Remember that feeling of finding the perfect pair of shoes? It’s like finding a hidden treasure! But let’s be honest, keeping up with men’s shoe styles in 2016 felt like a marathon. Every season brought new trends, and knowing which ones actually mattered could be confusing. Did you buy the right sneakers? Should you stick to classic leather or try those new slip-ons?
Choosing the wrong footwear in 2016 meant sacrificing comfort for looks, or worse, looking totally out of date. It was a real headache trying to match the right shoe to your jeans, suit, or weekend gear. This guide cuts through the noise. We break down the must-have men’s shoes from that year, showing you what worked, what faded, and why.
By the end of this post, you will know exactly which 2016 styles were the best investments. Get ready to rediscover the defining footwear moments of that year and learn how to spot a timeless classic. Let’s step right into the best men’s shoes of 2016!
Top Shoes For Men 2016 Recommendations
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Suede upper
- Lightweight injection-molded EVA foam midsole provides lightweight cushioning
- Internal midsole shank adds midfoot structure and support
- Dual density collar foam offers support and comfort for ankles
- ➤ High-Elastic Shock-Absorbing Outsole: Lightweight and flexible outsole provides excellent shock absorption and stability, making these mens walking shoes ideal for daily walking and running.
- ➤ Ultra-Breathable Mesh Upper: Air mesh material ensures outstanding breathability and keeps feet cool and dry. Lightweight construction gives these sneakers a comfortable, all-day wear feel.
- ➤ Soft Memory-Foam Insole: High-elastic memory foam offers superior cushioning, reduces foot fatigue, and supports smooth heel-to-toe movement—perfect for mens tennis shoes and daily workouts.
- ➤ Versatile for Any Activity: Designed for both performance and style, these men’s sneakers are great for walking, running, gym workouts, tennis, travel, and everyday casual wear.
- ➤ Size Tips: Please choose your usual athletic shoe size or refer to our size chart for the best fit.
- Skechers Memory Foam Cushioned Comfort Insole: Provides all-day comfort with a soft cushioned feel.
- Articu-Lyte Shock-Absorbing Flexible Midsole: Reduces impact with every step for long-lasting comfort.
- Flexible Rubber Traction Outsole: Offers excellent grip for stability during daily wear.
- Leather, Synthetic, and Mesh Upper: Durable and breathable materials for lasting comfort.
- Ideal for Everyday Wear: Designed for men seeking stylish and comfortable sneakers for everyday use.
- Mesh wraps your foot in lightweight support. It lets air flow freely for cooling comfort.Mesh and TPU mold hug your foot and keeps it in place.
- The comfortable and soft inner lining can bring a great sense of freedom and comfort. Even if you wear these sneakers all day,you will not feel tired.Padded collar and tongue fit the ankle better and prevent wear.
- The shoes sole made from ultra light natural rubber material,The rubber outsole offers impact cushioning, anti-twist, abrasion-resistant and anti-slip performance,helping users adapt to any road condition.
- Elastic blade sole for high flexibility，Provide enough support for the foot to more efficiently return energy to the sole of the foot to ensure comfort during running.
- Occasions:Casual,Walking,Running,Travel,Athletic,Exercise,Gym,Tennis ,Outdoor,Travel,Exercise,Workout,Volleyball,Basketball,Jogging ，Bike,Racquetball and other outdoor sport.
- CONTEMPORARY DESIGN: Seasonal fracture graphic on this Tazon Cross-Trainer for a modern look.
- RELIABLE PADDING: Stable cushioning for running and training needs.
- SMOOTH AND SNUG: Sleek, streamlined silhouette with synthetic leather upper and midfoot saddle for maximum fit and comfort.
- SHOCK ABSORPTION: EVA in the heel absorbs impact for added support and comfort.
- Lace-Up Design and Comfortable Inner: The lace-up design is mainly decorative, offering a stylish look. No need to tie your shoes each time—just adjust for a snug fit. The soft inner lining ensures comfort with or without socks, perfect for casual wear
- Comfort: The cushioned interior conforms to your foot, providing long-lasting comfort for all-day wear
- Breathability: Breathable materials keep your feet dry, preventing moisture and odor, suitable for any climate or activity
- Lightweight and Soft Sneakers: The soft sole provides comfort for long periods of standing or walking, ideal for walking shoes, athletic shoes, running shoes, gym shoes or work shoes
- Fashionable and Versatile: With a classic design and roomy toe box, men shoes are both comfortable and stylish, perfect for daily activities like work, walking, jogging, cycling, gym, tennis, hiking, shopping, and more
- CLEAN LOW-TOP LOOK: A low-top style that keeps things simple, the Men's Atwood covers all the bases with a clean, comfortable design that's tough enough for work, the weekend, and beyond.
- UNDERSTATED STYLE: Rocking a sleek leather upper, branded tongue label accent, and a Vans logo tag on the side, these fashion sneakers for men deliver all-day comfort wrapped in a signature aesthetic.
- EASYGOING COMFORT: Designed to look and feel great, these casual shoes have a comfy padded collar and tongue for a snug fit, plus Vans’ signature rubber waffle outsole for superior grip and flexibility.
- BUILT TO LAST: With metal shoelace eyelets, durable vulcanized construction, and high-quality materials, the men's Atwood is made for daily wear – whether you’re at a concert, the office, or anywhere in between.
- HERITAGE MEETS MODERN STYLE: Vans has been setting trends since 1966, bringing creativity and individuality to every step. The Atwood continues that legacy, delivering an easygoing low-top that never goes out of style.
- Textile upper and lining
- Rubber outsole
- Lace-up closure
- Round toe
- Available in extended sizes (Men's 14-17 M US)
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Men’s Shoes in 2016
Finding the right pair of shoes in 2016 was exciting! Styles were changing. This guide helps you pick the best footwear for your feet and your life.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop, look closely at these important parts of the shoe. These features decide how good the shoe feels and how long it lasts.
Comfort and Fit
- Arch Support: Good shoes support the middle part of your foot. This stops your feet from getting tired quickly.
- Toe Box Space: Your toes need room to wiggle. A tight toe box causes pain and blisters.
- Cushioning: Look for soft material in the sole. This absorbs shock when you walk or run.
Construction and Durability
- Stitching Quality: Check the seams. Strong, even stitching means the shoe will stay together longer. Loose or uneven threads show poor quality.
- Sole Flexibility: The sole should bend where your foot naturally bends—near the ball of the foot. A stiff sole makes walking hard.
Important Materials Used in 2016 Footwear
The material of the shoe controls its look, feel, and how well it handles weather.
Uppers (The top part of the shoe)
- Leather: Real leather breathes well. It molds to your foot over time, making it very comfortable. High-quality leather is a sign of a durable shoe.
- Canvas: This material is light and great for casual shoes, like sneakers. It is easy to clean but does not offer much water protection.
- Synthetics (Mesh/Nylon): Often used in athletic shoes. They are very light and allow air to flow through, keeping feet cool.
Soles (The bottom part that touches the ground)
- Rubber: Provides excellent grip and wears down slowly. It is the best choice for traction.
- EVA (Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate): A very lightweight foam used in running shoes. It offers great cushioning but can compress (squish down) faster than rubber.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all shoes are made the same. A few things make a big difference in shoe quality.
Quality Boosters
- Good Construction Methods: Shoes that are “welted” (where the upper is stitched directly to the sole) are usually higher quality than those that are just glued.
- Branded Insoles: When a recognized brand makes the inner sole, it usually means better engineering for foot health.
Quality Reducers
- Excessive Glue: Too much visible glue around the edges shows the shoe was put together quickly. This often signals a weak bond.
- Thin Outsoles: If the bottom of the shoe is very thin, you will wear through it fast, especially if you walk on rough sidewalks often.
User Experience and Use Cases
The best shoe depends on what you plan to do in it.
For Work and Formal Events
You need dress shoes that look sharp. Choose leather Oxfords or Derbies. They look professional and hold a shine well. Make sure the sole is firm for a confident step.
For Exercise and Running
Athletic shoes must be light. Prioritize breathable mesh uppers and thick EVA foam in the sole. The shoe should feel secure but not tight when you jog.
For Casual Daily Wear
Comfort is king here. Loafers or casual leather sneakers work well. They should be easy to slip on and off. Good flexibility is important for long days on your feet.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Buying Shoes in 2016
Q: How should I test if a shoe fits correctly?
A: Always try shoes on at the end of the day. Your feet swell slightly. You should have about a thumb’s width of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe.
Q: Is it okay if new leather shoes feel a little tight?
A: Yes, quality leather shoes will stretch slightly. However, they should never hurt your toes when you first try them on. If they pinch your sides or toes, they are too small.
Q: What is the difference between a sneaker and a trainer?
A: In 2016, “sneaker” was the general term for casual athletic-style shoes. “Trainer” often referred to shoes specifically designed for gym workouts or running.
Q: How often should I replace my running shoes?
A: Most experts suggest replacing running shoes every 300 to 500 miles of use. The cushioning breaks down even if the outside looks fine.
Q: Are glued soles always bad quality?
A: No, modern adhesives are very strong. However, if you see a lot of excess glue oozing out, it signals rushed manufacturing.
Q: What material is best for wet weather?
A: Treated leather or waterproof synthetic materials are best. Avoid canvas if you expect rain, as it soaks up water easily.
Q: Should the shoe have a removable insole?
A: Removable insoles are a bonus. They allow you to swap out the factory insole for custom orthotics if you need extra medical support.
Q: How do I keep suede shoes looking new?
A: You must use a special suede brush to remove dirt. Always spray suede with a water and stain repellent product before you wear them outside.
Q: What makes a dress shoe expensive?
A: High cost usually comes from full-grain leather, hand-stitching (like Goodyear welting), and the shoe being made in a country with high labor costs.
Q: Does the color of the shoe affect its use?
A: Yes. Darker colors (black, dark brown) are better for formal settings. Lighter colors (tan, white) work best for casual summer wear.