Brighten Up: 6 Alternative Sneaker Colours Every Man Should Try

We get it. White sneakers are safe. They’re what you feel comfortable in. Not showy, highly versatile and with a proven track record of trend-cycle immunity. They can be worn in all seasons, improve with age, and look good with just about anything. Why would you choose anything else? Well, because there’s actually a lot to be said for some of the alternatives, too.

White might be the most common and arguably classic colour for a pair of sneakers, but it’s far from the only choice. If you’re brave enough to branch out, you’ll find there are plenty of colours that are every bit as versatile and timeless, but that, unlike white, give your outfit a bit of punch.

Now, we’re not saying you should necessarily go for the brightest, boldest pair of multicoloured kicks you can get your hands on, but there are several key shades and tones to consider if you’re looking to break free.

Here are a few of our favourites and some tips for pulling them off.

Beige/Off-White

JAK

As versatile as white is, it can sometimes feel clinical in certain situations. A bit too clean and crisp. When that’s the case, off-white – or one of the various shades of beige – is your friend. These neutral colours are softer and more subtle, and they can be paired easily with any colour you can think of.

Best in suede or tumbled leather, these muted shades work well on everything from minimal court shoes to retro running shoes. When it comes to styling, you can pretty much freestyle it, but tonal outfits and anything with olive trousers or pale jeans will always work a treat.

Brown

Velasca

Admittedly, brown is pretty low down on the ‘obvious colours for sneakers’ scale, but that’s part of the reason you should keep it in mind.

Where lighter colours pick up dirt and muck in the autumn and winter months, brown shrugs it off with ease, and looks smart while doing so. It offers a more formal feel, but without you having to veer into ‘shoe’ territory.

Plenty of styles work in brown, but the easiest to nail is a classic low-top sneaker. Something tennis shoe-inspired but refined. Think Common Projects Achilles Low or similar.

Wear them with dark denim or heavy chinos, and steer clear of all-black outfits at all costs.

Grey

New Balance

Maybe you’re not looking for alternative sneaker colours to turn heads. Perhaps you find the usual options too in-your-face, and want something a bit more muted – something that will blend in. This is when grey is a fantastic yet often overlooked option.

Suede is best here. The most obvious choice is New Balance. The 99X line’s trademark colour is light grey, and it doesn’t come much more versatile or simple to style than a pair of those.

A perfect match for monochrome outfits, and just as comfortable with shorts as they are with tailored wool pants.

Green

New Balance

Green is a good choice for those who like the outdoorsy look. Think trail runners and approach shoes in olive or forest green. It says practical and utilitarian, with the bonus that it’s great for hiding dirt.

In terms of styling, lean into outdoorsy tones and neutrals – beige, khaki, taupe, and ecru – counterbalanced with navy, grey, black, and white.

Garment-wise, cargos, work pants, technical jackets and anything military, workwear or outdoor-inspired will work a treat.

Navy

Velasca

Surprisingly smart, surprisingly versatile. Navy is a criminally overlooked sneaker colour that goes with just about anything. And yes, that includes black trousers – don’t believe the naysayers.

It’s a nice and subtle option, looking great in suede and suitable for year-round wear, as it resists dirt even in the darkest depths of winter.

As great as navy is, you probably want to pick a pair that has lighter accents on them too. All navy everything can look a bit awkward, so look for something with a light midsole or perhaps some contrast panelling or overlays.

Retro running shoes look great in this colour – just look at New Balance for proof of that.

Orange

Stepney Workers Club

If you want to make a footwear statement, consider something a bit brighter and bolder. Orange is great because there are so many different shades to choose from that can be as loud or as muted as you like.

A vibrant tangerine is great for turning heads and making things pop, or you could go for an autumnal burnt orange for something a bit more restrained.

Again, this colour works best on retro sporty styles with suede panelling and maybe a few hits of white and/or gum to keep things grounded. Something along the lines of an Adidas Gazelle or a Nike Daybreak would work perfectly.

Dos and don’ts

Don’t go full neon

You can add a splash of colour without going fluorescent, so leave the Day-Glo kicks to the runners.

Avoid clashing

Bright sneakers and bright outfits rarely complement one another. Pick one or the other so that the statement piece can do the talking.

Match the material to the season

Suede is great for spring and autumn, canvas works great in the summer months, and leather will look after you all year round.

If in doubt, go tonal

There are countless ways to mess up an outfit when you’re experimenting with unusual sneaker colours. If you’re in any doubt, keep the rest of the outfit tonal and you can’t go wrong.

Choose colours based on your skin tone

Of course, you can wear whatever colours you like, but certain shades work better on certain skin tones. We’ve written an entire guide about this, so make sure to give it a read if you’re having trouble deciding.