https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-musing-on-sneakers Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 15 Apr 2026 10:25:17 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-musing-on-sneakers/page/3#post-2224548 Fri, 17 Sep 2021 01:25:01 +0000 nemosmom 2224548@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I used to keep one gear/trainer sneaker and one fashion (cons), but my poor feet have become cranky as I’ve gotten older. Now, I have a few more dupes of a favorite sneaker, just in different colors. I have 6 pairs of sneakers, excluding 1 pair of gear/trainers. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-musing-on-sneakers/page/3#post-2224539 Fri, 17 Sep 2021 01:08:39 +0000 Roberta 2224539@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hurt my knee two years ago, and had to switch to sneakers for a few months. This was right about the time that "suits with sneakers" was becoming a thing , and I loved that look. I find sneakers much more secure on my foot than even my best-fitting loafers, too. I walk so much (trails and pavement) that sandals aren't sturdy enough, so this summer I got a pair of really lightweight, breathable sneaks.</p> <p>With COVID and now retirement, I've gone all in. Below are most of them; I also have shearling Ugg sneakers, Timberlands, Skechers, Fila trail shoes, and Borns. I'm thinking about a pair of red Kodiak high tops when it finally cools down in Chicago.</p> <p>I feel a little sad about all my smart loafers, but I don't think I'll be wearing them much in the future. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-musing-on-sneakers/page/3#post-2224492 Thu, 16 Sep 2021 19:59:14 +0000 rebekahphoto 2224492@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have many sneakers, Im not even sure how many! </p> <p>In the late 90s I started adding a few sneakers to my wardrobe, after years of wearing mostly edgy boots and heels. Campers were popular at the time and I also had some Converse. As I'm on my feet a lot for work, walk everywhere and have fussy plantar fasciitis these days super comfort is my #1, So I wear mostly boots, sneakers and supportive Birks/sandals in the summer.&nbsp;</p> <p>Several are classic athletic shoes, (Nike) worn for exercise--but they are also styles I know I can walk for 10 miles in the city+ (For European travel or teaching, etc)&nbsp; I always like to pick fun, colorful styles. I love my Ecco fashion sneakers, but they are less comfortable for super long distance. </p> <p>I like the creative collaborations in the limited editions that combine comfort and style with design details &amp; would like to explore more special editions. I wear sneakers with everything: dresses, jeans, skirts.&nbsp;</p> <p>Currently loving metallics and animal prints.&nbsp; Some of these are less comfy and need replacing, and Im thinking about what I want to add.&nbsp;I think because most of my boots are black leather I tend to favor sneakers with a little creative details or color. I get lots of comments on the red metallic Reeboks--my "wonder woman shoes"</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-musing-on-sneakers/page/2#post-2224412 Thu, 16 Sep 2021 16:39:04 +0000 Lesley 2224412@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie has recommended the brand, Blackstone, and I got a good deal on a pair at Nordstrom.com a few years back. They are fab. (Full disclosure, I put Superfeet orthotics in them just like I do almost every flat pair of shoes I own...) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-musing-on-sneakers/page/2#post-2224408 Thu, 16 Sep 2021 16:28:29 +0000 Greyscale 2224408@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very relatable! Like several of you I put Converse in their own category. When I started walking a lot during the pandemic I bought two pairs of Converse Run Stars to add to my classic Chucks (which I’ve worn constantly since middle school). But aside from that I’m not much of a sneaker gal. I bought two pairs of Pumas ~5 years ago, both minimalist black leather, and they just weren’t really right for my outfits. So they’re in the back of my closet collecting dust. They were useful for some casual outdoor things but the new Run Stars have supplanted them. Though they might work well with my new full length jeans… </p> <p>The Converse shroud wedges in Finds are in my closet awaiting some future when my style swings back around to skinnies and wedges. They don’t work in my current look but I love them.</p> <p>I also have some gear sneakers, the Merrell barefoot glove, that I wear for long walks and mini hikes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-musing-on-sneakers/page/2#post-2224374 Thu, 16 Sep 2021 15:34:31 +0000 Irina 2224374@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Lesley,&nbsp;</b>where did you get your tan, shearling lined high tops? This is exactly what I would like to try.</p> <p><b></b> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-musing-on-sneakers/page/2#post-2224366 Thu, 16 Sep 2021 15:13:05 +0000 Lesley 2224366@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sneaker head reporting for duty! They make sense for my lifestyle, since I WFH and often my only forays into the outside world are dog walks and school drop-offs.</p> <p>I have a pair of slip-on leopard print, a pair of really loud multi-colored and super cushy ones, black hi-tops, boring sneakers for actual running, and then this fall I added another pair I absolutely don't need because it felt like a fun refresh for my fall style and was kinda the single thing that I had my eye on and was excited about.</p> <p>In the summer I also have a pair of white canvas lace ups (with rainbows on their sides, natch, nothing plain for this gal!) and in the winter I have a pair of shearling-lined tan leather hi-tops. I can definitely see adding another fun pair of lined hi-tops in a fun color, because I go weeks in the winter where they are seriously the only pair of shoes I ever wear. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-musing-on-sneakers/page/2#post-2224243 Thu, 16 Sep 2021 01:03:11 +0000 JennaDubs 2224243@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have several pairs of sneakers- 7 pairs of running shoes (trail/road/etc.), 2 pairs of gym sneaks, 6 pairs of "casual" sneakers I tend to only wear on the weekends (NB 420 in mint and taupe, a couple pairs of Converse, 2 pairs of Keds), and 3 pairs of "fashion" sneakers that I wear regularly (see Finds).&nbsp; I wouldn't call these three particularly comfortable for my feet, but <b>I definitely feel more comfortable</b> in sneakers, if that makes sense...not sure why. They are my go-to for smart casual summer dressing and I would have more (probably expand on the LoveShackFancy patterns) but I don't get a lot of use out of them year-round.&nbsp; But hey, I love my boots too : )&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-musing-on-sneakers/page/2#post-2224225 Wed, 15 Sep 2021 22:53:33 +0000 rachylou 2224225@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have four in use and some demoted ones and a pair in waiting.</p> <p>Your story reminds me of something… so I’m in Hipsterville right? One day a group was gathered and EVERYONE was wearing a shrunken fedora. And from that day on, I decided a herd of hipsters is called ‘an Embarrassment.’ Lol </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-musing-on-sneakers/page/2#post-2223990 Wed, 15 Sep 2021 06:56:06 +0000 Zaeobi 2223990@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I alternate between two pairs of athletic shoes for working out, but otherwise prefer to compromise with slightly more polished versions of casual footwear. Do these first two even count as trainers (sorry, 'sneakers' ) if they don't even have laces? </p> <p>1) Plain (slip-on) cream leather plimsolls - Seasalt Cornish Lane Trainers:<br /> <a href="https://www.seasaltcornwall.com/cornish-lane-nubuck-slip-on-trainer" rel="nofollow">https://www.seasaltcornwall.co.....on-trainer</a></p> <p>2) Somewhere between a flatform &amp; loafer -<br /> FitFlop Superskate Tassel D'orsay loafers:<br /> <a href="https://www.johnlewis.com/fitflop-superskate-tassel-loafers/p3400869" rel="nofollow">https://www.johnlewis.com/fitf.....s/p3400869</a></p> <p>3) More for sentimental reasons than actual use (my husband insisted we wear converse low tops for the boat part of our wedding) Canvas isn't practical in wet weather, though! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-musing-on-sneakers/page/2#post-2223867 Tue, 14 Sep 2021 21:38:32 +0000 Vildy 2223867@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>KATE</b>,&nbsp; the fit is amazing.&nbsp; I know I said I don't like anything pressing on the tops of my toes but I think what bothers me is not continual snug pressure but intermittent pressure, like when you're walking.&nbsp;</p> <p>These were brand new from Goodwill.&nbsp; I think the brand mis-size their shoes. I saw they were sold on Amazon.&nbsp; They were marked 9 and I wear more like a 7 1/2.&nbsp; But they seemed smaller than 9.&nbsp; They feel exactly true to size for me and they feel padded all over, including the top of the foot. Yet, you can't really see padding. They're weird but wonderful.</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.amazon.com/DADAWEN-Platform-Lace-Up-Wingtips-Oxfords/dp/B01L92L9QQ/ref=sr_1_2?c=ts&amp;dchild=1&amp;keywords=Women%27s+Oxfords&amp;qid=1631655462&amp;refinements=p_89%3ADADAWEN&amp;s=apparel&amp;sr=1-2&amp;ts_id=679415011">https://www.amazon.com/DADAWEN.....=ts&#038;d</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-musing-on-sneakers/page/2#post-2223863 Tue, 14 Sep 2021 21:30:28 +0000 N 2223863@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In the UK we call them trainers, but we don't count converse as trainers, we call them converse. Same with Vans. I don't have much of anything right now, but the last two pairs I bought were casual. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-musing-on-sneakers/page/2#post-2223859 Tue, 14 Sep 2021 21:23:03 +0000 Anonymous 2223859@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>La Ped, my language and experience is identical to yours . I actually don’t use the word “sneakers” anywhere other than here on the forum . I call my workout shoes just that ( or “running shoes “ , which made more sense when I actually ran ), or even just by their brand name . As in “ I need a new pair of ASICS” and the rest of the gear shoes as you do : by their intended use . Sneakers always sounds a little wrong to my ear as it’s not a term I ever heard used outside of children’s wear . I actually never know what to call fashion sneakers , so I default to that when I’m doubt . And I wouldn’t be caught dead wearing my athletic / gear shoes with jeans as part of an outfit . Husband is quite happy to do so though . All the power to him . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-musing-on-sneakers/page/2#post-2223855 Tue, 14 Sep 2021 20:40:15 +0000 LaPed 2223855@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's funny, I really only use the word sneakers to refer to what others call fashion sneakers. Actual athletic shoes are called, well, whatever I'm using them for. I always have a pair of running shoes (for paved roads) and trail runners (for hiking and trail running) and use them exclusively for that purpose. They are comfortable and functional, but the trail runners in particular do less than nothing to make an outfit look good IMO. I would feel straight-up ridiculous wearing them with jeans or other town clothes, so they don't really fit into my mental category for sneakers. (Note: DH does not have this problem. He wears the exact same trail runners as I do with just about anything short of a full suit. I could roll my eyes, but most of his male colleagues do the same.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-musing-on-sneakers/page/2#post-2223847 Tue, 14 Sep 2021 20:20:04 +0000 Kate 2223847@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Vildy, I love those wingtips on a sneaker sole!! I agree with you: Marketing genius! How’s the fit? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-musing-on-sneakers/page/2#post-2223844 Tue, 14 Sep 2021 20:12:49 +0000 Kate 2223844@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like sneakers, but they are a tough fit for my long, narrow, low volume feet.</p> <p>I currently have five pair: three fashion sneakers and two gear pair. One of the gear pair (New Balance) is not really a great fit. The other pair hardly gets any wear because I’m rarely in conditions where I need them. My fashion sneakers are Eccos and I love them. The majority of my sneaker wearing is in the spring &amp; summer; in fall &amp; winter, I prefer my boots and oxfords. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-musing-on-sneakers/page/2#post-2223821 Tue, 14 Sep 2021 19:27:53 +0000 Katerina 2223821@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What an interesting thread, thank you Irina! I like sneakers and I mostly wear fashion sneakers. I have some I wear for the warm seasons and some for autumn and early spring. I can also wear my “autumn” sneakers winter time when we have mild winters…. In fact, the most comfortable pair of shoes I have ever had are sneakers from Hogan (the style is called Interactive and has existed since 1997). I discovered them for myself about 12 years ago and since then, I have had a few pairs in my wardrobe. They are quite pricey, so I try to find them on sale or in outlets selling older collections. I have just ordered a dark blue shiny suede pair with dark grey/black soles. I love the color combination and hope they will work out as always…. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-musing-on-sneakers/page/2#post-2223810 Tue, 14 Sep 2021 18:48:18 +0000 viva 2223810@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I find sneakers to be really useful. I currently have five pairs: 2 for running/distance walking/working out (both Mizuno) and 3 for fashion (pink New Balance, black winter Cons, and blue Ecco sneaker booties). I don't wear any kind of ballet flat - not enough structure for my feet, and they don't stand up to the walking that I do. (I do have one pair of flats/slippers but I wear those only in my house).</p> <p>I love sneakers and really could do with another pair. They fit with my tomboyish style, and also, I've become much much more about comfort in the last couple of years. When you find sneakers that work for your feet, it's fantastic. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-musing-on-sneakers/page/2#post-2223809 Tue, 14 Sep 2021 18:45:14 +0000 JAileen 2223809@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p> <div>I’m a very casual person, and I have several pairs of sneakers. &nbsp; I don’t wear them that much, though, because it’s either very hot here, and I wear sandals, or it’s cold and I wear booties. &nbsp;If I go to the SF Bay Area, though, I wear them because the weather is usually cool there. &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div>Low top sneakers: &nbsp;Navy, light blue, pink, olive, white, tie dye slip-ons. &nbsp;I think that’s all. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-musing-on-sneakers/page/2#post-2223800 Tue, 14 Sep 2021 18:29:53 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2223800@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Scrolling through the whole thread, I’m struck by the differences between fashion sneakers and those made for sports. Is it just me, gradually becoming more perceptive, or is that gulf widening?<br /> Kkards, that makes two of us with(out) Adidas. I’m still thinking about your comment “just because a sneaker is made by an athletic brand, it does not necessarily mean that that sneaker will be comfortable, or at least comfortable for you”. That’s very true. I wonder if it’s this—athletic shoes are available for a very broad range of fits and supports, but each individual one is designed for a more specific range than fashion shoes, so when they fit your needs, they are really good, but when they are off, they’re just bad. What do you think? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-musing-on-sneakers/page/2#post-2223795 Tue, 14 Sep 2021 18:17:29 +0000 Irina 2223795@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks everyone for sharing your thoughts and collections of sneakers.<br />I’m happy for those who likes them and enjoys wearing them.<br />As for me, I have to be really mindful of what I buy. I have 34 pairs of shoes. For someone who used to have much smaller number of shoes, it’s a lot. Six of those are office shoes and one pair of evening shoes. Who knows when I will be needing them. I have a pair loafers ordered and perhaps I could use a break </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-musing-on-sneakers/page/2#post-2223790 Tue, 14 Sep 2021 18:11:56 +0000 Catnip 2223790@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have six pairs of sneakers and wear them constantly.&nbsp; It was very difficult for me to find sneakers that fit comfortably with my Superfeet Blue inserts, and I will not compromise on comfort.&nbsp; My sneakers are SAS or New Balance 990v5s.&nbsp; I also have a few other pairs of boots and shoes, but find that I rarely reach for them.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />I think sneakers are more than a trend.&nbsp; Once someone gets used to walking in complete comfort all day in a pair of sneakers, it's hard to go back to any other style of shoe. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-musing-on-sneakers/page/2#post-2223782 Tue, 14 Sep 2021 17:31:23 +0000 Vildy 2223782@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a really interesting and informative thread!&nbsp; I never used to wear sneakers because they immediately gave me foot pain.&nbsp; I do wear them now.&nbsp; I have an old school pair of Keds that work for me and I really like. <br />Like what is pictured with navy accents but the striping on mine is red, white and aqua.</p> <p>Also, I found a pair of Ryka dad sneakers in a clothing swap and laughed.&nbsp; Put them on for fun and fell in love.&nbsp; I wear these around the house a lot when I want to give my feet a break.&nbsp; Very structured and supportive but give me the air I want in the toe box.&nbsp; I realize what I need in a shoe, ideally, is some way to have them firm either in front of the ankle or an actual ankle strap and then plenty of room to spread and wiggle toes.&nbsp; I can't stand the Everlane day shoe, nor woven sneakers, nor mesh.&nbsp; I seem to want to avoid the top of a shoe pressing on my toes, however lightly.&nbsp; My Ryka are white with some grey and red. Not exactly what is pictured but close enough.</p> <p>I have a pair of "patent" Adidas OutLoud dad sneakers that I also love.</p> <p>Then I like something that seems like a cross between a leather sneaker and a Euro walking shoe.&nbsp; I have two black and patent Waldlaufer shoes, not identical but almost.</p> <p>A Wanted lace up red shoe with lots of tread.&nbsp; Mine is like the picture but instead of beige, have black laces and black soles.</p> <p>And then I guess this isn't a sneaker but I recently got a dadawen black patent wingtip on a low wedge white sneaker sole.&nbsp; I knew they were a hit when hubby scoffed at how anybody thought to put a wingtip on a sneaker sole.&nbsp; Marketing geniuses, that's who.&nbsp; I get endless compliments on them.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-musing-on-sneakers/page/2#post-2223778 Tue, 14 Sep 2021 16:48:20 +0000 Jenn 2223778@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have eleven pairs of shoes/boots and two of those are sneakers. Almost all my footwear is casual, and I don't think sneakers are under- or over-represented in my wardrobe, really. I don't have more than three pairs of footwear in any given category--two pairs of booties, three pairs of sandals, two taller boots (mostly because they're the types of things that last forever), a pair of pumps, and a pair of ballet flats.&nbsp;</p> <p>I definitely find them super-useful for casualizing dressier outfits, though. And I grew up wearing them daily in American public school, so they just feel like a default to me, really. i can't imagine not having any. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-musing-on-sneakers/page/2#post-2223772 Tue, 14 Sep 2021 16:34:17 +0000 Anonymous 2223772@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>kkards - I'm eager to see your bow tie replacements! &nbsp;I've always loved those shoes, and am curious what else you've found. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-musing-on-sneakers/page/2#post-2223771 Tue, 14 Sep 2021 16:30:20 +0000 kkards 2223771@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ok, i own a lot of sneaker…most a fashion, some are “real” (finds are missing my white Nike running shoes)…some are more comfortable than others, but all are comfortable…i will also say that just because a sneaker is made by an athletic brand, it does not necessarily mean that that sneaker will be comfortable, or at least comfortable for you. For example, i sold my Stan Smiths a couple of years ago, because they just not right for me. &nbsp;i have a replacement for my blue bow tie sneakers on there way to me. Which is my 1 call out -unlike other shoes, when the rubber soles on sneakers give way their isn’t a way to fix them.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-musing-on-sneakers/page/2#post-2223769 Tue, 14 Sep 2021 16:06:14 +0000 Angie 2223769@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Lisa P</b>, you <i>should </i>have many pairs of sneakers! You love the look, comfort level, wear the shoes to work all the time, and enjoy the variety. They suit you.&nbsp;<i>It's your thing</i>. Similarly, I have 25 bags. It's my thing :)</p> <p><b>Irina,</b> I wear low-tops in warmer weather, and hi-tops in cooler weather. Here is my sneaker collection. Most are ECCO and Converse, and I will happily add more! They are much more comfy than boots, loafers and sandals for my type of feet and lifestyle.</p> <p>I am HARD on my shoes, so I've worn through many pairs already. I keep replenishing the ECCOS I have.&nbsp;</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-musing-on-sneakers/page/2#post-2223766 Tue, 14 Sep 2021 15:22:15 +0000 anchie 2223766@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was thinking same as you until about 3 years ago. But since then I slowly started wearing sneakers more and more and now sneakers are all I wear. I have purged almost all other shoes. Just ordered red Ecco Soft 7 - they should be here tomorrow. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-musing-on-sneakers/page/2#post-2223763 Tue, 14 Sep 2021 14:58:45 +0000 LaPed 2223763@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have to limit my fashion sneaker buying because their season is somewhat limited. November through March I'm in boots pretty much exclusively (and fleece-lined Vans on milder days, but they aren't warm enough for my to rely on them in true winter weather). In the spring, I'm still likely to reach for boots, especially chelsea and other pull-on styles, because it gets sooo muddy once the snow melts. As soon as it's dry enough, usually late May, I'm in sandals until it starts to get too chilly for them. So sneakers see occasional use in the spring and summer and heavier use in September/October. I wear them interchangeably with my two pairs of oxfords (the black and burgundy below). More and more, the distinction between polished sneakers and casual oxfords seems to be blurring, and I like that! Angie's new Cole Haans are a good example.&nbsp;</p> <p>My feet are happiest in my two pairs of minimalist canvas sneakers (the yellow and the grey floral below) and those see the heaviest wear. The Vans, NBs, and Adidas aren't nearly as comfortable but for certain outfits I find myself wanting a chunkier, more grounded look and reach for my thicker-soled options in those instances. But they will probably all get replaced with minimalist alternatives as they wear out over the next few years.&nbsp;</p> <p>I really miss having a pair of canvas slip-on sneakers for the summer, but haven't found a pair I like that fits well.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-musing-on-sneakers/page/2#post-2223758 Tue, 14 Sep 2021 14:42:42 +0000 Synne 2223758@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No, I didn't read it as boasting at all! I remember from an earlier discussion that you (and Janet?) rather wouldn't tell how many shoes you had in your collection (and that made me sooo curious of course! ). Anyway, I think I have told you before that I LOVE your shoes. They are often the icing on the cake of your pretty modern classic &amp; edgy outfits. </p>