This is primarily a companion guide to this guide but it can be used as a stand alone guide as well. One difference between this guide and the former is that I will be including some less timeless trendier pieces as well. You may notice there are no fast fashion brands on this list except for the ASOS plimsolls. This is because buying sneakers from a fast fashion brand is a literal waste of money because of poor construction. All of these shoes, with one exception, are mostly white low tops because white is the easiest color to wear and because low tops can be worn with shorts as well. Each shoe is listed by it’s brand and goes from most versatile to least versatile. These are NOT the only sneakers worth your money for under $100 and NOT the only stylish sneakers for under $100. These are just my picks for the most versatile ones to wear under that price-point. I’ll try to update this semiannually but if there are any dead links go ahead and shoot me an email at juansloan@damnfire.com and I’ll get to fixing them.
None of these links are affiliate links. I’m a Personal Stylist, not a blogger or affiliate author. No sponsorship or kickback nonsense is involved here either.
ASOS Design
Oxford Plimsolls
These are the only sneakers I would recommend purchasing new if you can’t afford more than $30 for shoes. The sole construction and stitching is the best you’re going to get at this price point.
Lace Up Sneakers
ASOS Design’s take on the minimalist white sneaker. Again, the sole construction and stitching is the best you’re going to get at this price point.
Adidas
Stan Smith
These shoes were created by Adidas in 1963 as the first leather tennis shoe. They’re a classic. These are Adidas’ most minimalist and unbranded sneakers. The only reason you wouldn’t want to get these is because a lot of other people wear them.
Continental 80
These are a remake of a shoe that was shelved in the late ’80s. They’re a little sportier than the Stan Smiths and have a little more branding as well. If you want a minimalistic classic shoe from Adidas that you won’t see many other people in these are a great option.
Samba OG
These are indoor soccer shoes and Adidas’ second most popular selling shoe. The Adidas branding is very prominent but they’re still a classic. The toe box is inspired by the look of the original german army trainers.
Superstar Foundation
These were the first shoes to ever have a fully leather upper combined with a shelltoe. They’re a little clunkier than the Stan Smiths and tend to work better with more casual streetwear oriented looks.
Swiftrun
These are an affordable alternative to the oh-so-popular Yeezy 350s and Ultraboosts, in fact it almost looks like they had a kid. Their knit material makes them extremely comfortable. These work great for an athleisure minded look.
Yung 96
These are Adidas’ take on the the ugly sneaker trend. If you’re interested in setting yourself out from your peers and appearing on trend these are a great option. Just make sure you’re confident wearing them because I guarantee you’ll have at least one asshole going “WHAT ARE THOSE!?”.
Nike
Chuck Taylors
Converse’s signature shoe. The design of these shoes were stolen derived from PF Flyer but they’re a classic. These run large so go down a size.
Jack Purcell Tumbled Leather
These are a spin off the Chuck Taylors and, to me, the more mature cousin of the Chuck Taylors. They’re also made of leather instead of canvas. These are great for wearing with a smart casual outfit.
Cortez
Nike’s first track shoe. Their design is inspired by Onitsuka Tiger and they’re a great low profile minimal sneaker.
Air Force 1 ’07
These are a Nike classic but they’re a little clunky so they’re not going to work very well with a smart casual look.
Puma
Heritage Basket Classic
These are Puma’s answer to leather minimalist sneakers. Based on their iconic Clyde design these are a more affordable alternative to Adidas Stan Smiths that are quite sexy (Personally, I prefer these over the Stan Smiths.)
FILA
Original Fitness Premium
FILA modernized their classic Original Fitness silhouette and they did a damn good job of it. I personally love the look of these.
Disruptor 2 Premium
FILA’s answer to the chunky shoe craze. These run out of stock quick on the official website but Foot Locker usually have them in stock.
Rebook
Classic
Reebok’s classic style. They’re a little clunky so take caution in pairing these with smarter pieces like blazers.
Classic Altered
These are the same shoes as above but heavily inspired by OFF-WHITE’s collaborations with Nike. These will definitely garner compliments and turn heads. If you’re audacious enough you could even add a red ziptag to your shoelaces to emulate OFF-WHITE’s collaborations.
Onitsuka Tiger
Corsair
These are based on the original Onitsuka Tiger sneaker. If sex were a shoe it would be this shoe. You don’t have to stick to the color pictured. Any of the WHITE/(Insert Color Here) colorways will work. These will definitely turn heads and grab compliments. Often imitated but never duplicated.
Vans
Slip-On
The quintessential slip-on plimsoll. I’m not a huge fan of Van’s laced plimsolls but there are great and low profile enough to wear with a smart casual outfit.
New Balance
574
New Balance’s most iconic look. These aren’t white but I couldn’t make a list like this without including New Balance. These are a little clunky and won’t pair well with smarter pieces but these can be awesome for a streetwear look.
PF Flyer
Center Lo
PF Flyer made the original canvas basketball shoes and this is their low cut version. These are great if you look the look of the All Star lows but want to set yourself apart.
Superga
2750 COTU Classic
If you’re looking for a pair of low top plimsolls without a toe cap that are constructed better than the ASOS ones then look no further. It’s a classic shoe model from a legacy brand.
Thank you for reading!