THE STRUGGLE IS REAL
So. Much. Fashion. But…the ‘rona has pushed us into hard times. Airport travel style? Irrelevant. Wedding guest dresses? Wut? Duty free shopping tricks? Shut up.
We’re all set on cozy, hygge-inducing “loungewear” recos. That’s all retailers talk to us about anymore. How many pairs of goddamn sweatpants does a girl need?
But we are still walking dogs, children, bored boyfriends/husbands/roommates. Which theoretically involves donning footwear to go with our loungewear. Preferably cool, comfortable, casual sneakers that aren’t running shoes.
TL;DR
For casual sneakers, I prefer perennially cool, classic styles vs whatever sock shoe BS Kanye or Balenciaga cooked up and paid Kendall to wear as she steps out of an Escalade.
Whoever needs to hear this, tell them.
THE DL
YAAAASS
CONVERSE - Always cool. Always.
Photo via Celeb Mafia
I’ve bought black low top CHUCK TAYLOR ALL STARS three times in my life - the exact same style every time. Only hitch is they provide minimal support, especially if you have high arches. Try adding thin insoles if you need them.
The SHORELINE style is popular and I’ve seen them look good on others. But they aren’t my style. Too dainty and slipper-like for me.
My current favorites are white ALL STAR HI TOPS. Really cool with faded, relaxed, straight leg JEANS, SHORTS, summer dresses, and yes - loungewear.
Bonus points: COMMES DES GARCONS CONVERSE. A collab between two iconic brands. Super cool, not outrageously priced.
ADIDAS - Can’t go wrong with SUPERSTARS (below) or STAN SMITHs.
The most comfortable shoes, straight out of the box. I prefer Stan Smiths in navy or classic green. I wore mine to death from 2016-2020 and bought Superstars next. Some feel that the Superstar cap toe can look Ronald McDonaldy on larger feet. I personally don’t think this at all so don’t @ me.
SUPERGA 2750 COTU CLASSIC - The f-ing cutest but…
The arch support is shit. An insole can help, although even with the insole these were not as comfortable as either Adidas style. Note that if you are between a 5 and 6, you’re screwed because they don’t make these in 5.5.
After wearing out my size 6 Supergas which never fit and annihilated my ankles (but were the f-ing cutest), I bought GOLA COASTERS. The fit was slightly better, but still not great. And the Gola’s started falling apart after just a few wears - not good.
HONORABLE MENTIONS - VAN’S SK8-HI SLIM ZIP and FEIYUE’S.
I TRIED AND I JUST CAN’T
VEJAS - The It brand for the last 3 years.
I like the eco-friendly materials and design of ESPLARS (especially the 3 LOCK) and NOVA WHITES, but the tongue of the Esplars was painfully stiff. Salesperson advised it takes time to break them in. If there’s one lesson learned from my Superga’s, I am unwilling to endure pain for sneakers.
COMMON PROJECTS, KOIO, THE GREATS, GOLDEN GOOSE, etc. - Trying too hard. The shoe equivalent of Trader Joe’s dolmas stuffed with quinoa.
Quality is theoretically great - “Made in Italy”, top-rated factories, etc. My heels need to be made in Italy. But my sneakers? Meh. And the designs? For $200+ expecting more than plain plimsolls and bedazzled, faux distressed Stan Smiths.
However, if you just love you some pumped up kicks, lots of rare sales happening now because the ‘rona has made todos los desesperados.
PRO TIPS
For hi tops, try keeping the top row of eyelets open, then wrap the laces around your ankles before tying.
Kids styles are often identical to adult styles and cheaper. Depending on the brand, kids sizes can work up to a size 7.5.
Many shoes are unisex, but not marketed as such. Men’s version of the style you want may be on sale or in stock while women’s is out.
Say no to the clunky dad sneakers popular the last few years.
Platform sneakers and metallics are trending. Probably not worth investing a ton in these, but if the design is fun and you’re into it then go for it!
XO,
S