What’s cooler than cool? Usually, “ice cold” would be the correct response. But in relation to this article, the answer is, in fact, grey sneakers. But not just any grey sneakers, on the contrary, these are the ones that will help you get your Scandinavian minimalist freak on (save for the pairs from New Balance and Orlebar Brown).
So why the fuss over grey sneakers? We imagine many of you may overlook grey as a colour choice when sneaker shopping, but the in-between of white and black can act as a sleek alternative to white, black or even blue sneakers, grey sneakers can provide that extra bit of pop without drawing attention away from your actual garments. They also work better for white or light coloured pants. So if white sneakers aren’t to your personal taste and black and blue take away from your outfit, it’s time to give grey a go.
Best Grey Sneakers FAQs
How do I clean grey sneakers?
Grey sneakers, like any other colours, can be kept in good condition with regular cleaning. For leather and suede grey sneakers, remove excess dirt and debris with a shoe brush before using another soft brush and a mixture of warm water and a small amount of laundry detergent to wipe away dirt. Leave to dry naturally at room temperature. Canvas sneakers can be put in the washing machine.
What goes best with grey sneakers?
Grey sneakers are versatile enough to be paired with both casual and formal outfits. Pair them with light wash, mid-wash or dark/black jeans and autumnal colours for the top, such as olive green, pink and burnt orange. You can also pair them with a variety of coloured chinos or even a navy suit with a dark grey overcoat.
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Our hit list of grey sneakers is versatile both in style and affordability, allowing you to wear them with anything from suits to casual wear to streetwear. With brands including Common Projects, Novesta and Grenson all making the cut, here are the best grey sneakers you need to own right now.
Allbirds
The Wool Runners are the company's signature shoe, made from a ZQ Merino wool that naturally conforms to the shape of your feet so it feels like you're wearing gloves. The wool material also helps to wick moisture away from your feet
Tropicfeel
The Sunset is an all-terrain sneaker; it's waterproof and features the same benefits as aqua shoes, sports shoes, and hiking boots, all in one sneaker. Did we mention these grey sneakers are also incredibly stylish? Well, they are. Say hello to ultimate style, function, and comfort.
Oliver Cabell
Employing a traditionally 80s style silhouette, the Court looks superb in grey. Hand-stitched to the highest standard in Marche, Italy from full-grain calfskin leather and a Margom Italian sole for durability, these grey sneakers are the perfect everyday or gym pair of sneakers.
Everlane
The Court sneaker looks strikingly similar to Oliver Cabell's model, though is finished in a lighter shade of grey and rocks contrasting patches to add an extra bit of flair. The sole is made from virtually 100 per cent recycled virgin plastic, while the full-grain leather for the upper is sourced from ethical tanneries.
Cariuma
The OCA is Cariuma's signature silhouette and one that will remain good-looking for years to come. The OCA Low can be had in either grey suede or canvas, with the former certainly giving off a more premium look. The suede used was sourced specifically for this sneaker and a leather/memory foam insole serves up insane comfort.
Novesta
The Star Master is the brand's flagship series and is available in a range of colours, including grey. They retain the minimalist styling of other pairs in Novesta's lineup and will be a perfect addition to any dark-denim look.
Veja
This wool knit pair, for example, was designed in collaboration with Rick Owens, and could just be one of the best looking running sneakers we've laid eyes on. With recycled materials being used throughout their DNA (you can see a full breakdown of its materials on the website), these grey sneakers will have you sprinting your way past the competition in style.
Scarosso
Scarossos ticks off the main sneaker colours, including grey, in the Ugo Grigio Scamosciato (grey sude). Rocking a classic silhouette with a contrasting white rubber sole, Scarosso's grey sneakers are made from a high-quality leather suede that lends themselves to being dressed up or down.
GREATS
The Royale Eco Canvas is based on the company's Royale silhouette (one which will look incredibly familiar to others on this list) but is made from 100% repurposed canvas twill, along with a heap of other recycled materials, including algae foam for padding. If you're after stylish grey sneakers, you can't go wrong with these.
Koio
Practically every colour you can think of is taken care of, including grey in this pair of Capri sneakers in Perla. They're made from a combination of full-grain calf leather and calf suede to provide supremely luxurious grey sneakers that are completely minimal, but completely worth your money.
Aurélian
The Cambridge grey sneakers are every bit as luxurious as Aurélian boasts, being made from ultra-soft leather and calves leather being used on the inside, along with an extra padded insole for cushioned strides.
Axel Arigato
The Top Cap sneaker is one of Axel's signature designs, rocking a gorgeous low-cut silhouette with a contrasting matte leather patch on the toe. Paired with a pair of dark denim jeans that finished at the ankle or some well-fitting chinos, these Axel Arigato sneakers will pop and raise your style credentials tenfold.
JAK
This pair of Atom sneakers do all that, being made from Italian suede with a rubber cup sole. The low-top design, coupled with suede makes them malleable, so these grey sneakers will caress your feet with the utmost comfort.
New Balance
New Balance's lifestyle sneaker collection relies heavily on retro styling, which we love. Take this pair of 990s, which reimagine the same look as their ancestor, released in 1982. Made from a combination of suede and mesh for comfort and breathability, they're well-suited to everyday wearing and the gym.
Uniform Standard
The Series 6 grey sneakers rock a low-top design and are made from a combination of genuine Italian suede and nubuck, ethically sourced, of course. More leather can be found on the inside, along with fully recycled insole boards, and even the box they come in is 100 per cent recycled. And all that for less than $200.
Orlebar Brown
The Larson is the company's flagship sneaker and, true to the company's swimming roots, is a "shoe you can swim in". An ultra-lightweight build, elasticated back band to keep them in place and an open-mesh weave mean they can comfortably be submerged in water. No more sand in your socks, sign us up! Oh, and of course, they come in grey.
North 89
The No-2 Plaster grey sneakers employ a highly breathable design with a generous portion of a cotton mesh material. It's incredibly lightweight, which when combined with a memory foam insole (with antibacterial properties) will make it feel like you're walking on clouds.
Common Projects
The low top design of the Achilles may be one mimicked by numerous brands, but none of those has the extra-special touch you get from a pair of Common Project's grey sneakers. Chief among those is the use of incredibly high-quality leathers for the upper, stitched directly onto the sole for the ultimate in durability and craftsmanship.
Yatay
The Neven Low Eco suede comes in a soft grey and is made with a vegan suede that’s much more breathable than normal leather and prevents sweaty feet. Extremely comfortable, you’ll be the King of cool rocking these eco-friendly grey sneakers.