Noticed how the simple men’s sneaker has transformed itself? K-Swiss? Who?

Colorful? Yes. Comfortable? Yes. And, in the hands of some of the world’s top designers, expensive.

These are not your trusty old gym shoes. Or those ugly white things that Seinfeld wore. These are the new symbol of masculine cool. The inevitable result of that 24/7 Dress-Down Policy and those pathetic dot-com dress codes (no wonder they were all sent home!)

Gentlemen, hail a taxi if you must: the highest concentration of hip footwear is in stores just south of Houston. Our sources say start at Camper. If their shoes (which seem inspired by those bowling-alley rentals) won’t do, hit Prada, where there’s a selection of sleek, bright shoes that could only come from the Milanese house of style. The sneakers at Barbara Bui may be too cool for some. If so, hit Polo Sport, where the latest collection blends preppy style with technology. (You can tell your friends you got them on Madison Avenue.)

There’s no excuse. Real men don’t wear Reeboks to work.

Our recommendation? Rope in a well-heeled young woman to come along and advise…

Please?