Sneakers have gotten silly. There was a time when they were the cheapest footwear option short of sandals. But the emergence of athlete endorsements, brand collabs and limited production runs has turned them into a multi-billion-dollar business with an outrageous resale market. Add to that the fact that most luxury fashion brands are now producing their own versions, and it’s probably fair to say that sneakers are sadly no longer the footwear of the people.

But don’t resign yourself to going barefoot just yet. While it’s true that sneakers are getting more expensive, there are still plenty of affordably priced options to be found – if you know where to look.

From niche independent brands producing no-frills canvas footwear to big sportswear labels’ entry-level shoes, there are several names you can default to if you’re finding yourself priced out of the sneaker marketplace. Keep scrolling and you’ll find a few of our personal favourites.

Novesta

Slovakian brand Novesta has been going strong since the 1930s and has remained a steadfast source of durable, affordable shoes. It specialises in rugged canvas plimsolls with thick rubber soles that are practically bombproof but will leave you with change from £60.

And affordability isn’t the only thing these shoes have going for them – they look great, too. So much so that you’ll find them stocked in many of Europe’s trendiest menswear boutiques, which is more than can be said for pretty much any other shoe in this price range.

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Stepney Workers Club

British brand Stepney Workers Club makes elevated, chunky canvas sneakers that look great but won’t break the bank. The Dellow is the brand’s best-selling and most recognisable style, featuring cupsole construction, a padded tongue and a simple but striking look.

It’s also available in suede, but whichever material you choose, it won’t cost you more than £100. In most cases, much less.

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Reebok

Reebok is Britain’s biggest sportswear success story. It may not have the profile of Nike or Adidas when it comes to sneakers, but it does have some truly iconic footwear silhouettes, many of which have been going strong for many decades.

Perhaps the best thing about Reebok’s footwear is that it tends to be a tad more affordable than the competition. Shoes like the Classic and the Club C are still highly respected by sneakerheads and menswear fanatics alike. They’re also extremely versatile, simple and timeless, which makes them a solid buy.

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Superga

Simple canvas sneakers—nothing more, nothing less. The Italian brand launched in 1911 and first produced its best-selling 2750 model in 1925.

Since then, its affordable shoes have remained largely unchanged, proving popular with frugal shoppers searching for footwear that looks good, holds up over time and doesn’t cost the earth.

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East Pacific Trade

Hailing from South Korea, East Pacific Trade (EPT) takes inspiration from the functional and simple skate shoes of yesteryear, aiming to create no-frills kicks that are comfortable, cushioned and easy to wear.

The Dive is the brand’s most popular silhouette, with a canvas upper, rubber toe cap and stripped-back design. They go for around £90, but you can often find them for about half off in the sales.

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Vans

You’re likely already familiar with the Californian footwear brand Vans. But what you might not know is that despite its size and success, its shoes are still surprisingly affordable.

Prices rarely creep north of £100, and best-sellers like the Authentic, the Era and the classic Slip-On generally hover around the £70 mark. Not bad for a brand that has been instrumental in defining the modern footwear landscape.

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Converse

Another big name that should need no introduction is Converse. The American footwear giant created what was arguably the first ‘proper’ sneaker, introduced the world to the concept of athlete endorsements and, as a result, paved the way for sneaker culture as we know it today.

The best part is that its shoes are still relatively affordable. Despite rising costs across the board, a pair of Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars can still be yours for well under £100, even if you opt for the slightly more luxurious ‘70’ model, which offers a thicker upper and comfortable, cushioned footbed.

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Last Resort AB

From the minds that brought you Polar Skate Co, Last Resort AB is a skate-shoe brand specialising in simple, durable footwear that looks good and can withstand repeated scuffs, scrapes and impacts.

The independent company offers an alternative to the big corporations that now dominate the skate-shoe market, and prices are relatively reasonable, too. You can expect to pay around the £70 mark for a pair of low-top skate shoes, and there are loads of styles and colours to pick from.

Their simple styling also makes them super versatile, which means you don’t have to be a skater to work a pair into your wardrobe.

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Feiyue

Chinese brand Feiyue started out making simple plimsolls for martial arts training, becoming the label of choice for Shaolin monks who needed tough, durable footwear that was also grippy and lightweight.

Today, you’re just as likely to find its shoes on the feet of the average man about town, thanks largely to the fact that they look great and only cost around £20-£30 a pair. Are they the most luxurious shoes in the world? Clearly not, but when you consider the minuscule price tag and the hardwearing construction, it’s difficult to imagine a more cost-effective way to shod yourself.

Shop now at Feiyue

Cariuma

Cariuma is the first ever skate-shoe brand to be B-Corp certified. It creates functional yet stylish footwear, aiming to do so with the lowest possible environmental impact. The brand does this by combining organic, recycled and regenerative materials and ensuring its shoes are built to last well and outlive fleeting trends.

The best-selling Ibi Slip-On, for example, creates three times fewer emissions than the industry average for a pair of shoes. It also features a sugarcane outsole and cork insole and is completely machine washable.

Shop now at Cariuma

The post Affordable Kicks: The Best Sneaker Brands For Men On A Budget appeared first on Ape to Gentleman.