Everyday trainers are key to every wardrobe. And there's no need to break the bank. Some of the finest trainer silhouettes ever drawn - many sustainably updated in keeping with changing times - are available below the £100 mark. They're joined by an enthusiastic, exciting roster of up and coming brands, committed to the new, drawing on the old, while minimising the impact on our planet. From all-terrain off-roaders to basketball-derived essentials, from east London's newest trainer label to Brazil's freshest thinking, we've rounded up our contenders for the top 10 cheap trainers for men under £100. Only one question remains: is one pair enough?
10 best cheap men's trainers
Oliver Cabell Phoenix Sneakers
Stylish, sustainable innovation from the handmade luxury footwear specialists at Oliver Cabell. Construction is from 100% recycled plastic water bottles, with seven being used to craft each pair. The Phoenix is 3D printed, another Oliver Cabell advance, and can be machine washed to ensure its impeccable style remains just so, whether you're dressing yours up with a jacket, or casual down at the pub.
CLAE Ellington Textile Sneakers
Shoe-like silhouette expresses this Los Angeles brand's minimalism, handmade crafting uses black waxed canvas: lightweight, water resistant and quietly elegant. All materials are 100% vegan: outsole is in rubber, insole in technical foot-cushioning EVA. Result is a pair of subtle, stylish trainers that, we'd say, more than meets CLAE's stated aim: "to offer timeless silhouettes while limiting our ecological footprint". Better for the planet and your bank balance. https://clae.eu/products/ellington-textile-deep-navy-canvas
Cariuma OCA Low Off-White Canvas Sneakers
Brazilian sustainability specialists Cariuma want your next pair of cheap men's trainers to be "future classics with an increased lifespan that evolve with you and your sense of style". Welcome to their classic OCA silhouette, crafted from organic cotton; signature Cariuma insole in cork, bio memory foam and organic mamona oil; outsole in natural rubber; laces, lining and labels from recycled plastic bottles. These are some of the most stylish eco-friendly sneakers we've seen to date.
Tropicfeel Jungle Night Blue Sneakers
Form-follows-function stylish - Tropicfeel really have produced an all-occasion sneaker here - and ready for just about any conditions you can throw at it, the Jungle is designed to be all-terrain, water resistant and high grip. Recycled plastic bottles are used in construction while the outsole is 20% recycled EVA, all in keeping with the Tropicfeel ethos of always leaving a quite literal "positive footprint". Ready for your adventurous life.
Nike Blazer Low '77 Vintage Sneakers
Sometimes the old ways are easily the best. Nike's classic Blazer Low was designed for the basketball court - and became an instant classic on the streets, too. Now remade in 100% leather with detailing in suede and technical fabrics, low-cut collar is super-soft, upper fused to outsole with vulcanised construction for sleek styling, outsole features herringbone grip pattern in 100% solid rubber. Over-sized Nike swoosh finishes an impeccable vintage piece.
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Classic Sneakers
There is classic and then there is Converse's Chuck Taylor All Star Classic, named after the basketball player who helped develop them more than 100 years ago. This is one of the all-time greats of sneaker design, that with each generation has become the chosen footwear of musicians, artists - and sportspeople too. Crafted as they always have been from canvas, upgrades include OrthoLite insole for cushioning and subtly redesigned logo. Once bought, always loved.
Novesta Star Master Hiker Sneakers
Signature trainer from Novesta, whose European-crafted footwear has been made on the same machines in the same factory since the 1930s, guaranteeing a unique heritage. The Star Master's thick, no-nonsense sole stands out from the crowd, using vulcanisation to fuse sole with pure canvas upper as this classic silhouette always has. Handmade, tough and constructed from 100% vegan materials.
Reebok Club C 85 Sneakers
True trainer greats simply keep on giving. Here the classic tennis-shoe-turned-street-trainer from Reebok is re-booted for a clean, minimalist look and a new era. Archive logos and detailing draw on 1980s originals, uppers are crafted from soft leathers ready to reflect the patina of your everyday life, EVA midsole selected for maximum cushioning, moulded sockliner designed for comfort. Still unbeatable.
Stepney Workers Club Dellow S-Strike Canvas Sneaker
The handshake logo of east London label Stepney Workers Club says it all: "freedom of sport, freedom of thought", as the brand themselves put it. Silhouette here is a take on classic vulcanised styles, rethought for our times. The upper is 100% 12 oz canvas, label's signature S-Strike is in white leather, handshake logo to tongue, heel and discreetly to outer rubber sole, vulcanised to upper in traditional way.
Adidas Stan Smith Originals
One of the most revered silhouettes in trainer design gets a 21st century upgrade. Stan Smith Originals, named for a true great of American tennis, have been worn, loved and worn again by successive generations for over 50 years. Now Adidas have added fresh detailing and real sustainability to their enduring classic. Upper has no animal derived materials and is at least 50% recycled, outsoles are crafted from rubber waste, result is a wardrobe essential made still more essential.
Check out our pick of the best white trainers for men.
