Men's Sneakers and Shoes: Key Styles

This page brings together men's sneakers and shoes identified by their model name: Asics Gel-1130 and GEL-NYC, Mizuno Wave Prophecy and Wave Rider, Saucony Omni 9 and Ride Millennium, clogs Birkenstock Boston, Clarks Torhill. To buy an identical pair or find the one you spotted.

Retro running sneakers

Most models in the collection come from running archives. They retain the cushioning and technical silhouette of their predecessors, but can be worn in the city, with raw jeans or wide trousers.

Asics Gel-1130 : layered inserts and Gel sole, one of the references in the department.
Asics GEL-NYC : a mix of elements from various archived running shoes.
Mizuno Wave Prophecy : the Infinity Wave sole, identifiable by its wavy design.
Mizuno Wave Rider Beta : the reissue of a classic running shoe from the brand.
Saucony Omni 9 and Saucony Ride Millennium : two reissues of running models from Saucony.

Asics, Mizuno or Saucony?

Asics focuses on its visible Gel technologies and layered silhouettes. Mizuno, founded in 1906 in Osaka, is recognized by its Wave plate, which stabilizes the foot with every step.

Saucony plays with bright colors and airy mesh, which look great with neutral trousers.

The Birkenstock Boston clog

The Birkenstock Boston is a closed clog with a cork sole, available in suede, oiled leather or waxed leather. It can be worn with thick socks from autumn to spring, over wide pants or chinos.

The brand only offers whole sizes and recommends choosing the larger size if in doubt. All the available options can be found on the Birkenstock men's page.

Clarks Torhill, the casual boat shoe

The Clarks Torhill adopts the codes of the boat shoe in a low and soft version, to be worn barefoot in summer or with a thin sock. It completes the range of Clarks Originals.

How to wear retro running sneakers?

The Gel-1130 and GEL-NYC have a loaded silhouette, with their layered inserts. They balance out with a simple bottom: straight raw jeans, cargo trousers or wide chinos, slightly rolled up at the ankle.

Avoid pairing them with very tight trousers, which accentuate the volume of the shoe. A solid, white or grey sock completes the sporty look.

Suede, oiled or waxed Boston?

The suede Boston has the softest look and patinas quickly, but requires waterproofing. The oiled leather holds up better in rain and is easy to maintain.

The waxed leather version keeps a smoother and shinier appearance, best reserved for city outfits.

White, beige or black men's sneakers?

A pair in cream or beige tones brightens up raw jeans and ages well. The black men's sneakers are less noticeable and fit well in a smart-casual office setting. The bright colors of the reissued Saucony or Mizuno make the pair the highlight of a plain outfit.

For a first purchase, a neutral colour is the most versatile choice.

Choosing your size for a named model

An updated model keeps the same pattern from one series to the next. If you wore size 43 in the Omni 9, stick with size 43, just checking the width on the spec sheet.

For models padded at the collar, going half a size up can sometimes be more comfortable. Check the size guide on the spec sheet before ordering.

Caring for archival sneakers

The suede panels are sensitive to water: use a waterproofing spray before the first outing and brush them dry. The mesh can be cleaned with lukewarm water and mild soap, using a soft brush.

Never put a pair in the washing machine: the heat can detach the soles.

Searching differently

To compare all pairs from a brand, go through the men's shoe brands. For shape-based searches, the men's shoes by type category sorts sneakers, loafers, and ankle boots. The entire collection is on the men's shoes page.