The season's standout sneakers for style, comfort and everyday wear

Autumn sneaker shopping is less about one dominant trend this year and more about choosing the silhouette that works with your wardrobe. Slim football-inspired shoes remain relevant, technical runners have crossed firmly into everyday dressing, and heavily cushioned running shoes make a practical case for long days on your feet. We picked five pairs that cover those different directions, with materials, comfort and fit in mind. Our top pick is the New Balance 1906R, which combines a distinctly retro tech upper with a cushioning system designed for more support underfoot than the season's flatter classics.
Verdict: The 1906R is our top all round pick, pairing early 2000s running shoe styling with a layered cushioning system that makes sense for busy everyday wear.
New Balance builds the 1906R around a mesh upper with synthetic overlays, so you get the busy, technical appearance that defines the current retro running trend without resorting to a completely solid upper. Underfoot, ACTEVA LITE cushioning works alongside N-ergy technology and segmented ABZORB SBS pods at the heel. There is also a Stability Web in the outsole for added arch support. New Balance says the standard width version fits as expected for most people.
Key specs
Mesh upper with synthetic overlays
ACTEVA LITE midsole cushioning
ABZORB SBS heel cushioning
N-ergy and Stability Web technologies
Rubber outsole
What we like
More substantial cushioning than a low-profile retro sneaker
Mesh suits everyday wear in warmer weather
Metallic finishes work well with neutral autumn outfits
Best for: Anyone who wants one fashionable sneaker that can also handle plenty of walking.
Verdict: Pick the Samba Classic for its unmistakable low profile and football heritage, particularly if you favour straight leg trousers, denim and relaxed tailoring.
The supplied listing is the Samba Classic rather than the closely related Samba OG. adidas designed the Classic with a leather upper, suede reinforcement and the gum rubber sole that has become central to the Samba look. A die-cut EVA insole adds a modest layer of comfort without changing the shoe's characteristically close to the ground shape. Official adidas information also describes the gum rubber outsole as non-marking and intended to provide grip on indoor surfaces.
This is the least bulky option in our selection, which is precisely its appeal for styling. It slips under wider trousers without adding visual weight and works particularly well when you want the shoe to complement rather than dominate an outfit.
Key specs
Leather upper
Suede toe reinforcement
Die-cut EVA insole
Non-marking gum rubber outsole
What we like
Slim, enduring silhouette
Leather and suede add texture
Easy to pair with casual and smarter separates
Best for: Low-profile sneaker fans who prefer a firmer, closer to ground feel over thick cushioning.
Verdict: The Speedcross 6 brings the most overtly outdoors inspired look here, backed by deep lugs and a secure lacing system rather than styling details alone.
Salomon designed the Speedcross 6 for mud and mixed trail terrain, and its technical specification explains the shoe's distinctive appearance. The Mud Contagrip rubber outsole uses deep 5mm lugs, while the upper combines synthetic and textile materials with anti debris mesh. Quicklace replaces conventional tied laces with a one pull tightening system. Underfoot sits an EnergyCell+ midsole, with Salomon listing a 10mm drop and 32mm heel stack.
Those trail details also make the Speedcross visually different from a conventional city sneaker. Its sculpted sole, close fitting upper and quick lacing give autumn outfits a more technical edge, especially alongside cargos and relaxed trousers.
Key specs
Synthetic and textile upper
EnergyCell+ midsole
Platform Height: 30mm
Weight: 298 G
Quicklace system
What we like
Distinctive trail derived silhouette
Deep, aggressively shaped outsole
Quicklace makes adjustment straightforward
Best for: Buyers drawn to technical outdoor footwear and a more rugged sneaker aesthetic.
Verdict: The Vomero 18 is the comfort-led choice, particularly for shoppers who want the look of a modern running shoe and substantial cushioning for long periods on their feet.
Nike combines ZoomX foam over ReactX foam in the Vomero 18's dual density midsole. The company lists a 10mm heel to toe drop and an approximate weight of 325g for a men's US size 10. An engineered mesh upper keeps the construction more breathable, while a padded tongue and lining reinforce its plush approach.
Independent testing gives useful context. RTINGS describes the Vomero 18 as a highly cushioned daily trainer and found its length largely true to size, although the toe area tapers. TechRadar's reviewer found the fit snug enough to recommend going up half a size. Fit preferences clearly vary here, so checking Nike's size chart and the Amazon listing's return conditions before ordering is sensible.
Key specs
Engineered mesh upper
ZoomX and ReactX foam
10mm heel to toe drop
Approx. 325g in men's US size 10
What we like
Generous cushioning
Modern high stack profile
Suitable for running as well as casual wear
Best for: Long walking days and buyers who prioritise cushioning over a slim silhouette.
Verdict: The Corsair is the retro alternative to the Samba, with a classic running-inspired shape and more visible cushioning through the heel.
Onitsuka Tiger traces the Corsair design to its 1970s running footwear, giving it a different character from football derived low profile sneakers. The brand's official product information lists a flexible EVA midsole, solid rubber outsole and a thicker heel designed to provide additional cushioning. Another current Corsair version adds a cushioned sockliner and responsive material in the heel wedge.
That combination makes the Corsair interesting for anyone who likes narrow retro sneakers but wants something other than the now familiar terrace shoe shape. The rounded lines and raised heel retain a distinctly vintage feel without looking like a modern performance runner.
Key specs
EVA midsole
Solid rubber outsole
Thicker heel construction
Retro running derived silhouette
What we like
Strong 1970s visual identity
Low-profile shape remains easy to style
More pronounced heel than many terrace sneakers
Best for: Retro sneaker collectors looking beyond football inspired silhouettes.
Start with cushioning, because these five shoes feel very different underfoot. The Samba Classic stays low and relatively firm, while the 1906R adds multiple cushioning technologies and the Vomero 18 uses a tall dual foam running midsole. If your shoes regularly see long walking days, the extra cushioning may matter more than having the slimmest silhouette.
Next, consider the upper material. Leather and suede on the Samba give a classic appearance, while mesh on the 1906R and Vomero 18 provides more airflow. That remains useful through a UAE autumn, when daytime temperatures can still make heavily constructed footwear feel warm.
Finally, check fit rather than relying on the number printed on another pair you own. Sizing differs between brands and sometimes between models. Measure your foot and compare it with the manufacturer's current chart. With the Vomero 18 in particular, independent reviewers differ slightly on fit, so shoppers who dislike a close toe box should pay extra attention to sizing.
The New Balance 1906R takes our top spot because it hits a useful middle ground. Its metallic, technical styling feels current, but the mesh construction and combination of ACTEVA LITE, ABZORB SBS and N ergy give it practical credentials beyond appearance.
Choose the adidas Samba Classic if you want the cleanest low profile option, or the Onitsuka Tiger Corsair for a similarly retro mood rooted in 1970s running style. The Salomon Speedcross 6 moves in the opposite direction with trail derived details and deep lugs. For cushioning, the Nike Vomero 18 is the clear specialist of this group, with its high stack ZoomX and ReactX construction.
Gulf News earns a commission on purchases made through links in this article, at no extra cost to you. Our editorial team selects products independently.