Game. Set. Match.

Everyone’s got multiple pairs of sneakers in their style mix, but the number one question asked on ZANEROBE.com is; "What sneakers match best with which pants?" So let’s look at the core essentials plus much anticipated drops for the rest of 2019 and what to pair them with.

The Basics

Vans, Converse, Springcourt, Stepney Workers Club - all simple canvas, faux leather and real leather examples presented in low, mid, high-top and slip-on silhouettes, each at a reasonable price-point which make them perfect as an every-day shoe. This sneaker style is best matched with an equally every-day pant or short like the Sureshot Jogger.

Pros: It’s easy and perfectly acceptable pairing option for busy dudes that need to throw on and get going.

Cons: May be perceived as not putting in any effort BUT the key is to keep your kit clean and tidy.

Sureshot’s to be air-dried on a pant hanger after washing to reduce creasing and just after purchasing your sneakers, protect them with Crep to reduce dirt and stain build-up. Tip of the day, buy a spare pair of laces to refresh your kicks after 3-6 months.

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Premium Basics

Common Projects, Hender Scheme, Mason Garments - not luxury per-se but priced similarly. These are investment sneakers that DO look like you’re making an effort whilst still appearing not to give a fuck. Using the best leather, hardware and hand-stitched somewhere in Europe, premium basics lift your look so you need to match them accordingly. We’re thinking a classic Salerno Chino with non-elastic leg cuff for a clean-lined look. A statement that says you’re down-playing but with a subtle sophistication that only the discerning will recognise.

Pros: A quality leather trainer looks great & will last longer than a basic canvas.
Cons: It’s an expensive purchase so you may not wear them on a daily basis.

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Sport Essentials

Been around a while and will remain super-popular as an everyday athletic casual for some time, the Nike, adidas, Reebok, Puma, New Balance offering that adds a little sporty pep in your step. Not talking a limited edition pair that you have to line up for but a regularly available Air Force or Continental that back in the day was worn on the court or track. Now they’re considered a fashion staple and when you’re talking an every-day sporty aesthetic, they need to be matched with a Blockshot Fleece or Jumpa Jogger, a pant that exudes elevated sportswear.

Pros: Comfortable and inexpensive.
Cons: Doesn’t pair with everything

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Dad is Rad

‘18/19 has led to an anything goes sense of fashion and this includes the popularity of daggy ‘Dad’ style sneakers. The worst shape and colour and you‘ve nailed it. The major sneaker brands have re-released or re-designed shapes to fit in this space plus we’ve seen the re-emergence of retro sportswear brands, like Hi-Tec, who have unwittingly become cool again. The scope of the challenge to the wearer is to make the seemingly uncool, cool again. Crazy as it seems but if paired correctly, it’s a good look - we’re recommending a more tailored pant like the Tailo or Snapshot Chino to achieve this look.

Pros: You’re super on-trend if that’s your goal.
Cons: A large proportion of your world may think you’ve gone mad but who cares.

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Super-Hyped

The most anticipated drops this year will undoubtedly have you either waiting in an early morning queue or over-paying on a resellers website. But if you’re already on the hunt for the latest and greatest styles, you’ve already committed. The hyped releases this year are more likely to be collaborations between major sneaker brands (mainly Nike) and the biggest influencers in popular culture.

Top 5 releases we’re looking forward to:
1. Travis Scott’s Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG collaboration
2. adidas YEEZY basketball
3. Nike’s self-lacing HyperAdapt basketball
4. Nike ISPA
5. Virgil Abloh’s Off-White x Nike Air Force 1

Pair this fire with our equally ambitious Unblockshot Chino, a slim-tapered fashion pant with zip opening at the leg cuff.

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