The Best Monochromatic Sneakers for Men, According to Stylish Guys

By,a senior writer at the Strategist covering kids’ toys and men’s style.She joined the Strategist in 2019. She is a former writer for GQ and an accomplished illustrator.
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Wearing sneakers every day (even towork) is normal for many guys by now. But not every guy is ready or willing to dip into the latest sneakertrends: fashionablyuglysilhouettes, chunky soles and lots of color andpatternmixing. Monochrome sneakers, however (those with matching soles as well as those with classic white, black, or gum soles), go with everything you already own, making getting dressed everyday quick and easy.

But because they’re so minimal — like a simplewhite T-shirtor pair ofchinos— the design has to be on point. That’s why we talked to a couple stylish experts about their favorite monochromatic shoes (and added a few of our own favorites).

The Best Monochrome Black Sneakers

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star High Top Sneaker
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Men’s Stylist Donnell Baldwin of Mr. Baldwin Style swears by classic Chuck Taylors for their versatility and for how they look better with wear. “I have all-black Chuck Taylors and they go with everything in mywardrobe. They’re one of the only sneakers that have remained relevant throughout the years, have never gone out of style, still go with everything and even when they get beat to hell, they’re even more amazing.”

House of Future Original Low Top Sneaker
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For something a little sleeker these pale aqua leather low tops do the job of a traditional lace up derby shoe just much lighter and more comfortable.

Eytys Angel Chunky Leather Trainers
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For something that walks the line between a sleek dress sneaker, a nostalgic nod to the ’90s, and achunky-soledpair of fashion kicks, these from Eytys are a great bet.

Reebok Classic Leather Sneakers
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For something a little less chunky and less expensive too, pick up a pair ofReebokclassics.

The Best Monochrome Gray Sneakers

New Balance 574 Core Sneakers - Men's
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Jake Woolf, partner atShop Seam(a new retail phone app) and former men’s style writer, prefers gray when it comes to buying monochrome sneakers. “Buy gray. Whether that’s light or dark gray, it’s a subtle difference that doesn’t put so much pressure on you to keep the shoes pristine.”

COMMON PROJECTS Achilles Low sneakers
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Woolf is also a longtime fan of all-gray Common Projects. “I own a gray pair of Common Projects Achilles sneakers that I’ve had for three years and will never get rid of. I wear them on every single first date. It’s only later I introduce weirder kicks into the mix.”

Adidas Ultra Boost
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When we asked what Woolf recommends for guys who use standing desks at work, he suggested a cushy yet stylish pair ofAdidas. “Probably Ultra Boosts because they have that little bounce you need if you’re gonna bestandingall day.”

The Best Monochrome Brown Sneakers

Koio Capri Castagna
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Baldwin is pro neutral-tone sneakers for their talent at hiding dirt. “For guys looking to play it a little safer, a new pair of monochrome sneakers in taupe, tan, or even all brown. They’ll showless dirtand depending on the shoe, could look more elevated that an all white trainer.”

Adidas Campus Shoes
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But if you’re looking for brown sneakers with matching brown gum soles — or not into worrying about scuffs on white soles — these caramel-colored suede low tops are great for fall and much more budget-friendly. Bonus:gumsoles are Woolf’s preference “Gum, if it’s available, otherwise white.”

Nike Blazer Low
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For diehard Nike fans who are more used to wearingbasketball-inspired shoes than soccer versions, this pair of Blazer Lows in ochre brown are it.

The Best Monochrome Navy Blue Sneakers

Vans Quilted Sk8-Hi Reissue Lite Sneaker
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One way to make monochrome dressing more interesting is by addingtextureand this pair of Sk8-His have plenty of it.

Maison Margiela Calfskin/Suede Replica Trainer
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If your closet is full of rich blues and indigos these leather and suede low tops from French brand Maison Margiela will fit right in — and add a touch ofluxe.

New Republic Grayson Sneaker
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But if you tend to wear sneakers into the ground fast, give these inky blue New Republics a try.

The Best Monochrome Olive Green Sneakers

Axel Arigato Cap-Toe Sneaker
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Swedish sneaker brand Axel Arigato is injecting some Scandinavian design sense into the sneaker world with their minimal leather silhouettes available in a whole host of perfect-for-wearing-with-a-suit menswear colors. These in olive drab will ensure you never show up to the party in the same kicks as your friends.

PUMA Roma Distressed Green Sneakers
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Greenmay not be your first thought when it comes to picking out new kicks, but don’t forget the color is considered a neutral as long as it’s on the olive rather than the kelly side of the spectrum — meaning it goes with most everything you own.

Converse x Carhartt WIP Collaboration One Star Sneaker
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So much of fashion is inspired by military-issue designs and this collaboration shoe from Converse and Carhartt WIP is no exception.

The Best Monochrome White Sneakers

Adidas Stan Smith Premium Sneakers
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According to Woolf, you cannot go wrong withStan Smiths. “Stan Smiths have a hint of green, but I still think they count. Plus they’re pretty unimpeachable style wise.” The classic version comes with a touch of green on the back, but we prefer these in all-white.

Vans Old Skool
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Vans Old Skool sneakers probably already grace the feet of every man and woman you know — for good reason. But the shoe thatGQdeclared the next Stan Smith is far from being overhyped, especially when you wear it in all white.

Nike Air Max 90
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Baldwin likes the extra arch support you get from a pair of Air Max 90s especially whenrunningaround seeing clients. “Any shoe that has great arch support like a Nike Air Max or New Balance 574s [included above] would be my go-to options. I know these are not the only options — I just like the way they look and feel if I have to stand for awhile and still look stylish and well put-together.”

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