2017-10-25T21:35:00ZThe Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you’ll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.
Sneakers are primarily worn for performance, so constantly innovating and implementing new technologies are a huge part of brands staying relevant in the footwear industry.
Big-name sportswear companies striving to be the best of the best results in excellent performance sneakers across the market, but it also results in futuristic, tech-heavy designs.
Big air bubbles, unique lacing systems, funky straps, and combinations of different materials are just some of what innovation entails.
For some people, sneakers are simply worn casually and all those extra features don't lend themselves well to a relaxed style.
Opting for minimal sneakers with one or two materials, a mostly solid color, and little to no branding is an easy way to create a look that's not too sporty. In some cases, you might even be able to away wearing them with more formal attire.
If you're after sneakers that won't command attention for the wrong reason, you're in the right place.
Greats Royale Vintage
With styling cues reminiscent of low-top basketball sneakers of '70s, the Greats Royale Vintage is a sneaker that you can wear with literally anything. They feature a super soft white leather upper, vegetable tanned leather sock liners and insoles, and suede accents available in navy, red, and black on the heel. The rubber outsoles come in a off-white color, mimicking the yellowing that occurs on vintage sneakers. With minimal branding, you'll find subdued Greats logos on the tongue and tag.
Greats Royale Vintage, $179
Adidas Stan Smith
As a sneaker that will never go out of style, the Adidas Stan Smith is one of the most popular silhouettes, minimalism aside. While it does feature Adidas branding and logos, the perforated Three Stripes is a simplified alternative to the traditional stripes. This pair in particular takes the original Stan Smith and elevates it with premium tumbled leather, gold foil lettering, and a yellowed midsole.
Adidas Stan Smith, $90
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Leather Low
Compared to its high-top counterpart, the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Low is extremely minimal, primarily because it does away with the logo found on the heel. This all-black version takes the minimal approach a step further by eliminating the contrasting white toe cap and sole. The use of leather elevates the already classic silhouette to a more premium sneaker.
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Leather Low, $65
Nisolo Diego
The Nisolo Diego is minimal, yet unique enough to stand out. The low-cut sneaker features a tobacco leather colorway, an off white sole, and no visible branding on the upper.
Nisolo Diego, $148
Greats Wooster
The Greats Wooster is one of the most minimalist sneakers you can buy. Featuring a slip-on design, the laceless sneaker comprises a navy leather upper, tan leather sock liners, and white soles.
Greats Wooster, $169
Nisolo Cortez
Using a three-eyelet lacing system, the Nisolo Cortez combines the look of a chukka boot with the style and versatility of a sneaker. It features a smooth leather upper, leather sock liners, and Vibram soles, and it comes with an extra pair of waxed laces.
Nisolo Cortez, $168
Van Authentic
Vans has a heritage that runs deep in Southern California skate and surf culture. The Authentic was once the go-to skate shoe in the '60s, but its technology has since become outdated. Still its popularity remains because of its simple style. The sneakers feature a durable canvas upper, white metal eyelets, white stitching, and a white outsole. Aside from a small tag on the midfoot, branding is kept to a minimum.
Vans Authentic, $49.95
Common Projects Original Achilles
Common Projects is best known for its super luxurious take on minimalist sneakers — the Original Achilles. Kept extremely simple, the sneakers use a high-grade white leather upper, white laces, and a white sole. The only accent to be found on the outside is the model's serial number done gold foil. While the price is higher than most sneakers, the designer-level quality speaks for itself — so much so that the Original Achilles has developed a cult following in the fashion world.
Common Projects Original Achilles, $410
Amir Ismael Editor, Insider Reviews Amir Ismael is an editor for Insider Reviews, Insider's e-commerce branch of the service journalism team. As a collector of sneakers and fashion, Amir is passionate about all things related to style. He's covered everything including the industry's shift to producing more sustainable clothing, the most comfortable loungewear, all of the best places to shop for affordable business casual attire, and more. He's used his expertise in footwear and the footwear industry to review all kinds of shoes from sportswear giants, well-known casual brands, and startups. Amir's coverage also includes eyewear, watches, and grooming products like electric razors and men's skincare. Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, Amir has led Insider Reviews' face masks coverage with thoughtful recommendations based on CDC guidelines, expert opinions, and his own testing. During his time at Insider, Amir previously handled deals of the day coverage, and worked as a generalist writing hundreds of reviews ranging from phone cases and headphones to bed sheets and blenders, and has also covered major shopping holidays including Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday. Before joining the Insider Reviews team in 2017, worked as a freelance writer for Complex Sneakers and Sole Collector where he contributed to daily sneaker news and release dates, feature-length articles, and interviews with artists, designers, and athletes. Amir graduated from William Paterson University in 2015 with a degree in journalism and public relations. Say hello to Amir at aismael@businessinsider.com or on Instagram @amirjismael. Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here. Learn more about how we test style and beauty products. Read more Read lessYou can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here.
Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@businessinsider.com.
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