Men's sneakers: city shoes

Street sneakers or handball shoes: don’t mix the two

A sneaker is not an indoor shoe. Even when its design resembles a court surface, it lacks the cushioning, lateral support, and non-marking rubber required for the jumps and landings of handball. Keep it for everyday life, the journey to the gym, and after the match. For playing, opt for a proper indoor shoe: your ankles will thank you.

Leather, suede or mesh: what upper for your men's sneakers

The material determines the look and use. Smooth leather gives a clean sneaker that’s easy to clean, suitable for both the office and evening outings. Suede offers a softer feel and a retro style, but it doesn’t fare well in the rain and needs special brushing. Mesh and textile uppers provide lightweight and breathability, perfect for days when you walk a lot.

The brand pages of the men's sneakers selection

Each major brand has its page for quicker access. The page men’s Adidas sneakers brings together the low silhouettes with three stripes, ranging from indoor models of origin to everyday trainers. The page men’s Hummel sneakers includes the Chevron models from the Danish brand. On Le Coq Sportif, you’ll find the baskets with the tricolor rooster. The page Reebok covers models from the brand, and the page Reebok Classics isolates its heritage line.

Adidas, Hummel, Errea: the signatures of men's sneakers

Some brands set the tone of the page.

• Adidas offers the Spezial, originally made for indoor handball in the late seventies and now a daily sneaker, alongside the Adipista and Technochaos.
• Hummel focuses on the Stadil and its chevrons, a silhouette that resonates with handball players.
• Errea, the Italian brand, offers its Light Feather in white and navy or black and white.
• Le Coq Sportif adds a French touch to city sneakers.
• Converse completes the selection with its canvas models.
• Reebok plays the classic card with leather shoes.

Choosing the right size for your sneakers

A street sneaker should be chosen in your usual size, without the margin you sometimes leave for a sports shoe. Try it on at the end of the day when your foot is slightly swollen, and leave a finger's width in front of your toes. Leather models will shape to your foot after a few days, while textile ones will stay as they are: take this into account if you're hesitating between two sizes. Size guides vary from brand to brand, always check the one in the product sheet.

Cheap men’s sneakers: where to look

For a second pair or a less common colour, start with the special lifestyle offers. End-of-line shoes are listed on the shoe clearance page. During sales, the lifestyle sales page takes over. And to see what others are choosing, take a look at the lifestyle best sellers.

Frequently asked questions

Can you play handball with sneakers?

No, even for a friendly match. A sneaker doesn’t have the lateral support or cushioning needed for direction changes and landings. The risk of ankle sprain increases, and the sole can mark the gym floor.

How to clean white leather sneakers?

First, brush off the dust, then use a damp cloth with a bit of mild soap. Avoid the washing machine, which can detach the soles and deform the leather. Let them dry in the air, away from a radiator, with paper inside the shoes to maintain their shape.

Do suede sneakers withstand rain?

Badly. Water stains and hardens suede. Apply a waterproofing spray before the first outing and renew it regularly. If they get wet, let them dry slowly then restore the volume of the fibres with a crepe brush.

Mixed sneakers or men's model: what’s the difference?

A mixed model often follows a unisex sizing grid, sometimes expressed in men's sizes. The design is the same, but the width and size scale can vary. Compare your foot length with the guide in the product sheet before ordering.

How long do sneakers worn every day last?

It all depends on the walking and the material. Alternating between two pairs gives each time to dry, which preserves the insole and seams. A smooth sole at the heel or a collapsed counter are the signs that it’s time to change them.