Thursday, July 6th, 2023
Sole Searching: Finding the top five coolest (and comfiest) sneaker trends of the summer
The beauty of trends lies in the mortality of the fad. Streetwear shoes went from classy to comfortable (when we realized bunions are really gross), and urban fashion combines both class and practicality to provide a plethora of streetwear styles (both affordable and budget breaking). Thanks to Kanye’s questionable morals, the slow decline of Yeezys has left more room at the top for other shoe possibilities. (Little did we know the wedge sneaker was still in).
Let us take a moment to recognize our veterans
If you’re looking for 4 ways to rock the sneaker trend this summer in comfortable and groovy shoes, keep reading because we’re going to cover some of the most notable recruits:
This classic white sneaker can dress up or dress down a classic comfortable outfit. Image courtesy of Adidas.
Fashion fads have made it to the top of the board only to make their way to the ground when a new design pops up. Unlike the flare jean and the Croc, the notorious white sneaker is here to stay. Something about its simplicity and neutrality keeps people interested. The white low-top found its popularity through the traditional Ked, which first came out in the early 1900s as the first rubber-soled shoe. Adidas slipped into the trend and released its Adidas Superstars in the 70s. Going back to the basics, practical, fashionable trainers or slip ons can be worn with any outfit–vibrant or not–to dress down an outfit.
For a classic neutral look, pair white sneakers with blue jeans and a crisp white button down. Want to add a pop of color? Pair your outfit with vibrant jewelry or striped socks.
Who wouldn’t want the option to cook a burger or run a 5k in the same hour?
Image Courtesy of Man of Many.
The infamous chunky shoe peaked in popularity in the 80s and had a resurgence in recent years. Thanks to the original chunky athletic shoe, dad shoes were able to find their own platform (pun intended) as a chic tennis shoe (finally a sneaker we can wear with jeans).
Channeling height and functionality to anyone wanting to showcase their shoe game, these dad shoes have been worn by a plethora of characters.
King of the cookout Adam Sandler effortlessly pulls off the dad sneaker with the infamous shin-length basketball shorts and oversized tee.
Princess Diana rocks the dad shoe look paired with an oversized sweatshirt and spandex.
Image Courtesy of Dr. Vikasthukral.
Easily the most infamous dad shoe look, Chunky white shoes look best when paired with long white socks, an oversized crew neck, and spandex (or shin-length basketball shorts) for a comfy and practical errand-day look.
The new bedazzled Gucci shoe is elevated by shiny diamonds. The shoe is pink, teal, white and brown with leather diamond straps around the front of the shoe.
The glamorous new Gucci sneaker is sure to blind anyone who catches a glimpse of them.
Image courtesy of Tokyo Fashion.
Gucci’s new (stylish?) leather-wrapped bedazzled sneakers are just crazy enough to become the next sensation. With fashion design icons like Georgio Armani, Ralph Lauren, and Christopher Kane taking advantage of the fashion industry and its wild consumers, they sure have caught our attention.
Combining the practicality of a sneaker, and the glamor of a heel, this shoe falls under the “ugly shoe trend” which is currently thriving right underneath designer Christopher Kane’s sneaker heel and platform Croc, which I do admit fulfills my childhood love of unreasonably shiny shoes. They just might be ridiculous enough to invest in now… This too, shall pass.
Its crystal clear: The bedazzled sneaker must be worn with a just-as-crazy outfit. Seen strictly on the streets of New York, this shoe has been seen paired with rainbow garments for an anything-but-classic style.
The Big Red Boot requires style and confidence to rock on the streets of NYC.
Image courtesy of LA TImes
Imitating Astro Boy’s look from the 50s Japanese series, MSCHF’s Big Red Boot satisfies the child in us all. Released in the beginning of this year, you could buy the Big Red Boot for the low low price of $350. If you weren’t lucky enough to grow up watching the hit series, these boots may remind you similarly of Dora the Explorer, The Smurfs, Puss in Boots or Ronald McDonald.
Clearly, these shoes deserve the spotlight. Best paired with a casual natural outfit like a skirt or baggy jeans, your feet are sure to catch anyone’s attention. What do you think…could you pull off the look?
Hightop platform converse can be styled with everyday clothes to give you boosted height (and boosted confidence).
Converse, the everlasting sneaker, started as the original “Converse All Star” in the 50s. Beginning as basketball shoes meant for quality and comfort, Converse became the sponsor of the 1984 Olympics, which saw Team America win wearing the renowned shoe.
Later, after Curt Cobain rocked Converse in the 90s, the shoe company partnered with the singer to release their Curt Cobain Limited Edition All Star High Top along with other partnerships like The Simpsons, Carhartt, Metallica, and Comme Des Garçons.
Converse commercials in the 80s utilized celebrity endorsement to market their All Star sneaker as a basketball shoe.
The classic high top sneaker works best with a blue jean t-shirt combo. Of course with converse, the dirtier the better.
Hey Dudes can be worn with low rise socks or no socks at all (if you don’t sweat too much).
Image courtesy of Pinterest.
The newly introduced lightweight and airy Hey Dudes are a great alternative to narrow low top sneakers (for the sweaty footed). These eco-friendly and recyclable shoes took off in America, Europe, South America, and Eastern Asia, gaining popularity in 2018 as a wide-toe shoe.
Lems shoes have a wide toe box and a “barefoot” design for ultimate foot comfort.
Image courtesy of Birthday Shoes.
Lems breathable shoes can be worn with or without socks best for allowing flexibility and comfort. Taking off in 2018, Lems shoes promote improved posture, reduced injuries, better balance, foot strength, better recovery times, reduced hammertoes and bunions, improved agility, and increased circulation. Yeah, they look a bit funny but your feet will thank you tomorrow.
Depending on how you style them, Hey Dudes and Lems can look comfortable and stylish, or wide (and somewhat odd). Paired with khakis and a polo, these low top shoes have provided not only comfort and stability but most importantly air flow and circulation.
Just like anything in the fashion industry, any of these shoes may go out of style in the next year. The bottom line is… you can rock any look if you’re comfortable. Invest in the best and save your feet from humiliation by following the top five most fashionable shoe choices of 2023.
