The Best Men’s Sneakers You Can Buy Under $100 (2024)

Whether you’re afashion-forward enthusiastor a guy who’s just looking for his next pair of shoes, we all have one thing in common: we love a set of classic, dependable sneakers. But, unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past decade, you’ve likely taken notice of the rising prices of today’s most prolific silhouettes — largely due to the popularization and subsequent commoditization of their retro and vintage stylings. It might be harder than ever to choose where to spend your hard-earned paycheck these days; but, thankfully, it’s also a little bit easier to find affordable options that look and feel heavenly, without breaking the bank.

It’s true that over the past decade, prices of our favorite sneaker styles have risen dramatically. However, if you’re looking for a pair of dependable head-turners at an affordable price, there are still a ton of options out there, especially in the realm ofvintage classics. Here, we’ll outline some of our favorite examples; from household names like Nike and Adidas, all the way to lesser-known juggernauts like Superga and SeaVees, we’re about to open your eyes to some of the most stylish and best sneakers for under $100.

What to expect from shoes under $100

For this guide, we’ve kept the picks in the $50 – $100 range. Fortunately, many big names have quite a few offerings in this price range that look great and last a while. You won’t be getting any exotic materials or vintage grail sneakers, and most of the shoes in this guide will be made from common materials. As far as features like specialized cushioning and moisture-wicking, they’re not as common in this range, but not unheard of. At the end of the day, you’re trading a good price for basic materials and reasonable durability.

What to look for

Style: From sporty to casual, to the streets and the outdoors, sneakers come in all shapes and sizes. Make sure you have a style in mind that complements your own personal flair, and if you’re not sure, it doesn’t hurt to try out something new.

Use: While we’ve focused mainly on sneakers in this guide, many of them have different applications out in the world. You could go for a casual, comfy, and (recently) stylish pick like the New Balance 574s, or something more purpose-built like Vans’ Old Skool skating shoes. If you care more about the style than the use of the shoe, these details aren’t as important, but still worth knowing.

Comfort: It’s best to try on the shoes you want before buying, but if that’s not possible, make sure you understand your needs (like extra arch support or cushioning) before grabbing a pair.

Materials: The material makeup of a shoe affects both its durability and breathability. Leather is durable but a bit less breathable, while canvas or mesh is lightweight and breathable but not quite as long-lasting. It’s also important to consider the climate and conditions you’ll be wearing them in to make an informed decision, as you’ll want something more breathable in hot weather, and more insulated in cold weather.

Converse Chuck Taylor Low Top

Best Starter Shoes: Converse’s Chuck Taylor is a historic piece of footwear that everyone should recognize, so it’s no surprise that it’s being included on our list of the most affordable sneakers under $100. Aside from being one of the most iconic shoes of the past half-century, the Chuck Taylor Low-Top has helped to pave the way for many of today’s top shoe manufacturers, while remaining completely original in the process. The modern iteration of Converse’s legendary sneaker features more cushioning, a hearty canvas, and exceptional versatility in the wake of urban endeavors. Better yet, it features a cushioned insole, wing tongue stitching, and a grippy rubber outsole that’s prepared for everything from the basketball court to a night out on the town.

Style: Low-top sneaker
Use: Casual, lifting, basketball
Materials: Canvas upper, rubber sole

Merrell Hydro Moc

Best EVA Slip-Ons: Crocs have been getting quite the buzz over the last 5 years or so, and many competitors have thrown their hat in the ring after witnessing their success. Merrell came through with the Hydro Moc, and it’s honestly one of the best Crocs alternatives you can get right now. These water-ready shoes start with an EVA upper, a molded EVA outsole with a 2mm lug depth, and a cushioned EVA footbed with contoured arch support. They’re lightweight, breathable, waterproof, and the perfect EVA slip-on for hanging out or enjoying summer days by the water.

Style: EVA slip-on
Use: Outdoors, casual
Materials: EVA

SUPERGA 2750 Cotu Classic Sneakers

Best White Shoes: Superga might not be a household name like Vans, Nike, or Adidas, but the 2750 Cotu Classic is a viable contender when it comes to quality, affordability, and style. These internationally acclaimed shoes sport a sturdy composition, cushioned footbeds for sustainable comfort throughout the day, and a natural rubber outsole that offers wearers the ultimate in durability and traction as they traverse the city streets. If the styling of the shoe seems vaguely familiar, it’s likely due to the unlined canvas upper, which is reminiscent of Vans’ iconic Era. If you’re looking for a tasteful shoe that’s sure to complement your outfit with ease, the Superga 2750 Cotu Classic is surely right up your alley.

Style: Low-top sneaker
Use: Casual
Materials: Cotton upper, rubber sole

Vans Old Skool

Best Skating Shoes: Vans Old Skool sneakers are timeless kicks that look good with almost any outfit. These aesthetically-astute sneakers are more than just a great pair of footwear, however; they were the first classic skate shoe to adorn the company’s recognizable side stripe, placing them at the forefront of Van’s legendary lineup. They’re crafted with a durable suede and canvas upper, and feature a padded tongue and lining for additional support as you skate at your local park, spend a dayat the beach, or head to a restaurant to grab some food with friends. Better yet, the brand’s signature Waffle outsole is as rugged as they come, standing up to extensive use on and off the blacktop.

Style: Low-top sneaker
Use: Skating, casual
Materials: Suede and canvas upper, rubber waffle sole

Reebok Club C 85 Shoes

Best Leather Shoes: Reebok’s Club C 85 is based on the company’s iconic Club C, which was revealed in 1985 as a reskinned version of the brand’s Revenge Plus. Despite its retro appearance, the 85 is chock full of modern updates, including a soft leather upper, which caters to those who expect superior support and quality from their footwear, and a cushioned, die-cut EVA midsole that provides lightweight cushioning underfoot. These heritage-imbued examples sport a low-cut design orientation, allowing for a wider range of motion during use while retaining a stylish, sleek appearance overall. To round out the casual sneaker, a molded sock liner and durable rubber outsole have been implemented, creating a harmonious concoction of style and purpose.

Style: Low-top sneaker
Use: Casual, tennis
Materials: Leather upper, rubber sole

Seavees Legend Sneaker

Best Simple Sneakers: SeaVees is another brand that’s flown a bit under the radar, as of late, but that’s about to come to an end thanks to their stylish Legend sneaker. This tasteful silhouette boasts substantial tailoring, a cotton poplin upper, and contoured foam throughout its footbed, resulting in transcendental comfort. On the exterior, a low-profile rubber foxing and classic lace-to-toe design illustrate the company’s commitment to retro characteristics, paying homage to the shoe’s 1964 style. While the minimalist shoe draws its inspiration from the past, there’s no denying that they’re perfect for an exploratory day on your favorite modern city streets.

Style: Low-top sneaker
Use: Casual
Materials: Cotton poplin upper, natural rubber sole

Nike Blazer Low ‘77 Vintage

Best Retro Shoes: Although the Nike Blazers got their start as basketball shoes, the fashion scene (much like it’s done with outdoor gear) turned them into style icons that are still just as sought after today (if not more). The leather upper has suede detailing for vintage style, and you’re getting a rubber outsole with plenty of traction and durability thanks to the herringbone pattern. The Swoosh on the side is about as retro Nike as you can get, making these the perfect pick for anyone who wants an old-school pair of kicks with decades of good reputation to back them up.

Style: Low-top sneakers
Use: Casual, basketball
Materials: Leather upper, rubber sole

Nike Cortez

Best Sleek Shoes: The Nike Cortez is one of the brand’s most legendary sneakers, dating all the way back to 1972 when they were introduced as the first-ever track shoe for the company. Aside from their lineage as one of the industry’s most successful silhouettes, these affordable keepsakes are still crafted with a focus on the urban athlete, housing fine synthetic leather, lightweight cushioning, and a comfortable foam outsole that looks as good as it performs. On the bottom of the Cortez, Nike’s iconic herringbone pattern provides the perfect amount of traction, whether you’re spending a day at the track, or running errands right down the street.

Style: Low-top sneaker
Use: Casual
Materials: Leather upper, rubber sole

Adidas Samba Classic

Best Classic Shoes: Adidas’ Sambas are yet another vintage standout from the timeless brand, bringing buyers a pair of sneakers that don’t run short of nostalgic pedigree. These football (or soccer) sneakers first came out all the way back in the ’40s, and feature a recognizable low-top that’s been paired with smooth, premium leather, and an iconic tongue for a one-of-a-kind look. Underneath, a gum rubber outsole and midsole ensure that you’ll be walking on a pillowy surface, day in and day out. Thanks to the shoe’s legendary status, the Samba Classic looks as timeless as ever — so, if you’re looking for a pair of authentic trainers for everything from the indoor field to the street, they’re the perfect pickup to bolster your wardrobe.

Style: Low-top sneaker
Use: Casual, soccer
Materials: Leather upper, gum rubber sole

ASICS Gel-Kinsei OG

Best Running Shoes: ASICS became the unlikely hero in the fashion and footwear world, and over the last year, they’ve been pumping out hits with updates to their own catalog and collaborations. The GEL-KINSEI OGs have a busy, somewhat futuristic style that’s well in line with the maximalist lean that fashion is on right now, coupled with ASICS’ rearfoot GEL technology cushioning system that provides shock absorbance and smooth transitions. Inside, there’s an Ortholite sockliner to help reduce moisture, making these the perfect running companions.

Style: Running shoe
Use: Running, casual
Materials: Synthetic upper, rubber sole

New Balance 574

Best Casual Shoes: New Balance’s 574 rounds out our list as one of the most attractive, and affordable, shoes on the market. Not only does the 574 bring the company’s exceptional attention to detail to light, thanks to itspremium suedeand mesh composition, but it’s also one of the most comfortable sneakers on our list, boasting NB’s proprietary ENCAP technology for quintessential support. An EVA foam midsole provides adequate cushioning throughout the day, while an aesthetically pleasing, vintage layout pays homage to the company’s most transcendental shoes.

Style: Low-top sneaker
Use: Casual
Materials: Suede and mesh upper, rubber sole

Salomon RX Moc 3.0

Best Recovery Shoes: Salomon has had a big past few years, with the XT-6s becoming the fashion world’s footwear darling recently, being worn by everyone from actual hikers, to streetwear aficionados, and Bella Hadid. The Rx Moc 3.0s may not be built for the outdoors, but they still have that rugged, sporty style that the label is known for. These shoes are built to be comfortable post-workout/recovery shoes, featuring an oversized EVA midsole, a breathable textile upper, and a seamless design so the fabric won’t irritate your feet.

Style: Slip-on sneaker
Use: After-workout recovery, casual
Materials: Textile upper, rubber sole