A classic pair of trainers is the perfect gift this Christmas. Here’s our edit of the best three styles to buy now.

How many sneakers is too many sneakers? If your bedroom has become a labyrinth of shoe boxes, in which you lurk, minotaur-like at the centre, then perhaps it’s all gone a bit too far. But otherwise… who would say no to an extra pair? It’s something worth bearing in mind as everyone runs about trying to find the perfect gifts this holiday. Because, as well as being a generally welcome gift, sneakers are relatively inexpensive, easy to wrap up and generally easy to get right. That is, if you stick to some of the timeless, minimal options outlined below. Invest in a pair of these and watch in delight as his little face lights up with glee on Christmas morning. But be warned: these things are addictive.

In its “Adrian” sneaker, Swedish brand Acne Studios seem to have distilled the quintessence of sneaker-ness into an impeccably sharp product with no unnecessary extra frills. Yes, these are the sneakers for the graphic-designer-y type so fastidious that he finds the tiny gold numbering on the heel plate of Common Projects’ popular “Achilles” model “a little bit showy”, who will probably appreciate a dose of clarity in the midst of this gaudy, tinsel-bedecked season. Such is the clean anonymity of this design that these sneakers will really go with anything, whether it’s a pair of wool trousers or some raw selvedge denim jeans. If the latter tickles your fancy though, we would suggest a pair from the effortlessly stylish Italian brand Boglioli.

Gone are the days when wearing a pair of running shoes would mark you out as suffering from a case of arrested development, or coming home from the gym after work. No, now the form has been elevated to a fine sartorial art by the likes of Valentino (whose studded camo trainers should need no introduction) Lanvin and, latterly, Parisian brand Ami. The lattermost’s latest offering in the running shoe department is a particularly attractive example, focusing on a restricted colour palette of white and off-white and with subtle details, such as the serrated sole, stealth-embossed branding and textured suede accents, that take a classic retro design far above the ordinary. Wear them with some olive-coloured chinos from Officine Generale to take your typical weekend wardrobe one step further in the “sophisticated” direction.

People complain a lot on social media when we say it, but these days you can even wear a pair of sneakers with a suit or tailored trousers. We promise. However, you’ve got to have the confidence to carry the whole thing off. And also the right sneakers. These new tennis-shoe style sneakers from Brunello Cucinelli are just the ticket for such a purpose, coming as they do with a slim profile, minimal detailing, and a pronounced sole that protrudes very slightly in the manner of a dress shoe. Of course, these will work with jeans and/or chinos, too, but if you want to wear sneakers at a more formal event or in the evening we would recommend pairing them with some trousers along the lines of this sharp, simple grey pair from Alexander McQueen.