For my money, sneakers are one of the most underrated elements of a guy's ensemble. In the larger scheme of things where people tend to focus on the jackets, t-shirts, shirts and trousers they are wearing, they often end up underestimating the value a kickass pair of sneakers can add to their attire. If worn with the right things, the sneakers you are wearing can make all the difference in ensuring you look good. But finding and getting the right pair of sneakers can often be a daunting task, especially if you don't know what (or how) to look for. So to help make things easier for you, we at MensXP present a simple and easy to follow five-step guide that'll help you buy the best sneakers for yourself.  

1) STEP 1: Have Clarity Over The Type Of Sneakers You Are Looking For 

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There are many different types of sneakers you can opt for - running sneakers, casual sneakers and party sneakers just to name a few. So before you start looking for a new pair of sneakers for yourself, you need to have clarity over the type of sneakers you are looking for. It goes without saying that you can't be looking for running sneakers when you're looking for something that'll help you accentuate a party ensemble, and vice-versa.   

2) STEP 2: Look At The Bigger Picture    

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When you're about to buy a pair of sneakers for yourself, make sure you don't look at them in isolation. After all, what you're going to be pairing those sneakers with is just as important as the sneakers themselves. So make sure you keep in mind the bigger picture - the jackets, shirts, trousers and/or jeans you'll be teaming up your sneakers with - before you buy a pair of sneakers for yourself. 

3) STEP 3: Don't Be A Brand Brat! 

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Of course, it goes without saying that Nike, Adidas and Reebok offer some of the best sneakers for men in India (although they are primarily known for running shoes), but you don't have to confine yourself to just those few brands when looking for a pair of sneakers. In fact, thrift shopping for sneakers is an art in itself, and you can get your hands on some incredibly stylish and fashion-forward pairs if you just search with an open mind. Finally, all the money you'll be saving by not being a brand brat certainly won't hurt either. 

4) STEP 4: Be Creative 

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Of course, owning a pair of basic black and/or white sneakers is a given, especially since you can pretty much team them up with almost anything in your wardrobe. But you should also think about being a bit creative when choosing a pair of sneakers for yourself. So try opting for funky prints and patterns, as well as unique and complementary colour combinations, and you'll be good to go. 

5) STEP 5: Don't Compromise On Your Comfort 

© Official Instagram/ Vicky Kaushal

When it comes to the footwear you are opting for, your comfort should be a high priority. After all, you don't want to contend with those agonizing shoe bites JUST because you wanted to own a stylish pair of sneakers. So make sure you always wear your size and don't opt for sneakers that will make it agonizingly difficult for you to wear AND walk in them.