Men have gone into panic mode. They’ve hopped on board the trainer bandwagon this summer, stocking up their wardrobe with styles from every name in the footwear game.
However, they’ve all just had one realisation: rain, snow, slush and sleet is on its way. But they don’t want to wait another year to team the latest drops with their tailored trousers and, if anything, they’ve developed an aversion to wearing shoes unless it’s to a formal occasion or meeting.
Fear not, designers across the high street, luxury and sportswear sectors are recognising the want of men to have trainers carry them through the colder months and are beginning to react.
As such, here is our pick of the best cold-weather-friendly trainers on the market right now because, have you seen the forecast for next week?
Golden Goose Deluxe Brand Superstar Low-Tops
When you buy a pair of trainers created by Francesca and Alessandro Gallo, the husband and wife team behind Golden Goose Deluxe Brand, you beat Mother Nature at her own game.
The label takes inspiration from skateboarding style and as a result turns out dishevelled, vintage look designs with less-than-pristine laces and deliberate scuffs – so any battering they take will only add to their charm.
These low-top leather trainers are made from white calfskin with beige suede accents and also feature a cosy fleece-sock lining.
Available at MATCHESFASHION.COM.
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Hi Rubber
Converse’s luxury footwear launch made our list of the hottest September trainer releases, but it’s the American brand’s reinvention of the Chuck Taylor All Star Hi that should be called on when the storm hits.
The Rubber Collection takes the iconic silhouette and reproduces it with a thin, water-resistant upper and a soft fleece lining. The traction pattern on the outsole makes for a sturdy tread while the legendary logo on the heel and ankle keeps it close to the original.
Available at JD Sports.
Adidas Originals Hamburg Made In Germany
The Hamburg Made In Germany pack from adidas Originals is a 1983 re-release that takes its cues from Germany’s second largest city.
What was originally a suede upper is now wipe-easy premium polished leather, complete with white three stripe detailing and a gum sole.
We’re particular fans of the Collegiate Burgundy colourway (it’s also available in Navy as a nod to Hamburg’s coat of arms) – a striking and seasonally-appropriate option that will slot seamlessly into your cold-weather outfits.
Available at Oki-Ni.
Nike Sportswear Fleece Pack
Fleece isn’t known for its water resistant properties, however it is famed for its warmth and that’s what earned this
The American giant has given several of its popular and iconic silhouettes a fleece makeover, including the Cortez, Roshe One, Internationalist and Huarache. Our pick is the tonal grey Roshe One with contrasting black detailing.
In the online
Available at Nike.
Reebok Classic Leather Waterproof
Waterproof doesn’t have to mean unattractive duck boots, as Reebok demonstrates with their ready-for-rain version of the Classic Leather silhouette.
The wheat upper is set on a white midsole and a gum outsole (one of the top trends in men’s trainers right now) and finished with wheat and black rope laces, gold metal eyelets and a dark brown leather lining.
Perforations to the toe make for a breathable wear, while embossed branding to the tongue, heel and side panel let’s everyone know it’s a Classic. Available at Size?
Balmain Quilted Slip-On Sneakers
The quickest tell-tale signs of winter-beaten trainers are dirty laces and stitching that turns from white to some form of brownish yellow after a morning in the elements.
These quilted slip-on trainers from Balmain sidestep the problem by coming in an all-black colourway. In addition to the supple leather upper, which is crafted in Italy, lending itself to a quick wipe-over every now and then, the resilient rubber sole makes them as comfortable and enduring as their style.
Available at Mr Porter.
Vans Sk8-Hi Suede Winter Trainers
Vans is so confident these trainers can take on the months ahead that it put Winter in the name.
The matte leather upper is complemented by a red check padded cuff, which taps into the lumberjack vibe we men often revert to between September and February. But it’s the grip tread sole that will make sure they stay planted firmly on the ground, whatever the conditions.
Available at ASOS.