The leisure shoe has been breaking down barriers for many years. Where men usually wore formal shoes to work or to socialise, these days sneakers, trainers, or other more casual shoe or boot styles have started to appear in the office space and after-work venues.
But there are sneakers and there are sneakers…and then there are trainers! We believe the super-smart sneaker is a keeper as it can serve so many purposes. A sneaker for all seasons if you will. Before we pass on our recommendations for spring/summer 2025 and beyond, let’s make sure we get our terminology in order.
Difference between sneakers and trainers
Both these casual shoe styles are rubber soled and give you a bit more bounce, so are usually worn for activities and sports. Sneakers were the originals, made in the US in the late 1800s by Keds, as a shoe you could walk quietly in. In the UK, we would have referred to these shoes as plimsolls. Both had a rubber sole and an upper made of canvas.
They evolved with the launch of Converse All-Stars in 1917. They went on to be worn by the US basketball team in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. Meanwhile, four-times gold medal winner, Jesse Owens, wore a track shoe designed by Adolf Dassler, who went on to establish Adidas.
This is where sneakers and trainers started to take different paths. After the Second World War, sneakers became casual footwear while the trainer developed into a high-tech shoe designed to enhance your sporting performance.
The shape of sneakers
Sneakers usually have a rounded toe and flatter sole. The sole on sneakers is a cup-sole. It has a solid base piece and cushioning on top. Trainer soles pitch up at the front, have a heel and sport all number of cleat styles while the tech in between the bottom of the sole and the inside of the upper is a category all of its own.
The smart trainer
Sorry, but there are examples where a trainer shaped shoe is just not suitable for marathon training or any other sporting activity! Our new suede and calf Elan style is very much a trainer to look at but is too smart to ruin on the trails. Same for our Atlanta trainer and Loake’s Bannister and Linford styles.
New season men’s sneakers
If you prefer a sneaker style, then look no further than our new Strike II. We have made this style in both suede and calf and have ensured it is sturdy enough for all weathers. It has a higher sole and premium materials that will last and will look after your feet. There is plenty of comfortable padding inside too.
If you fancy something different, then Loake do a white and sand blended calf and suede version called Rush and a more classic calf style called Sprint, while Church’s make the Boland (below).
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In summary
Unlike trainers that wear out due to wear and tear inflicted on them by active use, our sneakers (and the smart trainers) should last you for many seasons to come.
[…] Men’s sneakers for all seasons […]