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Stylish sneakers for grown-up men

trainers
trainers

If you have always considered high-top sneakers to be exclusively the preserve of the young, or indeed an early-warning signal of a midlife crisis, then think again: there is a new breed of tastefully considered shoes out there that are entirely age-appropriate, with the added benefit that they offer greater stability and protection of the ankle than a traditional sports shoe. In effect, they do the same job as a pair of boots, just lighter and more deft.

If you want to stay wihin the bounds of age-appropriateness, the first and most obvious rule is to avoid styles that are heavily branded and too “colourful”.

A high-top in a solid colour is the safest option if you are new to the game; Russell & Bromley’s Park Hi M, in a luxurious navy calf leather, is a great example of this; even the eyelet holes and laces have been stained to match the upper. AllSaints’ Dumont style in chalk white with a “crackle” surface texture is a personal favourite to wear with jeans; Pull & Bear has a pair in khaki that would work well with a classic chino.

high-top trainers
high-top trainers

Park Hi M high top sneaker (navy) £195, russellandbromley.co.uk; Destruct Mid MTE-1 shoes £90, vans.co.uk; All Star CX high-top trainers (tan brown) £75, CONVERSE at next.co.uk; Basic high-top trainers (khaki) £29.99, pullandbear.com; Men’s white leather painted stripe Watts trainers £148, paulsmith.com; Palla Ace canvas mid (mood indigo/chili pepper) £80, palladiumboots.co.uk; Earthkeepers by Raeburn retro hiker for men (grey) £75, timberland.co.uk; Esparre leather chukka £77 LACOSTE at schuh.co.uk; Eleven high-top (khaki/black/khaki) £150, lociwear.com; Dumont crackle high top leather sneakers (chalk white) £129, allsaints.com; Legacy mid white/earth leather/suede sneakers €180 (£150), garmentproject.com; Skiis (brown) warm lined leather high tops £55, dunelondon.com

Traditionally known for their skateboarding affiliations, brands such as Vans and Converse shouldn’t be overlooked; they also have styles to woo the older gentleman.

For those who are willing to take a bit of a risk and opt for a high-top that will make more of a statement, Timberland’s Earthkeepers by Raeburn, a collaboration with designer Christopher Raeburn; or Paul Smith’s Watts leather trainer, with the designer’s iconic multicolour stripe on the sides, will be sure to get attention for all the right reasons.