Don't be fooled into thinking that trainers should be reserved for casual occasions. Trainer styles are evolving and formal sneakers are becoming increasingly popular as dress codes shift. Offering a nice textured alternative to traditional leather sneakers, suede sneakers are a particularly versatile solution to smart casual or business casual dress codes. Wear yours year-round – teamed with a sharp tailored suit for those dressier occasions, or with your favourite pair of denim jeans and a casual T-shirt at the pub on the weekend.
Not sure where to start? These are the best suede sneakers for men in 2024, plus a few styling tips.
How to wear suede sneakers
Smart casual
Suede sneakers lend themselves excellently to smart casual ensembles, particularly if you choose an elegant low-top pair with minimal detailing that won't distract too much from your outfit. Next time the dress code says 'smart casual', team your suede sneaks with a pair of tailored trousers and complete the look with a linen shirt in summer or a cashmere roll neck in winter.
Off-duty elegance
The best suede sneakers are the ones you can reach for day to day, whether you're running errands, meeting your friends at your local watering hole or shopping up a storm. Team a pair of chunky suede sneakers with your go-to blue jeans and a heavyweight tee for an effortless weekend look that requires practically no thought.
Summer wedding
Is it ever okay to wear sneakers to a wedding? We'd argue yes. In the right contexts, of course. Summer weddings in particular often call for smart or smart casual looks, rather than head-to-toe black tie garb. So reach for a pair of the smartest suede sneakers you can find in a neutral colour and try styling them with lightweight, unstructured tailoring – a linen suit or tailored separates would work perfectly.
The best men's suede sneakers to buy in 2024
JAK Desert Royal Lite Sneakers
Portuguese footwear label JAK is renowned for its sleek, minimalist sneakers, like this elegantly understated suede style. The classic, lightweight silhouette makes them versatile and easy-to-wear, while an orange stripe on the heel adds a subtle pop of colour. The ideal summer alternative to your leather Common Projects.
North-89 Black Weatherproof No-1 Sneakers
These black waterproof trainers from North-89 are perfect for year-round wear. With Italian suede detailing and comfortable calfskin lining, they're designed to last the distance. You can never go wrong with black sneakers.
Oliver Cabell White GAT Sneakers
Oliver Cabell has mastered the art of leather sneakers and the proof is in these meticulously crafted suede low tops, made from a combination of calfskin leather and suede from Veneto, Italy. Their simple silhouette lends them ultimate versatility: Wear them with anything from jeans and a heavyweight hoodie to smart tailored trousers.
Aurélien Shearling Lined Ash Grey Voyager Sneaker
These luxurious shearling-lined sneakers from Aurélien are perfect for warming frosty feet in the colder months. The plush upper is crafted from Aurélien's signature Softey Suede upper, in 100% French calfskin.
WAHTS Norris Lightweight Runner
Style meets function in the form of WAHTS' Norris Lightweight Runner, which combines a sleek and sophisticated silhouette with robust construction and a cushioned Vibram sole. The contrast of black suede upper and chunky white sole will elevate any sports luxe ensemble.
Myrqvist Oaxen Grey Suede Sneakers
Swedish footwear label Myrqvist never fails to disappoint with its meticulously handcrafted shoes, and its Oaxen sneakers are no different. They're made in Portugal from premium water repellant suede from British tannery Charles F. Stead with leather board heel caps for ultimate comfort.
Velasca Ghisa Sneakers
These minimalist mid-top sneakers from Italian footwear experts Velasca occupy the space between smart and casual, making them a versatile no-brainer for day-to-day wear. They're handcrafted in the Italian shoemaking district of Montegranaro, from premium suede and a sturdy rubber sole.
CLAE Bradley Vanilla Suede Sneakers
LA label CLAE keeps things simple yet elegant with its suede Bradley sneakers. Wear them day-to-day with chinos and an overshirt for effortless casual style.
