The 8 Best Spring Sneakers
For every time that you reached for some sturdy winter boots this past season, there might’ve been just as many times where you wished you weren’t treading through the snow or rain, but instead slipping on a lightweight, stylish pair of sneakers. Those times are nigh, as spring is out in full force (occasional rain showers be damned.)
A classic sneaker is a piece that can function as either a rugged pair of footwear for navigating tricky terrain, or a visually interesting complement to your daily office gear. And on warm weekends, there’s not one pair of footwear it pays to have more than a great pair of sneakers. Be it a classic white low-top or a sturdy leather high-top, think of them as a replacement for standard wing tips or loafers with a blazer and chinos, and don’t hesitate to rock them for days with tailored shorts and a stylish spring polo. There are numerous brands that churn out high-quality kicks, and we’ve narrowed it down to the eight best options for you to choose from this coming season. Hurry and stock up now — you won’t regret it once summer hits.
Converse Jack Purcell Signature
Among classic sneaker offerings, there’s perhaps not one that continues to fly off shelves quite like the Jack Purcell Signature. This iconic silhouette has undergone a dramatic reinvention in recent years in terms of technology, what with the addition of Nike Zoom Air technology and an OrthoLite footbed. And yet, the sneaker continues to sell and gain new fans for its timeless styling potential, welcoming price and easy wearability with jeans and a tee or a blazer and chinos. The two-ply duck canvas (navy, in this case) looks stylish and adds another dimension of sturdy functionality. – $95
SeaVees Legend Sneaker Standard
With more than five decades of heritage and history behind it, it’s no wonder the Legend Sneaker has stuck around this long — and continues to live up to its name. It’s a well-constructed, no-fuss pair crafted with white premium poplin twill and a cotton canvas lining for comfort. The herringbone rubber outsole offers more grip than you’d find on other classic sneakers, and the looks of this pair are as timeless as ever. This is a classic white sneaker that should rock with every outfit you can. – $78
Rancourt Heritage Court Classic Low Sneaker
For when you want one pair of sneakers to carry you through spring, summer and fall, reach for the Heritage Court Classic Low from Rancourt. Crafted in Maine from exceptional Horween Chromexcel leather and featuring solid finishing touches right down to the chestnut leather laces and a honey-colored Vibram sole, Rancourt delivers on a sneaker that’s sure to become as iconic as its loafers and boat shoes. These are a pair of sneakers to carry from Sunday brunch into Monday at the office — and maybe through the rest of the week. – $270
GREATS Royale Court in Graphite
Just because the weather heats up doesn’t mean high-top sneakers can’t work for you. The silhouette is an eye-catching change of pace compared to low-top sneakers, and GREATS builds each offering with as much attention to detail and quality as you might get from a pair of sharp dress shoes. The Royale Court combines old-school heritage and new-school Italian leather in a cool Graphite color that would add just enough pop under lightwash denim or navy chinos, not to mention beneath a slim khaki suit and a slim tee for some high-low style. – $199
Reef Rover Low XT
Reef is a brand perhaps known more for the gear you wear in the water than on land, but its sneakers pass the two-pronged style and functionality test quite handsomely. The Rover Low XT, a new spring offering, combines a sport-inspired silhouette with the brand’s Swellular Technology (an outsole tread pattern that offers grip and mimics the lines of the ocean). The aesthetic is clean, simple and no-fuss; these would make a great travel sneaker, and they’re not bad for wearing with lightwash jeans and a simple pocket tee during your downtime. – $80
Vans for J.Crew Canvas Authentic Sneakers
There are assuredly plenty of brands vying for space in your closet, but there are few that merge the classic styling of Vans with the proven fashion retailer that is J. Crew. This pair was in fact the first-ever Vans style produced 50 years ago, and it’s one that’s still going strong today. The off-white cotton canvas upper has proven hardy and durable for plenty of beachgoers and travelers, and that’s a testament to the durability — and style — that this same pair can provide for you today. – $60
The Hill-Side Standard Low-Top in Pale Indigo Washed Denim
The Hill-Side continues to impress and delight with each new season, particularly as it introduces fabrics that stand the test of time. The pale indigo washed denim that makes this pair so special is sourced from Japan, and the kicks themselves are crafted at one of the world’s oldest sneaker factories. That ongoing commitment to quality makes these a worthwhile addition to your closet, whether you have one pair of sneakers, or a half-dozen. The indigo color will look right at home up against slim dark denim or light grey chinos — yes, even at the office. – $175
Frank & Oak Cotton Twill Hi-Top Sneakers in Off-White
For a brand that continually delivers oustanding basics every month — we’re talking blazers, chinos, polos and sweaters galore — it should come as no surprise that Frank & Oak’s sneaker offerings are equally on-point. High-top sneakers are an excellent way to add visual interest to a look that might normally work with low-top kicks; in this instance, the cotton twill fabric and vintage-inspired construction achieve that goal quite well. Pair these with a slim navy chore coat and rugged tan chinos for a sharp, stylish high-low look that works day or night. – $85
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