Types of Fashion Sneakers: Our Sneaker Guide for Men & Women

Have you ever picked out the perfect outfit, only to realize you have no idea what shoes to pair with it? Been there, done that. 

But you won’t have to deal that fashion dilemma again, thanks to a certain style staple: sneakers. That’s right— sneakers are the perfect combination of casual, comfortable, and versatile. They can be dressed up or dressed down, so you can wear them with basically any outfit. And the best part is you’ll stay comfortable all day long, no matter what’s on your agenda. Whether you’re running errands, hanging out with friends, or heading into the office, the right sneaker can suit every situation.

There are plenty of fashion sneaker styles for men and women to choose from, and you can add one or even all of them to your rotation. Keep things simple with a pair of slip-ons or canvas sneakers. Elevate your look with some platforms or high-tops. Or bring the cool factor to your outfits with retro or court sneakers. 

But sneakers aren’t just an essential for men and women—they’re great for kids, too! From the playground to playdates, sneakers will keep your little ones moving and grooving in comfort (and style). Plus, with a variety of colors, styles, and patterns, your kiddos will love showing off their own personal style with a pair of sneakers. Not sure which style or size is right for them? Check out our Kids’ Shoes Buying Guide for lots of tips and tricks on how to find the perfect pair, plus a shoe sizing tool you can use right at home. 

Now for the fun part: our guide to the most popular men’s and women’s fashion sneakers (and some ideas on how to make them totally your own). Let’s get started…

Various men's and women's sneakers on wood flooring

Slip-On Sneakers

First on our list of must-have fashion sneakers: slip-on sneakers. If you’re all about keeping things as simple as can be in your life, this style is for you. With no laces to tie or untie, slip-on sneakers are just as easy to throw-on-and-go as they sound. Just slip them on and head on out to wherever your day takes you. 

Whether you’re looking for women’s slip-on sneakers or men’s slip-on sneakers, we’ve got plenty of options in a variety of fabrics. 

Canvas slip-on sneakers are a popular choice, often known for their extreme comfort and ease. Vans slip-on canvas shoes are everywhere right now, particularly the Vans checkered slip-ons that so many people know and love. Pair your canvas slip-on sneakers with a basic white t-shirt and your favorite jeans, then roll the cuffs to show off your shoes and keep the whole look really casual. 

Want to take your easy slip-on shoes up a notch? Go for a leather style instead of canvas. Leather slip-on sneakers are an awesome choice when you want a no-fuss shoe while still keeping things sophisticated. 

If support is your number one priority, we also have lots of comfortable slip-on sneakers from top athletic brands. From Nike slip-on shoes to adidas slip-on shoes, there are so many styles that are designed to keep up with you and your busy schedule. Skechers slip-ons are also great on days where you need to be on your feet a lot. 

When it comes casual comfort, we’ve got the best slip-on sneakers that can do it all (just like you). Be sure to add a pair to your shoe rotation. They’ll quickly become your new go-tos!

Platform Sneakers

Next up on our list: platform sneakers. These take even the simplest outfit to the next level (literally and figuratively!). Women’s platform sneakers are the epitome of comfy-cute. Whether you’re into white platform sneakers, black platform sneakers, or a colorful pair, our selection has basically every shade under the sun. Once you’ve decided what color you’re loving, then you can narrow in on a silhouette. 

High-top platform sneakers are super in right now. Platform Converse (like the Chuck Taylor All Star High-Top Platform) are a must for spring and summer. Wear them with jeans, chinos, or even shorts for a cool and casual look. Not into high-tops? Go for a pair of low-top platform sneakers for a more subtle style. These pair really well with dresses, skirts, or a pair of trousers. (Perfect for those in-office days!). 

Our selection of men’s platform sneakers is just as great. And if you already have a favorite go-to brand, chances are we have a trendy platform sneaker you’ll love from the same one. PUMA platform sneakers? Check. Chunky Converse? Yep. adidas platform sneakers? Got those. Nike platform sneakers? Yep, we have those too! It’s clear that platform sneakers are a 2024 essential for both men and women. 

They’re polished, they’re practical, and they’ll keep you comfortable morning, noon, and night.

Court Sneakers

Let’s keep things moving with our next category: court sneakers. An all-around great choice for everyday looks, court sneakers are equal parts easy yet elevated. They’re not too flashy and not too subtle; they’re a just-right staple sneaker that you’ll reach for again and again (and again). Court sneakers have become such a popular style, you can find them from most of your favorite brands. 

Nike court sneakers, adidas court sneakers, and Reebok court sneakers all come in a variety of colors, patterns, and styles so you can find which ones speak to you. And in case you didn’t know, court sneakers can be worn on AND off the court. Not only are they comfortable and durable for days when you’re staying active, but they’re also sleek enough to pair with your favorite outfits. 

Guys can style their men’s court sneakers with light-wash denim, a tee, and a cool jacket. Heading somewhere a bit dressier? Court kicks also go perfectly with khakis and a sport coat. Dress them up, dress them down, and make them totally your own. 

Girls should add court sneakers to their lineup, too. Women’s court sneakers look great with a midi skirt and sweater, a matching sweat set, or wide-leg trousers with a blouse. The options are really endless with court shoes for women. 

Looking to add some color into your wardrobe? Pink court shoes are having a moment right now. Want to keep it a bit more classic? White court sneakers will always be in style. No matter the color, court shoes will work with you and for you by keeping you on-trend and comfortable all day long. 

It’s obvious that leather court sneakers are a go-to style that you can wear anywhere and everywhere. Add this style to your rotation ASAP and prepare to be obsessed!

Retro Sneakers

In case you missed it: throwback vibes have been making a major comeback. So it’s no surprise that retro sneakers are next on our list of must-have sneakers for 2024. 

One type of retro sneaker is often referred to as a “dad shoe.” This vintage-style sneaker is usually pretty chunky and is reminiscent of a style your dad or grandpa would wear (except a little bit cooler!). You’ve probably seen New Balance dad shoes all over your feed and the street, as they’ve really become the it-shoe everyone’s wearing lately. Wondering how to make them your own? Guys can style cool dad shoes with cargo pants and a graphic t-shirt to really lean into those old-school vibes, while women can pair them with leggings, slouchy socks, and an oversized sweatshirt for an everyday athleisure look. 

Another brand that’s winning the retro sneaker game is Nike. If you’re into retro basketball shoes, Nike has the sporty styles you’re sure to love on and off the court. Into more of a low profile? adidas has plenty of retro sneaker styles that are super versatile. And we can’t forget about Reebok! The Reebok Classic and Reebok Club C 85 are taking over the retro sneaker scene. Go for a simple white dad sneaker, or brighten things up with a retro silhouette with fun pops of color.

Whether you’re looking for men’s retro sneakers or women’s retro sneakers, we’ve got ’em all (from all the best brands).

Canvas Sneakers

Another sneaker style to love? Canvas sneakers. One of the best parts about canvas sneakers is their versatility, so no matter where you’re going they’re a great shoe to have on hand (or foot). White canvas shoes have an especially classic feel to them, so they never look overly trendy or outdated. 

Style men’s canvas sneakers (like the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Street) with khakis and a blazer for date night, or jeans and a light coat for your morning coffee run. And pair women’s canvas sneakers with a colorful sundress and jean jacket for work, weekend, wherever! 

Casual canvas sneakers provide ultimate comfort and style whether you’re strolling through your neighborhood, meeting up with friends at a restaurant, heading to the grocery store, or even going to the office. With their laid-back style and classic silhouette, it’s no wonder they’re on our list of must-have sneakers for the year. 

High-Top Sneakers

Rounding out the list: high-top sneakers. High-tops are categorized by having a collar that extends above the ankle, offering style, stability, and support. Both men’s high-top sneakers and women’s high-top sneakers are fun to style because they’re made to be seen, not hidden. Make sure your pants and high-top shoes work together for a seamless flow from one to the other. 

Go for slim-fit jeans or chinos that are not too loose and not too tight, then roll the cuffs a bit to show off the entire shoe or let the fabric fall naturally around the top of the collar. So what are the best high-top sneakers to in 2024? Well, you can’t go wrong with Converse high-tops that feel so classic and so cool. Their canvas high-tops can be styled with shorts in the spring and summer for a quintessential warm-weather look. 

Nike high-tops and adidas high-tops are also really popular right now, bringing a sportier vibe to the silhouette. Pair the leather high-top styles with jeans and a tee for an outfit that’s perfect for game days (and everyday). Vans high-tops are also making waves this year. 

Show off your street style with a bold black-and-white pair that make a statement without saying anything at all. There’s no denying that high-tops are here to stay—and we’re so here for it. Add a pair (or three) to your lineup to bring a cool, casual feel to any outfit.

Three men's fashion sneakers on a white background

Frequently Asked Fashion Sneaker Questions

What are some popular sneaker brands in the fashion industry? 

There are a few tried-and-true sneaker brands that remain popular year after year. Nike, adidas, PUMA, New Balance, and Converse are all great brands that blend style with comfort. 

How can I clean and maintain my fashion sneakers? 

To get the best results, it’s important to look at your shoes’ washing instructions. But the process for cleaning and maintaining a basic fashion sneaker is actually quite simple. Start by gently removing any visible dirt with a clean towel or toothbrush. Next, wet the soles of your sneakers with a damp towel or rinse them off in the sink. Lastly, spot clean any large stains by blotting them with soap and water. Let the shoes air-dry. 

Can I wear sneakers with formal attire? 

Yes! So long are the days of only wearing sneakers to work out. Sneakers have become a total wardrobe staple that you can wear with a variety of different looks—even formal outfits. Men can pair classic white sneakers with a sport coat or suit for business meetings, weddings, and other events. Women can also wear sneakers to almost every occasion. Sneakers with dresses have become a popular look in the spring and summer, and they also go great with skirts too. Some brides even change into a pair of sneakers when it’s time to hit the dance floor at their wedding! Long story short: sneakers can be dressed up or dressed down for pretty much any occasion. 

How do I style sneakers for a casual look? 

Men’s sneakers look great with a pair of jeans, a t-shirt, and a plaid shirt. It’s a low-key look that you can wear while you’re chilling out at home or going out with friends. You can also pair them with some joggers and your favorite sweatshirt. Women’s sneakers can be styled with so many pieces: sundresses, skirts, jeans, shorts, and beyond. For an everyday look, pair your sneakers with high-waisted jeans, a graphic tee, and a cardigan for a cute and casual outfit. 

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Shop Sneakers at DSW

If you’re ready to refresh your sneaker rotation, you’re in the right place. At DSW we have a huge selection of women’s sneakers, men’s sneakers, and kids’ sneakers in all the most popular styles of the year. Shop fashion sneakers for everyone in your family at dsw.com, in the DSW app, and at your DSW store.