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The New Neutrals: Seven Pairs Of Sneakers To Rely On

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The New Neutrals: Seven Pairs Of Sneakers To Rely On

Words by Lucy Kingett

10 February 2023

Forgive us if we sound like a broken record, but a good set of staples is key to a practical and versatile wardrobe. If ever there was a time of year to reflect, refresh and restock, it is now. We are working our way out of winter hibernation into a spring abundance of clothes, shoes and accessories.

A trusty pair of neutral sneakers may often be overlooked in favour of the latest drops (we are partial to those, too), but they do a lot of the heavy lifting in our day-to-day lives. Take a look at your shoe rack and think about the pair you wear most often. Chances are there is one pair of (slightly beaten up) sneakers that are called on time and again for those trips to the shops or park, for the school run or for chilled nights in the pub. Shouldn’t that pair be the best and most stylish they can be? Here is our pick of the bunch.

Dallas-founded brand Autry, “the shoes with the American flag”, became a huge name in North American sportswear in the 1980s and 1990s due to its innovative sneaker tech coupled with simple design. After a long stint of inactivity, the brand is back and celebrating its most iconic tennis shoe, the Medalist, now available in a range of colourways. This two-tone leather pair brings a touch of vintage style to any outfit.

For another vintage-style sneaker – this time taking inspiration from running shoes – look to Common Projects and the Track 80. The upper is crafted from contrasting soft white suede and durable ripstop, which provide texture and depth, while the cream and black sole keep things grounded. It wouldn’t be a Common Projects shoe without the stamped gold style number, size and colour code on the side.

Sneakers might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Loro Piana, but the brand’s casualwear offering is a great place to look for luxury off-duty essentials. This rich brown pair are woven from a super comfy double-layered stretch-knit material developed by the Italian label, set on a lightweight white and gum sole. Thanks to their sleek design and impeccable quality, these would be a great option for any smart-casual dress code that you might come up against.

Got a destination wedding on the cards this spring or summer and not sure what to wear? Try dressing down a loosely tailored suit with these comfortable but sleek slip-ons from TOM FORD. The chocolate brown suede and cream soles take the popular skate style up a notch. They will work equally well with shorts the day after the wedding as they will with jeans when you get home. A smart investment.

If you are not quite ready to forgo the hype element of your sneaker collection even when investing in a pair of all-rounders, maybe we can convince you with these Balenciaga Track.2 runners. This is a fairly loose interpretation of “neutral”, but they combine an ultra-modern sportswear construction with distressed mesh and nylon, scuffed chunky soles and layered panelling that speak to the brand’s signature deconstructed aesthetic.

Neutral or not, every man should have a pair of New Balance sneakers. Taking inspiration from early 2000s running shoes, the 2002R is chunky enough to balance out wide-leg trousers, but not so bulbous that you look like you’re wearing slippers when it’s time for shorts. We are fans of the earthy-coloured suede of this pair, which adds sophistication and means you can feel comfortable in them while kicking about in the day or when out for a casual dinner in the evening.

Fans of Brunello Cucinelli will know that the Italian luxury brand knows leather. Even a seemingly simple pair of classic low-top sneakers exhibit the label’s expert attention to detail. Finely stitched off-white full-grain leather and contrasting tan suede work together with a chunky, supportive sole to create an elegant sneaker with a touch of retro skate appeal. Our choice for anyone who likes their leisurewear to look smart.