From the outside looking in, the world of sneaker fandom can seem like a quagmire of inane buzzwords, fickle trends and questionable designs. And that's because it is.

But beyond all that, certain trainers have become classics in their own right; styles not just for teenagers with blogs and haircuts but every and any man who wants to look good in 2017.

Whether you're putting a fresh twist on formalwear or perfecting your weekend game, here are those very classics. Own a pair of each to be ready for any occasion. Beside funerals. You really can't wear them to funerals.

1 | Clean white tennis shoes

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The perfect summer trainer, not to mention one that goes with everything from your navy suit to your jeans and T ensemble: the clean white tennis shoe has taken over the world.

Well, sort of.

Chieftan of the plain white tribe is the Common Projects Achilles Low; a piece of minimalist perfection. But Stan Smiths make a perfectly acceptable alternative, too.

Common Projects Achilles Low, £290

2 | Weekend runners

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The youngest member of the classic canon, the lightweight, knitted running shoe is not actually designed to be run in at all, instead becoming an extension of our relatively recent obsession for all things 'Athleisure'.

Fashion cliches aside, the non-running runner is the perfect style for weekends, city breaks or just general loafing around in expensive tracksuit bottoms.

Or, if you must, for running.

3 | The classic high-top

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One of the trickier trainer essentials to pull off, classic high-tops work best when worn beneath an equally timeless and low-key look of black jeans, plain monochrome T-shirt and a denim or - if you're feeling brave - leather jacket.

Not as versatile as the other items on this list, the high-top is nevertheless a decade-transcending classic for a reason, with designs like the Chuck Taylor All Star enduring for close to 100 years.

Chuck Taylor All Star '70, £65

4 | Old school skaters

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Better with every wear, your classic skate silhouette has been popping up on the feet of the fashion set for a couple of years now, and for good reason.

The ultimate informal sneaker, a pair of black and white Vans Old Skool (or similar) can do no wrong. Wear box fresh to work or beaten up on the weekend.

Vans Old Skool, £55

5 | The subtle statement

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When it comes to the boldest member of your arsenal, you could opt for anything from a pair of scribbled-on white kicks to some very on-trend Gucci tennis shoes, resplendent with embroidered flames, snakes and tigers (we're big fans). Or, you could go with the slightly subtler option: coloured suede.

Our preferred method of every-day sneaker showing-off, green, blue or red suede - preferably on a vintage style like the adidas Gazelle - will inject some zip into your trainer game, without making you look like a League One footballer splashing his first paycheque. Just remember to keep the rest of your outfit fairly muted.

adidas Gazelle, £74.95