Men's Shoe Trends 2025: What Styles to Watch For

Zelen by Xero Shoes impressed us as a lightweight, eco-conscious sneaker thanks to its breathable knit upper and recycled materials — qualities that helped it earn a solid 7/10 in our testing. We found the airy knit keeps feet cool in summer and the barefoot-friendly profile works well for everyday wear, but the delicate upper can raise durability concerns and the toebox may feel tight for wider feet. If you want a sustainable, low-profile shoe and can live with limited color options, Zelen delivers comfort and style in a compact package.

The Ra IV Mens delivers a distinctive dress-shoe look thanks to Wild Hide leather from free-roaming cattle, and in our review the breathable leather gave a premium aesthetic despite a modest 6/10 score. We found the minimalist design and comfortable feel suit formal wear, but the cork insole can ride up at the heel and the pared-back arch support may unsettle those used to more structured footwear. If you value sustainable leather and unique styling, it’s a compelling option—just expect some fit quirks and a break-in period.

Don't expect plush padding, but the Leaf Recycled Soles Slides make a sustainability statement thanks to their recycled tire rubber construction; in our testing we liked the eco credentials and breathable rubber upper, though overall comfort is only medium and they lack long-haul cushioning. We found sizes run smaller than expected, so sizing up is often necessary to avoid a tight fit, which contributed to its modest 6/10 score. At $58 these casual slides suit quick errands or poolside wear for buyers prioritizing recycled materials over plush support.

The Salomon XT-4 OG is a rugged sport shoe that impressed us with convenience and cushioning — the Quicklace™ system and dual-density EVA midsole make it easy to slide on and comfortable for long strides. In our testing the TPU upper film added notable durability and some water resistance, but we found the ripstop upper surprisingly absorbent and sizing runs small, which hurt its 7.5/10 score. During longer outings you may need to retighten the laces occasionally, yet if you prioritize responsive comfort and synthetic durability it’s still a strong, breathable sport option.

The Vans Old Skool remains a go-to for that classic silhouette and breathable canvas upper that pairs with almost anything — our experience shows it’s a style-first sneaker that’s comfortable for everyday wear. During our review we noted the canvas and rubber construction can stain easily and isn’t the most durable, and the shoe’s lack of arch support makes it a poorer fit for high-arched feet, contributing to its 6.5/10 score. Given the steep $1,200 price, we recommend it for style-conscious buyers rather than heavy-use footwear.

The Nike Air Max 95 OG Neon earned its high 9/10 rating by restoring the original 'Big Bubble' Air units, which in our testing delivered excellent cushioning and the authentic ride fans expect. We found the gradient mesh upper and neon accents remain true to the OG aesthetic while offering strong breathability, making it a standout sneaker for 2025. Be aware, though, that the 'Volt' tone on this release skews greener than previous yellowish hues and recent price inflation (around $185 retail) reflects the premium nature of this iconic design.

The New Balance 530 SL strikes a nice balance of featherlight movement and all-day comfort, with a breathable mesh upper that kept feet cool during our testing even though some listings list leather. We found the lightweight construction and ventilation excellent for dry days, but durability over time and poor wet-weather performance are real downsides, and sizing runs slightly large so consider sizing down. For someone prioritizing comfort and breathability in everyday wear, it’s a pleasant pick despite a 6.5/10 longevity concern.

The Sperry x BEAMS PLUS Mill CVO blends classic boat-shoe cues with modern comfort — its heavy-duty nylon upper, thick side tape and cushioned, logo-inspired insole earned it a 7/10 in our testing. We found the build gives durability and a clean aesthetic, but expect a break-in period, a relatively narrow toe box, and the possibility of canvas abrasion or tearing under rough use. If you want heritage style with updated comfort for everyday wear, it’s a smart pick so long as you mind the fit and care for the canvas.

The Speedcat Pink Sneakers deliver a refined, low-profile driving feel with plush suede and leather touches, and in our experience the rubber outsole provides excellent grip for agile movement. During our review we noticed the very thin sole compromises cushioning for extended walking, the suede needs careful maintenance to avoid stains, and the snug fit may not suit wider feet—factors that contribute to its 6.5/10 score. If you want a stylish, driving-oriented shoe and can accept limited cushioning, the Speedcat is a fashionable specialty choice.

On's Cloudrunner 2 pairs Helion™ superfoam cushioning with a mesh upper made from 100% recycled materials to deliver an eco-friendly, responsive ride; in our testing the soft but energetic midsole and secure heel clip made short runs and all-day wear feel lively. We found the fit runs about half a size large so sizing down improves lockdown, and some users reported occasional squeaking and a firmer feel than plush trainers, limiting its otherwise strong appeal. At $160 its sustainability and performance earned an 8/10.

The Vans Sk8-Hi keeps its classic mid-top silhouette and breathable canvas construction that pairs effortlessly with casual wardrobes; during our review its heritage look and skate-ready durability stood out. We found it needs a break-in period, the canvas fares poorly in wet conditions, and minimal arch support reduces all-day comfort for some, contributing to a 7/10 rating. Priced at $99 it's a style-forward pick if you prioritize ventilation and timeless design over weatherproofing and structured cushioning.

Balenciaga's Triple S Sneaker is a bold, multi-material statement shoe—our experience shows its layered leather, mesh and reflective panels create depth while the thick, multi-layered sole delivers notable cushioning. We found the oversized, chunky aesthetic and extra weight can feel cumbersome over long periods, and the steep $1,150 price limits its accessibility, factors that led to a 5.5/10 score. Buy it if you want a fashion-forward centerpiece and can accept form over minimalist practicality.

Salomon's XT-6 impressed us with excellent grip, stable traction and a Quicklace system that makes lockdown easy for trail or urban use; in our testing the design felt versatile and reliable. We found some durability concerns—reported upper separation—and its relatively heavy build and stiffness in cold weather hold it back despite a strong 7.5/10 rating. At $180 it's a dependable option for terrain-focused runners and hikers who value traction and secure fit, though longevity on the upper merits caution.

The Onitsuka Tiger Corsair delivers a classic, timeless look combined with comfortable cushioning and dependable traction—during our review it proved versatile for daily wear. We found the materials may show wear sooner with heavy use and there’s a short break-in period, but those minor durability notes didn't overshadow its strong performance that earned an 8.5/10. Priced around $117, it's a smart pick if you want heritage styling with accessible comfort for casual activities.

The Nike Blazer Mid '77 Vintage nails a retro basketball profile with good ankle support and classic tread, and during our review its aesthetic works well for sporty and casual outfits. We found the shoe runs narrow, the materials have a rough, unfinished feel, and the stiff, flat soles lack cushioning—all of which lowered its value and explain a 6/10 score. At $68.97 it's an affordable retro option if you're willing to trade immediate plush comfort for vintage looks.

The Joss Loafer feels immediately premium thanks to 100% Italian leather construction, and our experience shows it offers a luxurious, breathable finish great for polished looks. During our review we liked the comfort but the high $590 price and reported customer service and returns issues weighed heavily, contributing to its 6/10 score. Buy it if you want a refined loafer crafted from quality materials, but be prepared to prioritize a retailer with reliable support in case you need aftercare.

The Larson Weejuns Loafer offers a timeless, polished look and breathable leather that felt comfortable in our testing, making it a go-to for smart-casual dressing. We found the leather scuffs more easily than expected and the toe box runs narrow, which can be uncomfortable for wider feet and explains its 6.5/10 score. At $149 it’s a handsome choice for office or dressier settings—just be ready for careful maintenance and consider sizing or width if you need extra room.

Light and low-profile, the Speedcat OG 'Red White' is a leather sneaker that excels at everyday styling; during our review we appreciated the featherweight design and sleek silhouette that move easily from driving to casual outings. We found the thin sole and limited arch support make it a poor choice for long-distance cushioning or those needing structure, which factors into its 7/10 score. At $35 it's an affordable, style-first pick for anyone who values looks and low weight over plush ride.

SpeedArc Matis blends breathable mesh with TPU overlays to deliver a performance-minded sport shoe that scored 7.5/10 in our review for its comfort-first approach. In our testing the cushioning and durable upper stood out for training and longer sessions, though some wearers reported a pinching sensation at the side ball of the foot that may require a brief break-in. If you want a breathable, sustainably minded sport shoe with solid support, the Matis is a dependable choice—just pay attention to fit around the forefoot.

The Campo is a stylish sneaker built from sustainable materials that our experience shows pairs well with smart-casual looks while offering durable construction. We found initial stiffness and minimal arch support mean you may need a break-in period or aftermarket insoles for all-day comfort, which contributed to its 6.5/10 score. At $145 it’s a good option for eco-minded shoppers seeking style and longevity, but budget for extra support if your days involve lots of standing or walking.