Types of Men's Sneakers: The Complete Style Guide (2026)
Mesh, skate, canvas, leather or chunky? Six sneaker types, what each one is built for, and the size runs behind them.
Last updated: October 2026
Men's sneakers fall into six practical types: mesh everyday, wide fit walking, low top skate, canvas, leather and chunky. At Adam & Westcott every type has a pair between $39.99 and $69.99, and four of the six come in US 6.5 to 14 or close to it.
In this article
- How do the six sneaker types compare?
- Which sneaker should you wear every day?
- Which type suits wide feet?
- Canvas or leather sneakers?
- When do chunky sneakers work?
- FAQ
How do the six sneaker types compare?
Each type is defined by its upper and sole. Prices run from $39.99 for mesh and skate pairs to $69.99 for genuine leather, and size runs differ more than most buyers expect.
| Type | Adam & Westcott pick | Build | US sizes | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mesh everyday |  Urban Oxford Sneakers |
Breathable mesh, non-slip sole | US 6.5 to 14, all half sizes | $39.99 |
| Wide fit walking |  Wide Fit Walking Shoes |
Extra width, soft cushioned sole | US 6.5 to 14, all half sizes | $49.99 |
| Low top skate |  Low Top Skate Sneakers |
Breathable upper, anti-slip sole | US 6.5 to 14, all half sizes | $39.99 |
| Canvas |  Bold Stripe Street Canvas |
Canvas upper, vulcanized rubber sole | US 6 to 11 | $54.98 |
| Leather |  Torino Leather Trainers |
Water-resistant genuine leather, elastic laces | US 7.5 to 13.5 | $69.99 |
| Chunky |  Torano StreetForce Chunky Sneakers |
Chunky traction sole, side zip | US 6 to 12.5 | $59.99 |
Which sneaker should you wear every day?
A light mesh low top: the 
Urban Oxford Sneakers sold 242 pairs in the last 30 days, more than any other sneaker we carry, at $39.99.
A breathable mesh upper, a flexible non-slip sole and shock-absorbing support make it the pair men reach for by default. It comes in black, white, khaki and grey, in 16 sizes from US 6.5 to 14. For the full fit breakdown, read Urban Oxford sizing and fit.
Breathable mesh upper and a non-slip sole, in black, white, khaki or grey.
If you want a flatter, more skate-led profile, the 
Low Top Skate Sneakers sell at the same $39.99 with an anti-slip sole, in black, white or taupe and the same US 6.5 to 14 run.
Which type suits wide feet?
A wide fit walking shoe. Ours is $49.99, in five colours and every half size from US 6.5 to 14, and it ranks as our second best-selling sneaker this month with 101 pairs.
Extra width through the forefoot reduces pressure, and a soft sole cushions each step on long errands or commutes.
Extra width and a soft cushioned sole, in beige, black, grey, green or white.
Canvas or leather sneakers?
Canvas for lightness and airflow, leather for wipe-clean polish. Our canvas pick is $54.98 in US 6 to 11; our genuine leather pick is $69.99 in US 7.5 to 13.5.
The 
Bold Stripe Street Canvas pairs a breathable canvas upper with a vulcanized rubber sole and a bold side stripe, in five colourways. Prefer a high top? The 
Urban High Top Canvas is $42.99 in US 6.5 to 14.
The 
Torino Leather Trainers use a water-resistant genuine leather upper with elastic laces, so they slip on, and they come in black, brown or white. Note the run skips US 10 and 13, so check your size before ordering.
When do chunky sneakers work?
As the one bold piece in a plain outfit. Our chunky pair is $59.99, with a side zip, in khaki, white or black and US 6 to 12.5.
A thick traction sole adds height and presence, so keep the rest simple: a plain tee and straight trousers. The 
Torano StreetForce Chunky Sneakers sell in whole sizes plus US 12.5. More styling ideas sit in the chunky sneaker trend guide.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main types of men's sneakers?
Six types cover almost every need: mesh everyday, wide fit walking, low top skate, canvas, leather and chunky. At Adam & Westcott they run from $39.99 to $69.99.
Which sneaker type is the most versatile?
A low-profile mesh or skate sneaker in black, white or grey. The Urban Oxford Sneakers are our best-selling sneaker at $39.99, in four colours and US 6.5 to 14.
What type of sneaker suits wide feet?
A wide fit walking shoe. The 
Wide Fit Walking Shoes are cut with extra width, cost $49.99 and run US 6.5 to 14 in every half size.
Are canvas or leather sneakers better?
Canvas is lighter and breathes; leather wipes clean and resists water. The Bold Stripe Street Canvas is $54.98, the genuine leather Torino Leather Trainers are $69.99.
How do men's sneaker sizes convert?
On our charts US 9 is EU 43, UK 8 and 27 cm; US 11 is EU 45, UK 10 and 29 cm. Each US half size adds 0.5 cm.
Next steps: what size sneakers should I buy, the best white sneakers for men and sneakers vs trainers.
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