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The Best Canvas Sneakers for Men in 2023, Tested by Style Editors

A flat rubber sole with a simple canvas upper will look great with any outfit.

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The Best Canvas Sneakers for Men in 2023, Tested by Style Editors

THE SIMPLEST solutions are often the most effective. That maxim is especially true when it comes to your summer shoes. These days, a lot of overhyped sneakers can be downright uncomfortable for your feet. If you're looking for a pair of durable, comfortable shoes that are easy to maintain, and easy on your dogs, you need a pair of classic canvas sneakers.

After decades of styling guys at Men's Health, we've concluded that a flat rubber sole with a simple canvas upper will look great with any outfit. It doesn’t even seem to really matter what color either. Blue, gray, and white work for sure, but even a red, green, or orange will do the trick. Date night? Done. Walking the dog? Check. Adding a little edge to your summer suit? Nailed it. That said, there are some nuances to men's canvas sneakers that you need to consider. First off, you can choose between laced and slip-on shoes. Both work equally well from a style perspective, but laceless shoes are really having a moment right now, given their easy-to-wear fit. Secondly, you need a well-constructed design that can handle miles of walking. To sort that part out, we tested over 50 canvas sneakers over the past year to assemble this list of the best men's canvas sneakers to buy right now. So add a pair of no-brainer, “old reliables” to your rotation.

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It's hard to imagine playing basketball in a pair of Chucks, even though thats what they were invented for. However, it is easy to imagine doing absolutely anything else in a pair of high tops or low tops. Converse Chuck Tailor All Stars are probably the most iconic sneakers ever made so they belong in any wardrobe. The 70s version has a heavier rubber sole and thicker canvas upper, providing extra durability to the same timeless look.

Read more: Best Skate Shoes for Men

Authentics earned their reputation by becoming the original skateboarding sneakers back in the 1970s. Equally at home on the deck of a sailboat or the stage of a dive bar (we've worn them at both), there is nothing these signature Vans can't do. The DX versions are made in the Vans' Anaheim factory with unique colors, a heavier sole, and thicker canvas.

As if canvas sneakers weren't lightweight and breathable enough already, Seavees went and made a pair with linen canvas. The Baja slip-ons are so breezy that you could easily get the impression that you left the house wearing only socks. When the dog days of summer come rolling around, these are the sneakers to get you through.

Cariuma went super green, using an organic cotton upper, cork insole, and natural rubber outside. Proving that you can have timeless style that is friendly to the planet at an affordable price. If you don't like green, no problem. The OCA Low comes in 14 other colors to choose from.

Read more: Best Sustainable Shoes

Nike's Skateboard division, known as SB, is the under appreciated little sibling of the footwear behemoth. The under stated designs coming from SB are just as stylish as anything from the basketball division. Take the SB Chron 2 for example, a no frills canvas sneaker that will do anything you ask of it without showing off. Our editors have worn these under suits at the office, which means they're a reliable office uniform staple.

Read more: Best Nike Shoes for Men

Rothy's had a simple goal: pack as much comfort as possible into a stylishly understated package. Mission accomplished. The RS01 may look like a simple canvas sneaker, but it wears like a top flight running sneaker mixed with a memory foam pillow. These are perfect business casual work sneakers, especially if your business keeps you on your feet all day.

Featuring original artwork by French painter Ed Broner, these Celine canvas slip-ons provide that "if you know, you know," look. These are the perfect summer time party sneakers, working equally well with jeans or short-shorts.

With the Adidas signature three stripes emblazoned on the side, you get a sportier take on the essential canvas sneaker. Think of the Adiease is a Samba with a smoothed out silhouette, simplified for more style versatility.

Read more: Best Adidas Shoes for Men

Canvas sneakers are often referred to as tennis shoes, because they were originally invented to keep your footing on grass courts. Italian footwear company Superga invented the 2750 for that exact reason. Hidden under a classic canvas upper is a supremely comfortable cushioned footbed.

For those who aren't familiar, the Warrior Shanghai WB-01 is the Converse All Star of China. The brand was founded in the 1930s and created the first Chinese basketball sneaker in the 1970s. These are a modernized reproduction, better suited for strolling to work than tearing up the parquet.

Starting with a blank canvas, Everlane added some subtle detailing to these ultra light weight sneakers. Minimal weight also comes with a minimal carbon footprint, causing less than the production of a single bottle of water according the brand's website.

The wrap style shoe that Toms started out with was about as minimalist as footwear can get. The Baja Sneaker adds just enough to get into the canvas sneaker category. Super simple and super affordable, just what Toms does best.

Barefoot shoes are designed with an extra wide toe box so that your toes can spread out as you walk. The idea is that this is how the human foot is supposed to function, not cramped in traditional shoes. Whitin applied this concept to a classic canvas sneaker.

Fun Fact: Jack Purcell was the worlds greatest badminton player in 1922. Back then, the sport was popular enough to get you a signature shoe deal. Purcell may not be as legendary as Jordan, but his legacy lives on in one of the most stylish white canvas sneakers out there.

Read more: Best White Sneakers

Equipped with the same patented textured sole as Sperry's Topsiders, these sneakers are technically boat shoes. If you don't plan on setting sail any time soon, don't worry. The Striper II looks really good with a pair of chino shorts and and an aloha shirt, safely on dry land.

Most canvas sneakers are built for casual style, but the Nobull designed a pair serious work, and workouts. Whether you're getting reps in the gym or training out in the wild, the Canvas Trainers provide grip, comfort, and support in a sleek, stylish package.

Read more: Best Workout Shoes for Men

Pro-Keds has their own take on the OG basketball sneaker. The red and blue stripes along the outsole and the single bar across the toe cap add a little flair to well worn design. Those little touches of color make these a perfect stand-in for modern basketball sneakers.

Corridor teamed up with K-Swiss, pull a look from the sneaker brand's substantial archive. The hearty canvas upper has a rich texture, providing subtle detail to a monotone design. Get a vintage look without rolling the dice on a used pair of sneakers.

Built to tackle the northern wilderness but stylish enough for the urban jungle. The Eco Woods Lace-Ups have a thick sole with exceptional traction, a cushioned footbed, and elements resistant TENCELL/Lyocel canvas upper.

Wearing canvas sneakers usually provides a timeless look, but Gola has a vibe rooted specifically in the 1970s. The English trainers (thats British for sneakers) provide a cool retro vibe that plays well with a blazer and slacks or a dressed down suit.

Brad is a contributing style commerce editor. After a decade working for menswear brands including J.Crew and Ralph Lauren, Brad switched from selling fashion to writing about it. His words have appeared in Huckberry, Heddels, and The Manual.  

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The Best Canvas Sneakers for Men in 2023, Tested by Style Editors

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