If you’re after a fresh pair of kicks to add to your shoe collection, there’s nothing better than cool shoes that’ll boost your streetwear style up to the next level. The most popular men’s shoe that’s arguably the definition of ‘cool’ is, of course, the white sneaker. But there is a whole world of cool shoes out there waiting for you; slides, boots, dress shoes, sneakers, etc. Seriously, any shoe can be cool if you know what to look for.
Cool shoes will offer something that regular shoes don’t. Whether that be a bold colour, a daring print, or an interesting design that sets it (and you when wearing it) apart. This can be as subtle or as audacious as you’d like. For example, a pair of minimalist clean cut block-coloured sneakers is just as cool as a shoe kitted out in a bright multi-coloured pattern; it depends on your tastes.
However, you don’t just want to buy shoes purely for the aesthetic. You want shoes that are well made with premium materials so the shoe will not only last a long time but will also protect your feet and keep them comfortable.
If you’re after a pair of cool shoes for men, these are the best brands to shop from as they offer cool aesthetics as well as supreme functional features such as comfort and durability.
Cariuma
Co-founders David and Fernando started Cariuma after feeling that major sneaker companies were producing uncomfortable sneakers that weren't created in a sustainable or socially responsible way. They set out to provide stylish, comfy, consciously made shoes, and let us tell you, Cariuma shoes certainly meet those goals.
Cariuma’s mens sneakers come in a huge variety of styles and colours that’ll keep your footwear game cool as ice.
Tropicfeel
Created to fill a gap of versatility present within the men's sneaker market, Tropicfeel is dedicated to creating travel gear that is lightweight and sustainable, and above all can be worn for almost any and every situation or adventure.
Tropicfeel has a huge selection of cool shoes for men, available in awesome colour combinations. If you tend to travel or spend a lot of time in the great outdoors and you’re after a cool pair of sneakers that’ll meet your comfort needs as well as fashion needs, Tropicfeel is the brand for you.
Allbirds
New Zealand-American company, Allbirds is dedicated to creating eco-friendly footwear made from sustainable resources, but that doesn't mean that Allbirds' sneakers don't deliver in the comfort or style department.
Allbirds have high and low top sneakers as well as slip-on style shoes all available in a variety of cool and fresh colours. If you’re after a pair of shoes that’ll keep your feet comfortable while also serving street-style looks, you can’t go wrong with Allbirds.
Casca
In most cases, ‘cool’ and ‘comfortable’ don’t usually go together; especially in a fashionable sense. But Casca merges the two together easily. All of Casca's footwear is designed with orthotic experts and are constructed with a triple-thick cushioning with Everest-grade rubber, to ensure premium comfort and long wearability.
But Casca’s range of shoes do NOT look like the kind of daggy orthopedic shoes you see on the elderly. Casca’s shoes are extremely modern and stylish, and will most definitely add a cool look to any outfit you pair them with.
Oliver Cabell
Oliver Cabell is committed to fair pricing for top quality and design, and strongly advocates against unethical manufacturing and inflating prices. The result? Hand-crafted, European-made, and affordable premium shoes that are designed to last.
The best bit is that most of Oliver Cabell’s sneakers feature an extremely cool stitched circle design on the side; reminiscent of Golden Goose’s style but at a much more affordable price point.
Everlane
Everlane prides itself on exclusively partnering with ethical factories and using only the finest materials for their products; they call it “Radical Transparency”. Therefore, you get quality garments, footwear, and accessories that will last for years to come, with an added bonus of feeling good about supporting a company that strongly advocates for fair wages and working conditions.
Everlane’s Court Sneaker is crafted with full-grain leather and sports a contemporary utility style. Available in four colours, Everlane Court Sneaker is a must-have when it comes to cool shoes.
Cole Haan
Founded in 1928, in Chicago, Cole Haan is an American brand renowned for its footwear which is both aesthetically-pleasing and functional. Cole Haan employs various technologies when crafting its footwear, to ensure ultimate comfort, most notably the Zerogrand, and Original Grand collections.
Cole Haan’s aesthetic is extremely unique; they put their own subtle twist on popular and classic footwear styles. If it’s cool shoes you’re after, you have to check out Cole Haan’s range, as his shoes will most definitely make you stand out in a crowd.
Johnston & Murphy
Founded in 1850, Johnston & Murphy first specialised in crafting quality and highly durable work shoes but in 1880, took the craftsmanship and durability of their work shoes and built them into a line of higher-fashion footwear, which quickly became popular around the world.
Johnston & Murphy’s footwear range includes dress shoes, sneakers, boots, running shoes, etc. - but the thing that unites them is their unmistakable sophistication. Johnston & Murphy have perfected blending the elegance of dress shoes with their more casual styles, meaning any pair of Johnston & Murphy shoes will keep you looking cool and polished no matter where you wear them.
Von-röutte
Australian brand, Von-röutte are renowned for their timeless sneakers that are made to last.
Bringing an experimental flair to minimalist sneakers with pops of colour and modern detailing, the brand's main inspiration comes from three simple Nordic values: to be simple, functional, and beautiful.
If you’re after a cool pair of sneakers to add to your collection, Von-röutte has an abundance of styles that’ll all fit the bill.
Aurelien
Dutch brand, Aurelien operates out of Italy, and initially placed its focus on shoes for men (although the brand has since expanded to a full-range luxury clothing store). Trying to recreate the image of Mediterranean gentlemen strolling along the coast on a summer evening, Aurelien’s range of shoes perfectly combine cool and elegance to create shoes that’ll elevate your wardrobe without overdressing you.
With everything from boat shoes to sneakers, all crafted in luxurious suede and available in both classic and playful colours, Aurelien is definitely a brand to consider when on the hunt for cool shoes.
Converse
A brand that really doesn’t need an introduction is Converse. Known for their Chuck Taylor All Stars, Converse has stood the test of time for a reason; their shoes are simply cool. You really can’t go wrong with the classic white featuring a blue and red stripe around the sole, but when Converse has every print, colour, and style available, go with what you think is cool; because isn’t confidence in your own tastes and styles really the coolest thing of all?
Grenson
Founded in 1866, Grenson has been continuously making durable and high-quality shoes. All of Grenson’s shoes are ‘Goodyear Welted’ - a shoe making technique, meaning the shoes are extremely strong and will last you for a very long time. But don’t think that Grenson compromises on style, as their huge range of men’s footwear is extremely fashionable.
With everything from loafers to sneakers, dress shoes to boots, Grenson has every type of shoe you could possibly want to add to your wardrobe. If you’re after cool shoes that won’t fall apart after a few wears, Grenson is the perfect brand for you.
Vans
One of the most recognised brands around the world, and not just in the skateboarding industry, Vans has become a dominant player thanks to its Old Skool shoe, which is immensely popular for its versatile cool style.
Vans have every colour and print of shoe available, meaning whatever you think will spice up your wardrobe, they’ll have it.
Nike
Nike is another brand that doesn’t really need an introduction as it’s one of the best sportswear brands in the world. Deeply committed to creating groundbreaking sport innovations, Nike dares to design the future of sport with its highly functional (yet also aesthetically pleasing) products.
Chances are you’ve seen many people sporting Nike’s Air Force 1 sneakers but that’s because the shoe is ridiculously cool. The fashion staple features clean lines, a strong midsole, and is available in both classic and fun colourways in low, mid, and high-top styles.
Orlebar Brown
Founded in 2007, London-based brand Orlebar Brown initially focused on 'shorts you can swim in'; tailored swim shorts that can be worn on the beach or in the pool, but are also smart enough to then be worn to summer dinners and drinks.
However, over the years the brand has evolved to a full resort collection inspired by 1960s poolside utopia; think the Riviera or Palm Beach. The result is clothing, footwear, and accessories that are sophisticated yet fun.
Orlebar Brown’s shoes just exude holiday style and will make you look cool and relaxed.
VEJA
VEJA, founded in 2004, is dedicated to producing environmentally friendly sneakers, made with raw materials sourced from organic farming and ecological agriculture, without chemicals or polluting processes. Completely transparent about their entire process, VEJA has a great range of sneakers that are not only sustainable but extremely stylish.
VEJA takes the classic white sneaker style and injects it with fun pops of colour with the result being seriously cool shoes that’ll keep your feet comfortable in eco-friendly style.
Kenneth Cole
Founded in 1982, Kenneth Cole is now one of the most recognised fashion companies in the world. Dedicated to producing high quality clothing, footwear, and accessories, Kenneth Cole’s products are not only well-made but are also extremely stylish.
Kenneth Cole’s shoes are inspired by the modern needs of the urban man, and feature versatile sophisticated aesthetics, premium materials, and comfort technology. With every style of shoe available - slides, sandals, sneakers, dress shoes, boots, etc. - you really can’t go wrong with adding a pair of Kenneth Cole shoes to your closet.
TOMS
Founded in 2006, TOMS' main goal is to improve lives. Therefore, it's no surprise that the brand is extremely sustainable and ethical. Currently, TOMS gives one third of their profits in support of grassroots efforts, including organizations that are helping communities thrive—creating change at the local level, and driving progress from the ground up.
TOMS has a huge range of men’s shoes that are all made with sustainable materials, but don’t you dare think these shoes don’t deliver on style. TOMS’ shoes are extremely cool and are available in a wide variety of styles and colours.
Yatay
A relatively new brand, Yatay was launched in 2018, and it aimed to merge the best Made-in-Italy quality with the most advanced green fashion technology to create timeless, comfortable, and sustainable sneakers. Environmentally conscious and with a green soul, the mission of Yatay is to prove that uncompromised quality can be achieved without sacrificing sustainability.
Their awesome range of sneakers are crafted with vegan-leather 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 sneakers.
Rag & Bone
Everything Rag & Bone designs is made to last as well as both original and timeless. Committed to doing things “the right way, not the easy way” Rag & Bone’s products are extremely high in both quality and style.
Rag & Bone’s range of shoes are unique in style, and while they may not be to everyone's tastes, the original and fresh aesthetics Rag & Bone have to offer are definitely cool.
TAFT
Founded in 2014, TAFT is a men’s footwear brand specialising in unique, bold shoe designs. TAFT shoes are produced in Spain and Portugal with premium textiles ranging from suiting wool, to woven upholstery fabric, to Charles F. Stead leather. Meticulous in their work, intentional in their designs, and obsessive over what makes the cut, TAFT has become renowned for their extremely well-made unique men’s shoes.
With boots, dress shoes, loafers, and sneakers on offer, what sets TAFT apart from other brands is their daring and bold fabric choices. Their shoes can be had in traditional colours, but also in playful prints that are nothing short of cool. If you want cool shoes, you have to take a look at TAFT’s awesome collection.
On Running
Swiss brand, On Running was founded in 2010 to revolutionise running by producing shoes that are comfortable, well-made, and improve the running experience.
On Running doesn’t just cater to runners though; they have a huge range of lightweight all day wear shoes engineered for high performance and complete comfort. Available in a few different styles and colours, On Running’s shoes have a rather unique look to them which make them seriously cool.
