10 Gum Sole Sneakers That Will Never Go Out of Style

Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links. Here’s how we test products and why you should trust us.SeaVees / Oliver Cabell / P.F. FlyersIf we’re talking about gum sole sneakers, we have to begin this list with the shoe that started it all: the Adidas Samba. It’s gone through quite a few iterations since its launch in 1949 and remains a streetwear staple to this day. Why? Well, aside from the fact that the shoe has tons of celebrity endorsements, it has a simple, retro, low-profile look that quite literally never goes out of style. A big part of that retro look is the tan gum sole, (which can be lighter or darker depending on the color of the upper), which is what put it on the map in the first place.Colors25Sizes4-19Upper MaterialLeatherWhile Sambas started the gum sole trend in the 1950s and ’60s, the Puma Palermo stole the spotlight in the early ’80s across the pond with British soccer fans making it a staple footwear choice. And while the Puma Palermo never really waned in popularity, the global resurgence of retro sneakers in the past few years has give it somewhat of a modern revival. It’s one of our favorite low-profile sneakers out there.ColorsWhite, brown, blackSizes4-14Upper MaterialLeatherAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowWe’re currently living through a German Army Trainer renaissance—a GATaissance, if you will—which is great news for gum sole fans. Pretty much all white leather and suede GATs are going to look like this, but we love the high quality of Oliver Cabell’s matte Italian leather and the fact that there isn’t a huge logo on the side of the shoe. If you’re looking for a less expensive option, though, Quince makes a really nice non-branded GAT for under $100.ColorsWhite, black, navySizes6-15Upper MaterialLeather, suedeOf course, if you want a solid pair of casual gum sole sneakers, Nike has one. The Killshot 2 is inspired by the brand’s original low-profile tennis shoes but adds a bit of a modern twist with a textured upper of leather and suede. It’s already an affordable shoe at $100 flat, but three colorways are currently marked down to even less.Colors6Sizes6-15Upper MaterialLeather, suedeAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowTraveling with a chunky pair of shoes never goes well. But traveling with Cole Haan’s lightweight GrandPrø Packwell Sneakers? A piece of cake. These gum sole sneakers have a slim, low-profile silhouette that packs easily (and they come with their own travel pouch, too). The polished style is also a great choice for the office when you want something more casual than a dress shoe but nicer than your typical sneaker.Colors4Sizes7-13Upper MaterialSuedeAh Vans, the brand that made the iconic skateboarding shoe and the equally as iconic Warped Tour. (Can anyone get me tickets to next year’s festival??) These low-top Old Skool shoes are cool, confident, and totally punk rock. And you can choose from 34 colors and patterns, including the famous checkered pattern Vans is known for.Colors34Sizes3.5-13Upper MaterialCanvas, suedeAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowSometimes you don’t have time for laces and just need a shoe you can slip on in a matter of seconds. SeaVees makes an elevated slip-on shoe with a nice gum sole; we like this deep brown oiled leather colorway, but there are also cotton poplin and suede options.Colors9Sizes7-16Upper MaterialWater-resistant rugged oiled leatherOn the other hand, if you want a more secure shoe with laces and a high top, P.F. Flyers makes a classic high-top sneaker with a gum sole and ribbed toe bumper for extra durability and protection. The foam insole also gives some nice cushion to a style that typically doesn’t give much support.Colors4Sizes4.5-14Upper MaterialCanvasAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowWhen you want to dress to impress but still have that retro gum sole look, Zegna is the way to go. At just under a thousand dollars, these leather-trimmed suede sneakers are the definition of quiet luxury. They come in an array of neutral colorways from cream to brown to navy, and you can’t go wrong with any of them. And they go with any outfit, from casual jeans to a sharp suit.Colors7SizesUK7-11Upper MaterialSuedeStill luxury but a lot more loud, Moncler’s new CityTrek sneaker is inspired by vintage trail shoes. You get that outdoorsy look from the suede and nylon uppers and, of course, the nubby Vibram rubber soles, but these are actually meant to be worn as everyday lifestyle shoes. No matter what you wear them for, we definitely approve.Colors4Sizes6-13Upper MaterialNylon, suede, leather