The sport-luxe footwear that you’ll still be unboxing fresh pairs of in years to come .

Ever since 1917 – when the Converse All Star was first introduced, championed by basketball player Mr Chuck Taylor – sneakers have captured popular imagination to such a degree that many designs have become style classics. In 1950, Mr Adi Dassler created the adidas Samba sneakers, which are as wearable today as they were then. In 1976, Vans co-founder Mr Paul Van Doren crafted the perfect skateboarder shoes – and, in the process, legendary casual slip-ons. In 1986 – Run-DMC released “My Adidas” – cementing the baseball-inspired shell toe Superstar sneakers into pop culture history.

But what about the sneakers of today? Are there any examples which, made with modern techniques in innovative styles, could be as timeless and coveted as the classic pieces mentioned above? Back in 2005, Lanvin were the first high-end brand to venture into the world of men’s sneakers, and in doing so, created something we see at MR PORTER as a modern classic. With their sleek cap toe – a simple yet contemporary design ­– these shoes are some of the bestselling items on site.

With this in mind, we thought we would collate the ultimate hit-list of modern designer sneakers, and below are three pairs we think you should add to your collection now. Each are unmistakably contemporary, yet are designed in such a fashion that they ought to stand the test of time. Step right up.

Modern sneaker designers often combine various materials and production methods in the making of their shoes, and this pair from Italian designer Valentino is a striking example of that. On paper, they might seem a little brash: stitched stars, camouflage, suede strips, leather toe caps. But, in reality, everything comes together to form a well-balanced whole. We wouldn’t call them subdued, of course, but there’s something about the mixture of textures and colours that sits easily on the eye. And unlike Lanvin cap-toe style – clearly inspired by classic sneakers of the past – these represent a successful attempt to break the mould. You could wear these with cuffed jeans, or dress them up with some grey tailored trousers.

Known for their cutting-edge sneaker designs, the Arena is probably Balenciaga’s most iconic styles. This is a shoe beloved of the likes of Mr Kanye West who, in 2014, claimed that, after Mr Alexander Wang invited him to a Balenciaga show, he was responsible for more than 50 per cent of their shoe sales. We can’t vouch for that, but what we will say is that the way Mr West wears his – often with ruffled slim black jeans – has inspired many men on the street to follow suit. If these represent your style, invest in a pair we can’t see them ageing any time soon.

Maison Margiela are a brand known for their daring designs, but they have shown considerable restraint in the production of these retro-inspired Replica suede and leather sneakers. They were inspired by an original archived design from the 1970s (something they were clearly proud of, given the name) – and they still look great in 2017. A subtle mix of low-key colours and fabrics, and with a classic gum sole (a nod to a classic squash or tennis shoe) – suggests this pair are likely to look good in another 40 years time. Whatever decade you’re wearing them in, wear them with a simple pair of chinos.