Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

8 Pairs of Sneakers to Keep Clean and Crispy for Special Occasions

When it comes to hitting the town, you have or should have a go-to pair of sneakers to lace up. A pair that only comes out once in a Thunder Moon with the intent to dress the part and impress the masses. More often than not, unless your shoes are bought for a specific purpose, the little voice in your head says, “OK, I’m going to keep these clean. I’m not going to wear them every day. They are only coming on special occasions.” And wouldn’t it be nice if you had the mental strength to fight off the urge to wear your new kicks every time you walked out the door? There are few pair that you should give your best efforts to keep ‘em looking fresh and clean, and these are them.

K-Swiss Gary Vee 004 Mid

K-Swiss Gary Vee 004 Mid

It’s not often you hear the brand K-Swiss when talking about feet covers unless you grew up on the tennis court, but with another Gary Vaynerchuck collaboration, the time has come. The K-Swiss Gary Vee 004 Mid’s are scribbled with his abbreviated motto to “Make Positivity and Optimism Louder,” as if Mr. Doodle was commissioned for the work. The script is visible from all angles, especially against the white genuine leather. And as the point is to keep them looking clean, they arrive in a custom box that looks better occupied than vacant.

Clae Bradley Mid

Clae Bradley Mid

You’ve got to have an all-black pair in your collection, and when their midnight appearance comes from suede, you get major style points. The Clae Bradley pair is simple, sophisticated, and will look great with any pair of denim that you throw at them. Laced up for the office and later out on the town, the Bradleys deserve to be returned to the box after last call. Take extra care of this pair as the suede composition is sure to show wear and tear well before other pairs of sneakers you own.

Novesta Star Dribble 99

Novesta Star Dribble 99

They may appear to be the most casual of the group, but don’t count them out as a show stopper. The Novesta Star Dribbles stand alone with a chunky sole, eyelets that stop a little lower than other high-tops, and a seamlessly paired canvas color scheme. And because they’re from across the pond, you’ll probably be one of a few to be rocking them. Better yet, they are vegan through and through, which is a talking point all on its own.

Mitchell & Ness x Clearweather Nineteen 0 Four

Mitchell & Ness x Clearweather Nineteen 0 Four

You can’t deny that you and everyone else has a little “Sk8er Boi” tucked away when it comes to ten-toed apparel. The Nineteen 0 Four in Vintage White will be just at home atop the grip tape as matched with a pair of Nantucket Reds. They have all the features of a true skate shoe, but even if you don’t intend on ever stepping on a deck, they beckon the attention of onlookers. With gold accents, this is a pair to keep on ready away from the daily pursuit of urban grime. Because once you’ve scuffed the Nineteen 0 Fours, you might as well find a mud puddle and go full bore.

Nike Air Max 90

Nike Air Max 90

As far as classics go, the Nike Air Max 90 shares the top pedestal. Now verging on 30 years in the game, the Air Max 90 can be found in grunge bars, country clubs, and even on Jerry Seinfeld. Everyone knows the swoosh and most the know the Air Max, but there is just something so enticing about a fresh pair out in the public eye. And though there are generally only one or two adventures with the Air Max before soot has found the toe cap, if you escape the day without a scuff, then right back in the box they should go.

Vans Classic Checkerboard Slip-On

Vans Classic Checkerboard Slip-On

Sometimes laces can be hard to deal with, but thankfully Vans has been crafting their Checkerboard Slip-On since the late ’60s. Out and about, everyone will instantly notice and recognize your original Waffle Outsole Vans. And where there is checkerboard, there are little white squares exposed to the elements and potentially threatening the allure of your new sneaker credit. Until the day you’re taking down slices with Spicoli, keep those checkers clean.

Air Jordan 1

Nike Air Max 90

With 33 different Jordans, not including color variations, the Air Jordan 1 continues to stand the test of time as one of the best. Celebs, average Joes, and even Spider-man have rocked a pair of the 1s. At some point, Nike may stop making these and the resale value will send you to Bora Bora on a first-class ticket, but for now, wear them for the recognition and once you stumble back through your door, bag and tag ‘em til the next adventure.

Diemme Marostica Low

Diemme Marostica Low

Right off the bat, we’re dealing with Italian style and leather named after Napa, so it seems only fitting these Diemme Marostica Lows should only move from the box to your feet and back on the sunniest of days. With signature D-rings, the Marosticas hint to their roots and heritage in mountaineering with a tennis shoe appearance. They may look suited for the Swiss Alps but at the corner of 3rd and Bleeker, the red light won’t be the only thing causing traffic congestion.

It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve been to the sneaker shop, it’s a guarantee within moments of a fresh pair being in your possession, they are on your feet, laced just the way you like them and most importantly, looking so fresh and so clean. How long they stay that way is up to you.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Ben Hitch
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Ben Hitch, well, he's the first of his name and one hell of a character. You can find him exploring the streets of San Diego…
The 14 Best Men’s Athletic Sneakers for Supercharging Every Workout
adidas running shoes

With more people finally stepping outside of their homes to enjoy the fresh air of this season's warmer days and lush greenery, you might want to buy a couple of brand-new athletic sneakers from your favorite men's clothing stores to enjoy your morning jogs and other errands. These are sneakers that can withstand environmental stresses, allowing you to go for a quick run on a rugged trail. Some highlight versatility (i.e. universal) while other pairs of men's shoes are perfect for basketball or high-impact workouts. If you find it difficult choosing which kicks to purchase, look no further as we’ve gathered the best athletic sneakers— with selections befitting every type of workout from running to basketball. Check out our list of the best men's athletic shoes.

Related Guides

Read more
The 9 Best Boat Shoes for Men To Wear All Year Long
best mens boat shoes men 2021

In many ways, boat shoes are arguably the most ideal footwear: They’re traditionally worn without socks, easy to slip on and off, and versatile enough to dress up or down. In short, consider them a casual staple for on or off a boat this 2021. And even though boat shoes haven’t been confined to decks for quite some time, the qualities that initially made them suitable for life on the water still make them desirable today. Just take their most innovative feature: rubber soles with thinly cut slits (known as siping) to prevent slipping. Let’s face it, we all know that you don’t need to be on a boat to take a tumble on a wet surface.

But attributes aside, boat shoes are an instantly recognizable menswear icon, and a style of shoe that’ll ensure you never run short of casual outfit options. Whether you’re after a traditional pair, or want to opt for a more modern interpretation, we’ve got the best boat shoes ready for your perusal.

Read more
The 8 Best Pairs of Leather Sandals To Slip Into This 2021
Nisolo Huarache Sandal

It’s no revelation to call fashion bizarre and oftentimes incomprehensible. Take sandals, for example. They’ve been around forever – we’re talking ancient Greece and ancient Egypt times here. Most of us will have memories (and the photos to prove it) of when our parents still shopped for our clothes and made the final decision regarding what to dress us in – and strapping sandals on our tiny little feet was certainly not uncommon.

Yet somewhere along the line, men’s sandals entered into a state of sartorial limbo – they’ve obviously always been there, but opinions on whether adult men should wear them have been divided. Thankfully, it now seems (though only somewhat recently) that tastemakers have declared them totally okay and, in fact, insist that they’re a must-have essential in any stylish man’s wardrobe.

Read more