It’s Official: You Need a Pair of Low-Profile Sneakers

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.Nike / Maison Margiela / Adidas / Merrell1 min readThere’s no more beating around the bush: Low-profile sneakers are cool. They’ve never not been cool, but for a hot second, chunky dad shoes were running the show. And while we love a dad shoe, the chunkiness and clunkiness gets a little old—especially come warmer weather.Thus, we turn to the low-profile sneaker. It’s also a pretty versatile style. You can get really low—almost as if you are just wearing socks with soles—or you can opt for something with a bit more coverage that hits just below your ankle. You can splurge on a Gucci or Prada pair, go for the middle market with a suede Dries Van Noten style, or keep it under $100 (but still high-quality!) with a pair from Nike or Adidas. No matter the man, there’s a low-profile sneaker calling his name.So get moving on your footwear game with one of these best low-profile sneakers. Pro tip: They’re only as cool as your sock game so make sure you have some ultra-low ankle socks so you don’t ruin the fit.A low-profile sneaker round-up is not complete without a pair of Puma’s Speedcats. Well, here they are, in all their glory. We love them most in this rich coffee color or a Ferrari red if you prefer the racing look.Instead of donning your loafers, pick up these and throw on a pair of tailored slacks and a button-down or blazer. Voilá—you’ve got yourself a dressy dinner look.Todd Snyder, new-ish to the footwear game, makes perhaps the platonic ideal of a low-profile sneaker.Nike’s OG Moon shoe is back. It initially launched in the early ‘70s and has seen a huge resurgence as of late due to the brand’s collaboration with Jacquemus on the style. But for all you men that were secretly jealous of the collab, here’s the unisex style that will get the job done.Made to commemorate the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, the Adidas Japan are a lesser known show stateside, but they’re certainly iconic. They look a little bit like bowling shoes, sure, but they work so well as summer sneakers.Similar to an Adidas Japan, but the Italia have just a touch more terrace influence. You get a more pronounced toebox and a bit more heft to the shoe all around. This Italian colorway is great, but there are a handful of colorful suedes that make this a very similar, but slightly swerved, alternative to a Spezial or Gazelle.While you might traditional associate Merrell with hiking shoes and boots, the brand also makes lifestyle sneakers that are not to be skipped. This one channels GORPcore, while also feeling a little more elevated in its leather composition.New from SeaVees comes the Wilcox low-profile sneakers—a ‘70s-inspired aesthetic with contemporary comforts (like a memory foam insole).Remember when a pair of Onitsuka Tigers wouldn’t even run you $100? Those were the days. Now, the brand is hitting a higher-end market. Still, they’re versatile and come in a handful of fun color combos, but the classic white-on-black never fails.These textured suede and leather CQP sneakers have that cool, unbothered look inspired by tennis and skateboard shoes of the ’80s and ’90s.These unique new Cole Haan sneakers are meant to take you from the office to dinner to whatever comes after that. Inspired by classic soccer shoes from the ’80s and ’90s, they blend a vintage look with modern cushioning.The German Army Trainer is probably the most popular, most enduring style of low-profile sneaker. Quince makes a simple, non-branded one that’s a true dupe of the original for under $100.If you like a brand logo but still want to ride with the army trainer look, the Puma Palermo is our favorite. The Puma tag is iconic, and the track logo is unmistakable.If you want a cheaper German Army Trainer shape, the Skechers always shocks us when it comes through the office. If you didn’t know what that S shape was all about, you’d be fooled into paying triple.For under $100—and now on sale under $50—you can get a pair of pretty cool kicks that are also super comfortable. You’ll walk miles in these Nikes.On the other hand, a pair of Golden Goose sneakers is definitely worth the investment. The latest launch from the brand delivered this ultra-low-profile pair, a step away from the label’s iconic distressed look. These are some streamlined, handsome shoes.A premium suede and nylon Saucony in deep wine red is just about as good as it gets.If you’re down for the splurge, Gucci’s low-top sneakers don’t disappoint. The signature red and green striping adds a colorful contrast, and the soft stretchy construction minimizes your break-in time.If you want a pair of sneakers that you can wear with just about everything and anything, Axel Arigato has you covered. Coming in four neutral hues, choose the minimalist sneaker that best suits your wardrobe.For a bold, vintage look, turn tor P448. Aside from being extremely plush and soft on your feet, P448’s shoes feel unique. Case in point: this sacchetto-designed retro soccer silhouette that has us primed for the coming World Cup season.Just when you thought we couldn’t get even lower, we bring you Prada’s collapsible sneakers. These are great for packing—they’ll barely take up room in your suitcase—and they’ve also got the Re-Nylon sustainably-minded composition that we love.And finally, a good ol’ pair of Margiela’s sprinters that will match almost any outfit decide to wear—barring a suit of course. The abutting hues, waffle sole, and quilted exterior are all design details that make this worth the buy.