It seems unbelievable that trainers were once only appropriate for gym-goers, shoplifters and rappers with enough swag to pull off full streetwear looks all day, every day. Right now, though, the sneaker market is booming. The relaxing of dress codes means you can wear your kicks to almost any occasion – and who doesn’t love shoes that are less likely to leave your feet in ribbons of skin after a day’s wear? That’s right, nobody.

There’s a lot of choices, but unfortunately, it’s not that easy to slip into something more comfortable. There are rules for wearing trainers well – which we take very, very seriously. Sure, minimalist designs go with most things in your wardrobe, but what about the trend for chunky, ugly sneakers? Or retro runners? Or skater-style men’s slip-ons?

Helpfully, we’ve written them all down here so you never put a foot wrong.

Bold Trainers

The Rule: Pair With Simple, Statement-Free Clothing

Luxury, minimalist sneakers may be the shoes that convinced men to do the unthinkable (wear sports shoes with a suit) but right now, rumblings of a mutiny are afoot and big, bold trainers are on the march. Oversized soles, clashing colours, larger-than-life logos and – dare we say it – downright garish designs are having their day. There’s a new breed of trainer in town that DGAF about clean lines.

With all that attention-seeking going on, you’ll need to tell the rest of your look to chill out a bit. The Guardian’s menswear editor, Helen Seamons, says: “The trick to styling statement trainers is to play down the rest of your outfit. Think Balenciaga’s dad-core look – straight-fit jeans and a very regular-looking shirt or sweatshirt will do.

“You’ll [also] need to stick to plain colours and avoid big logos and prints, or you risk an outfit that becomes too shouty.” Easy does it guys, easy does it.