outfit.
Lacoste Men's Lerond Canvas Trainers
These timeless men's canvas trainers from Lacoste are classic yet contemporary, with a tennis-inspired look and the iconic Lacoste crocodile logo. Team them with chinos and a polo shirt for an effortless sports-luxe look.
Read our ultimate guide to men's trainers.
