The 37 Most Exclusive Designer Sneaker Brands for Men for 2024 

Compare the fine craftsmanship and innovative designs that characterize the best designer sneakers available online from luxury brands like Off White, Visvim, Balmain and (many) more.

In Search of the Best Designer Sneakers for Men

In 2020, the global market for sneakers was worth roughly $79 billion, and it’s expected to grow to $120 billion by 2026. How did sneakers become so popular and profitable? And when did this casual shoe become luxury apparel?

During the 19 century, the first sneakers appeared as rubber-soled shoes for sports and leisure. But it was only in the first decades of the 20 century that they became widely used across different social classes and designed for various sports.

During the First World War, Keds took off as a mass-marketed canvas sneaker. In 1918, Converse released a basketball shoe, the All-Star, which was further improved on and endorsed by Chuck Taylor. Adidas made its name with running shoes, famously worn by Jesse Owens in the 1936 Olympics.

For decades, sneakers continued to serve a primary purpose of enhancing comfort and performance during physical activities. However, with the rise of Nike in the 1970s, they also became a fashion statement, a regular part of stylish outfits.

In the 1980s, Gucci became the first brand to realize the potential of turning an ordinary sneaker into iconic luxury apparel.

With the rise of sneaker fashion and a growing number of celebrity endorsements, it became apparent that sneakers could be associated with exclusivity. A tennis shoe, like the one Gucci first released in 1984, could have an aura of wealth and high status.

Luxury sneakers can still be used for physical activity, but their main goal is a display of personal style and expensive tastes. Some are more minimalistic in appearance, while others use dramatic and extravagant designs. The following are currently the best designer sneakers for men.

The Best Luxury Sneakers for Men

The high-end brands on this list sell some of the most exclusive and expensive luxury sneakers for men. (See this separate post for a look at some of the most expensive shoes on the internet, from $2,000 Embellished Patent-Leather Loafers from Tom Ford to $10,000 Alligator Leather Oxfords from Berluti.)

Berluti

From its founding in the 19th century, Berluti has shown a mastery of shoemaking and leather craft. Some of Berluti’s most beautiful sneakers are made of the brand’s signature Venezia leather, which has a deep and rich coloring. No sneaker from this brand costs less than $1,000, and the models made of alligator leather come close to $9,000.

Christian Louboutin

The brilliant shoe designs of Christian Louboutin go beyond the iconic red-soled stilettos and extend to men’s sneakers. Some of the designs are monochromatic and more minimalist in style, while others feature spikes, bold patterns, glossy colors, and thick soles with red highlights. This luxury footwear costs at least several hundred dollars, and some models are priced at over $3,000.

Balmain

While French fashion house Balmain began with a focus on “opulent and luxurious evening gowns” in post-World War II Paris, the luxury brand stands out today for its ultra-sleek and extraordinarily unique sneakers for men.

Balmain’s futuristic Unicorn and B Bold Sneakers are mesmerizing, featuring multi-toned and textured panels and an intriguing design.

Visvim

In the last several years, Visvim has appeared in the news as a desirable choice for Kanye West and other celebrities. Sneakers from the Japanese brand look soft and earthy, and they may have leather lining and hand-sewn components. Ranging from $480 to a little over $1,500, the well-constructed footwear includes fringed moccasin-sneaker hybrids and canvas shoes with a vintage vibe.

Off-White

Costing up to several hundred dollars, sneakers from modern streetwear brand Off-White have been shaped by the creative vision of the brand’s late founder, Virgil Abloh. Dynamic design elements, like scrawled text and the brand’s arrow logo, make the sneakers look bold and full of energy. One of the most sought-after models is the vividly green Air Force 1, a collaboration with Nike.

Golden Goose

Golden Goose specializes in luxury sneakers and has them crafted by hand in Italy. These sneakers have a distressed style and a variety of decorative features, including leather stars, silver mesh, and multicolored lettering. Prices start at $350 and climb to over $2,000.

Common Projects

The minimalist sneakers from Common Projects have won an enthusiastic following. Bruce Pask, Men’s Fashion Director for Bergdorf Godman, wears Common Projects Achillies Low “all the time,” noting to Michael Maco of Mr. Magazine that “they’re comfortable and clean, with minimal styling needed, so it gives them great versatility while traveling.” They’re available at a variety of high-end retailers, including Mr. Porter, and they’re generally priced between $400 and $700. While the brand is based in New York, Common Projects’ shoes are produced in Italy using fine leather and suede.

DSquared2

Founded by identical twin brothers, DSquared2 has a youthful and playful vibe. The sneakers often have dynamic patterns and bold lettering, and many of them display a Canadian maple leaf as a tribute to the brothers’ birthplace. The shoes typically cost several hundred dollars, though some are under $500.

Moncler

Founded in the French Alps, Moncler made its mark on the fashion world with winter apparel, particularly its iconic puffy jacket. The brand also produces comfortable luxury sneakers, which are priced between $500 and $960.

Some are slender slip-on sneakers, while others look more robust and have thicker soles, like the Silencio model. The classic red, white, and blue of the Moncler logo are dominant colors in the collection.

Magnanni

Luxury shoe brand Magnanni dates back to 1954, when Antonio Magnanni founded the label in Almansa, Spain. The company, which is known for high-quality, handcrafted shoes made using traditional techniques, has a strong omnichannel presence in brick-and-mortar stores worldwide and online via luxury retailers including Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus. Look to Magnanni for an exquisite selection of dressy luxury leather sneakers and cross-over hybrid dress shoes. I adore the look of Magnanni’s high-end, dressed-up Arco leather sneakers.

Balenciaga

For over a century, Balenciaga has been known for bold and innovative fashion, and the men’s sneakers come in a range of eye-catching designs. Costing at least several hundred dollars, they include slender high-top sneakers with the Balenciaga monogram and the powerful Defender sneakers, which have remarkably thick tire-tread soles. Other standouts come from the Speed 2.0 line, a flexible and lightweight variety that resembles socks.

Versace

The glamorous and sensational Versace keeps expanding its array of sneakers for men. The latest addition is the Odissea, which is made of calf leather and displays the brand’s Medusa logo in a three-dimensional patch on the tongue. Versace sneakers, which have a price range of roughly $600 to $1,100, include shoes with gorgeous geometric patterns and a few golden Fendace models, part of a capsule collection with Fendi.

Amiri

Amiri streetwear ranges from iconic skinny jeans to strikingly designed sneakers. These include the popular Skel Top sneaker line, with its decoration of leather bones, and the Court Hi models, which are made of nappa leather and canvas and feature different motifs, such as dark stars or a checkerboard pattern. Prices fall between $550 and $750.

Gucci

Priced between $650 and $1,450, men’s sneakers from Gucci include collaborations with Adidas and The North Face, along with the Italian brand’s own variety of designs. Among your choices are multicolored basket sneakers and monochromatic leather sneakers embossed with the world-famous double “G.” The thick-soled sneakers from the Rhyton line have a vintage feel, and some are decorated with vivid prints.

Giuseppe Zanotti

Giuseppe Zanotti is famous for extravagant footwear, each pair expertly crafted in Italy. Among the men’s sneakers, you’ll find models with reflective gold fabric, side zippers, crocodile-print leather, or a rubber sole shaped like a neon-colored cobra. Prices may climb above $1,200, but most models cost less than $1,000.

Dolce & Gabbana

Some of the sneakers from Dolce & Gabbana reflect the brand’s showiness, like the calfskin models decked with studs and the slip-on variety sparkling with crystals. But others, like the monochromatic sneakers in black or white, are much simpler in design and can go well with many outfits. The highly varied footwear from this Italian fashion house has a price range of $500 to over $4,000.

Prada

At Prada, many of the designer sneakers for men reflect the brand’s origins as a shop specializing in fine leather goods. The sneakers, which cost between $700 and $1,900, often make use of leather in their sleek designs. Some sneakers blend patent leather with technical fabric, and you can also find leather sneakers with the Italian brand’s enameled triangle logo.

Lanvin

Lanvin, a French fashion house founded in the 19th century, continues to produce beautiful apparel that generates a lot of hype, such as the chunky and colorful Curb sneakers. Other sneaker varieties, like the sturdy Flash-X, also come in vivid colors, though if you want shoes with a more low-key appearance, check out the slim leather sneakers from the DBB1 line. Prices range from $600 to $2,500.

Veja

Committed to sustainability, Veja uses recycled and ethically sourced materials for its stylish sneakers, which display the brand’s bold “V” logo. Some of the sneakers are also free from animal products. Prices are generally less than $200, making Veja one of the most affordable luxury brands on this list.

Loewe

Once a supplier of leather goods to Spanish royalty, Loewe continues to excel in the craftsmanship of luxury apparel, including high-end running shoes for men. The soft color palette and the scrolling “L” logo make these shoes look light, as if they could tread on air. Made with calfskin, denim, nylon, and other expertly used materials, the shoes cost between $400 and $800.

Santoni

Soft and classy leather sneakers are available from Santoni, an Italian brand that relies on traditional shoemaking techniques. Priced between $600 and $800, the sneakers are made in Italy. Regardless of whether they look more dressy or more casual and sporty, they all have an understated elegance.

Alexander McQueen

Alexander McQueen, who got his start in fashion as a tailor, made his brand known for pushing boundaries. You can see this rule-breaking attitude in the oversized sneakers, some of them embellished with punk studs or graffiti print. The British brand’s entire sneaker collection for men has a price range of $540 to roughly $2,000.

Tom Ford

Confidence and sophistication are defining qualities of the Tom Ford brand, which was launched by a highly celebrated American designer. Many of the sneakers have a retro style that makes them feel timeless, and the Leather Cambridge is one of the excellent options for a minimalist white sneaker. Prices start at a little under $900.

Zespa

Sneakers from Zespa typically have a slim profile and a clean design without flashy colors. Founded in Aix-en-Provence, which is in the southern part of France, the brand uses a variety of high-quality materials, including Italian calf leather. The cost of these shoes hovers around $200.

Loro Piana

Loro Piana is famous for finding the best sources of cashmere and other raw materials, and many of the brand’s beautifully crafted sneakers contain wool, silk, or goatskin. Others use technical fabric and the brand’s proprietary waterproof technology. All the shoes are made in Italy, and their prices range from $800 to $2,400.

Burberry

When shopping at Burberry, look beyond the coats and scarves, and check out the sneakers for men. Some have futuristic designs that use quilted leather or mesh and nylon, while others sport the British brand’s timeless check pattern. Prices generally fall between $500 and $900.

Rick Owens

Rick Owens is known for an aesthetic of glamorous grunge, and the brand’s sneakers often have dark colors, thick soles, a distressed style, or a boot-like appearance. The DRKSHDW streetwear line features the brand’s most popular casual shoes. You’ll find some models for under $200, while others, like the Strobe Runway Geobasket, cost more than $1,200.

Brunello Cucinelli

Brunello Cucinelli, an Italian brand that became a Silicon Valley favorite, is best known for high-end casual clothes. The men’s sneakers are a great example of the brand’s understated elegance. Priced between $800 and $1,200, these beautifully crafted sneakers have an earth-tone palette and are made from a variety of high-quality materials, including calfskin and suede.

J.M. Weston

Loafers are the most highly recommended shoe from J.M. Weston, but the French brand also excels at men’s sneakers, which range from canvas tennis shoes to monochromatic sneakers made with soft calfskin. All of the models have simple, tasteful designs and can be seamlessly incorporated into a variety of outfits. Prices fall between $400 and $600.

Fendi

Known best for fur outerwear and leather handbags, Fendi also offers men’s sneakers that display the Italian brand’s distinctive double “F.” Ranging from $700 to $2,500, these bold shoes are mostly low-top varieties, and the materials include nuback leather, nylon, and suede.

Maison Margiela

Maison Margiela is known for quirky design choices, like the espadrille style introduced to the Replica sneakers or the split-toe construction of the Tabi model. Most notably, the French brand’s collaboration with Reebok has yielded a slip-on sneaker with thick rubber soles and a cut-out construction for its uppers. Some Maison Margiela sneakers cost a little under $500, but others are nearly $1,000.

Vetements

The edgy streetwear of Vetements includes sneakers with striking and playful design elements, such as chunky soles and emoji embellishments. Among the notable models are collaborations with Reebok Classics and with New Rock. Prices may exceed $1,500.

Kiton

Kiton is renowned for its mastery of traditional tailoring, and the brand’s sneakers are handmade in Italy. The materials include calfskin and knit cashmere, and the prices range from several hundred dollars to almost $2,000. With minimal use of loud colors, the footwear has a classic elegance.

Philipp Plein

When you buy shoes from Philipp Plein, the King of Bling, you can expect flashy designs, such as high-top sneakers covered in rhinestones and sporting a skull-and-bones decoration. Even the monochromatic shoes catch the eye, because they use materials like python leather and display the brand’s logo prominently. Most of the models cost more than $1,000, and some are over $7,000.

Comme des Garcons

Comme des Garcons is best known for wild creativity and playfulness, qualities that stand out in the Japanese brand’s collaboration with Converse. The Comme des Garcons Play logo, a heart with eyes, pops up whimsically on Converse Chuck Taylors, fun shoes that can be yours for $150. You can also find sneakers that look more powerful and masculine, like the most recent collaborations between Comme des Garcons Homme Plus and Nike: the Air Max 97 and the Terminator.

Valentino Garavani

Valentino’s designer trainers for men are not subtle. The Italian fashion house, founded by designer Valentino Garavani in the 1960s, offers a range of men’s luxury leather sneakers, many of which are adorned variously with its classic VLOGO or glittery “rockstuds.” That said, Mr. Porter sells a range of more subtle sneakers from Valentino’s collection, including the stylish “One Stud” version and a lineup of Rockrunner suede trainers.

Fear of God

Los Angeles-based minimalist streetwear brand Fear of God maintains an “Athletics” subbrand that has produced tight collections of designer sneakers with thick rubber outsoles.

The Best Online Shops to Discover Designer Sneakers for Men

These are some of the best stores on the internet to browse and shop high-end luxury sneakers for men:

FWRD

FWRD is THE place to find unique and ultra-exclusive luxury sneakers for men from designers including Eytys, Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, Hender Scheme, APL (Athletic Propulsion Labs), Y-3 Yohji Yamamoto, Off-White and Raf Simons. Also look to Fwrd for a wide variety of other designer sneakers from the likes of Balmain, Alexander McQueen, Dolce and Gabbana, Rick Owens, Versace, Givency, Burberry, Tom Ford, Valentino Garavani, Bottega Veneta, The Row, Lanvin, Marni, Amiri, Rhude, Visvim, Maison Margiela, Thom Browne, and Golden Goose.

Mr. Porter

Mr. Porter is the “home of luxury fashion for the modern man” and one of my absolute favorite online stores to shop for designer men’s clothing. The online luxury retailer does a fabulous job telling the stories behind the designer brands they carry and stocks an impressive lineup of luxury sneaker labels for men from $1,800 modernist leather high top sneakers from Rick Owens to gorgeous dark brown buttery-leather sneakers from Berlutti.

Other marquee designer trainer brands include Lowe, Fendi, Balenciaga, Vetements, Bottega Veneta, Visvim, John Lobb, Orlebar Brown, Alexander McQueen, Givenchy, Amiri, Isabel Marant, Autry, Frescobol Carioca, Axel Arigato, Casablanca, Celine Homme, Off White, Palm Angels, Norse Projects Arktisk, Officine Creative, Thom Sweeny, and Rhude.

End.

Look to End Clothing for a unique selection of luxury sneaker brands for men including Y-3, A.P.C. x Lacoste, Marni x Veja, Nike, Soulland, Filling Pieces, The Real McCoy’s, ROA, Comm des Carcons, Axel Arigato, Diadora Italia, Norda, and Grenson. End is a particularly good option for “affordable luxury” brands of trainers in the range of $250-500 from brands like like Kenzo PARIS, Italian brand ROA, vintage-inspired Autry, Filling Pieces, and Norse Projects.

Where to Buy Pre-Owned Luxury Sneakers for Men

An alternative to buying designer sneakers new is to seek out secondhand, vintage or consignment luxury trainers. While the men’s second-hand luxury sneaker market isn’t as deep as, say the women’s designer handbag market, look for a robust selection of high-end, pre-owned or consignment trainers at GOAT, StockX, Flight Club, Vestiaire Collective, The Luxury Closet, Grailed, TheRealReal, Poshmark, Marrkt, Depop, Re/Way, and Luxe Collective.

Discover even more online stores to shop vintage and pre-owned clothing and sneakers.

Who Makes the Most Expensive Luxury Designer Sneakers on the Internet?

After comparing high-end retailers and designer brand websites, luxury labels Gucci, Christian Louboutin, Stefano Ricci, and Rick Owens make some of the most expensive sneakers on the internet, ranging between $1,700 and $3,600, though the most in-demand limited-run vintage sneakers can cost $20,000 or more.

The chart below compares the cost of the most expensive high-end sneakers for men on the internet:

Which Luxury Sneakers Do You Love?

Drop a comment with any brands that you think should be added to the list, and share your opinions about the best sneaker designs.