Autumn's Essential Sneakers: Six Styles to Step Into Now

Embrace Sneakers This Autumn: Six Key Styles

When the conversation shifts to autumn footwear, boots often dominate. And for good reason: they're inherently built to tackle adverse weather and offer surefooted grip on damp pavements. Yet, ankle-high leather isn't the sole contender for your seasonal rotation. Sneakers, in our view, remain a pivotal choice.

There's a persistent whisper in menswear circles suggesting that sneakers are waning, that their moment has passed, and traditional casual shoes like loafers are the new everyday staples. We respectfully disagree. Sneakers have enjoyed decades of enduring popularity, and we’d argue that the fervent predictions of their demise are, in themselves, merely a fleeting trend.

In fact, we're so confident in the continued relevance of sneakers that we've curated six essential styles we believe should be firmly on your radar as the colder months approach. So, for your daily wear, consider setting aside the loafers and boots, and step into these versatile options instead.

Low Profile

Adidas

Fashion trends often fall into two categories: those centered around specific items that last a year or two, and broader movements that can persist for up to a decade. The recent fixation with maximalist footwear, which held sway until quite recently, firmly belonged to the latter camp.

Inevitably, the pendulum had to swing back. The current preference for slim sneakers, featuring subtle outsoles, is the direct result. This shift began with the Samba, and since then, silhouettes have only become sleeker.

While contemporary youth might pair them with massive trousers and cropped tops, a more classic approach involves sticking to straight-fit legwear and timeless outerwear shapes for a balanced aesthetic that works effortlessly in any urban setting, from London to Los Angeles.

Insight: The Cyclical Nature of Fashion

The ebb and flow between maximalist and minimalist trends isn't just about aesthetics; it's a deeper societal reaction. After years of bold, attention-grabbing designs, there's a collective yearning for simplicity and understated elegance. This 'reset' makes streamlined footwear feel fresh and sophisticated, offering a quiet rebellion against overt flashiness.

Minimalist Suede

Velasca

Another powerful counter-movement against over-the-top maximalist footwear is the resurgence of stripped-back styles. Just a few years ago, it felt unlikely that classics like a Common Projects Achilles Low or an Adidas Stan Smith would reclaim their popularity, yet that's precisely what we're witnessing now.

For this season, we're making a slightly unconventional suggestion: bypass smooth leather in favour of suede. While it might seem less suited to persistent rain, the material's rich nap beautifully absorbs dye, making it look exceptional in deep, earthy colours. Moreover, contrary to popular belief, if treated correctly with a protective spray, suede sneakers can indeed withstand the occasional shower, making them surprisingly resilient for daily wear in variable autumn conditions across the UK or North America.

Earthy Colours

New Balance

Building on the suede trend, earthy colours across the board should be a priority for your sneaker selection this season. Shades like forest green, burnt orange, tan, and brown are all excellent choices, perfect for grounding minimalist outfits and harmonizing with a seasonal palette. Imagine them complementing a robust wool coat on a crisp Canadian morning or a classic denim jacket during an Australian autumn afternoon.

An added practical benefit is their ability to camouflage dirt far better than traditional white sneakers. This makes them ideal for navigating rain-soaked city streets or kicking through scattered leaf piles without constantly worrying about upkeep.

Insight: Practicality as a Driving Force in Autumn Fashion

Beyond pure aesthetics, the appeal of earthy tones and darker hues in autumn footwear is deeply rooted in practicality. In seasons where weather is unpredictable and surfaces can be damp or muddy, the psychological comfort of wearing shoes that naturally conceal grime is a significant, if often unstated, factor in consumer choice. This blend of seasonal style and low-maintenance resilience makes them a smart investment.

The GAT

Oliver Cabell

The German army trainer, or ‘GAT’, has made a triumphant return. From accessible reproductions to Maison Margiela’s iconic high-end interpretation, these military-issue sneakers have ridden the wave of minimalist footwear’s resurgence and are a superb consideration if you're seeking a pair of autumn kicks.

Their enduring success lies in their remarkable simplicity and versatility. Quiet, understated, slim-fitting, and stripped back, GATs are incredibly easy to style, pairing seamlessly with almost anything. Whether you're dressing them down with tracksuit bottoms or elevating them with soft tailoring for a casual Friday, they adapt effortlessly. Opt for classic white, beige, and gum soles for maximum wearability, making them a go-to for diverse wardrobes from Sydney to Seattle.

Triple Black

Myrqvist

Another effective strategy for embracing the minimalist footwear trend is to go full stealth mode: triple black. This monochromatic approach allows you to experiment with bulkier, chunkier silhouettes while maintaining a relatively low-key appearance. Furthermore, darker colours are inherently more forgiving when it comes to showing dirt, a significant advantage in autumn when pavements are frequently wet and grimy, perfect for navigating a drizzly Manchester street or a busy New York City sidewalk.

If you're looking for a starting point, explore New Balance. Many of the Bostonian running brand’s hero styles, like the 990v6 and the 2002R, are available in murdered-out editions. For a sleeker option, a simple Vans slip-on or a Chuck Taylor All-Star remains an unbeatable classic.

Weatherproof

Adidas

For sneakers that can reliably carry you through autumn and deep into winter without faltering, investing in a weatherproof pair is a smart move. These technical sneakers utilize advanced materials like Gore-Tex and Primaloft to ensure your feet stay warm and dry, regardless of the conditions.

While options were once limited, fashion's embrace of all things outdoorsy and functional has vastly expanded the market. Brands such as Salomon, Hoka, and Keen offer excellent choices. Alternatively, explore the outdoor divisions of sportswear giants like Nike and Adidas – specifically ACG and Terrex, respectively – for robust, stylish solutions that perform in everything from a misty British park to a Canadian winter drizzle.