Styling black athletic shoes to look good?

Sal

I have some foot issues and had to get new athletic sneakers. I will mostly wear these for walking but occasionally I will wear them for longer days out in some sort of activewear or very casual clothes.

I love bright athletic sneakers rather than black ones but I got advice in a local store which I like to support. And they only had the black in my size - and to be honest the cream and brown wasn’t that appealing to me either. But these were much better than the Hoka or the ASICS.

Any ideas how to make them look a little cooler? I could swap laces, coloured socks.

It doesn’t matter in the big scheme of life but i do feel a bit sad about it….

This post has 1 photo. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

1 month ago

Inspiration

30 replies

Latest reply was from marija

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Well I am no help sorry because I much prefer black sneakers. I prefer them to fade into the background of my outfit if I am wearing sneakers. Anything else, the shoes may be the focal point of the outfit, but not sneakers.
So I would just say make them look at something else!!

1 month ago

VioletMyra

Active Member

I have threaded mine with variegated colored ribbon instead of laces. It puts a smile on most people's faces and they bid me good morning / afternoon as we pass . . . a win I say.

This post has 1 photo. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

1 month ago

Sal

Veteran

Haha Jenni! You are right in that they can blend in and not be a feature.

My Mum had terrible foot issues and started with sneakers like this, then orthopaedic shoes and eventually she could not really wear shoes at all. My issue is different to hers (She had bad RA, I have hallux rigidis/limitus)

If these work I will keep an eye open when a bright colour is available and get a second pair as well.

1 month ago

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Oh sorry to hear Sally I know you love your sports and your walking. Hope these help you xx

1 month ago

Star (Lise)

Veteran

Like JENNI I too actually have a preference for black footwear in general although in recent times I'm starting to like lighter. My conclusion is that when my hair was darker I preferred dark shoes and now the opposite with my light hair. Maybe that is why you don't love dark footwear. Anyway I really like your new sneaks.

1 month ago

Brooklyn

Veteran

Sorry, I can’t help either. I also wear black sneaks and prefer them to whites or brights. Good luck with the foot issues. I had PF for 2 years and finally sorted it out via foot exercises, which I still do every day. Persistence is key.

1 month ago

Suntiger

Veteran

I'm on team "if I have to wear sneakers don't make them the focal point" too. Dark, wider leg pants so they stay hidden is my strategy.
In your case I say keep just for now, til you find others you like more!

1 month ago

Dee

Veteran

Oh SAL, you're singing my song, I was diagnosed with hallux limitus this summer and have had to resort to wearing a pair of blackish Hokas a lot of the time.. Like JENNI NZ suggested I basically don't have them the focus of my outfits and will wear them with wide legs or dark pants, so you dont notice them as much, and more emphasis will be placed on the top half of my oufit.

This post has 1 photo. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

1 month ago

Dee

Veteran

Oops, double posted.

1 month ago

LJP

Veteran

This is a tough one. I would go the route of a tonal/"quiet luxury" look and play up their minimalist appeal, rather than trying to make them look funky or sporty/cool. This would bum me out too. I have lots of pairs of sneakers, but only wear my black sneakers with white soles, which add a graphic sensibility and make them easier to style.

1 month ago

Star (Lise)

Veteran

DEE your sneaks look good in the outfit above.

1 month ago

Irina

Veteran

I wear black sneakers, too. I usually have a different approach - I wear them with contrasting bottoms or a contrasting outfit. Grey jeans with a grey sweater plus black sneakers. Caramel color wool pants, black sweater and black sneakers. Just treat them like any pair of black shoes.

1 month ago

JAileen

Veteran

I like VioletMyra’s solution. My fashiony sneakers are old school Adidas in dark blue, grey and olive. I bought men’s shoes because they fit my metatarsal pads better. Mostly they have white laces and white trim. I have a pair of black Blondo shoes that Nordstrom called sneakers. They also have a lot of white on them. I got them several years ago but hardly ever wear them, mainly because I hardly ever wear black.

This post has 2 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

1 month ago

Roberta

Veteran

Actually, I think that the black sneakers you bought are pretty cool. That black on black trim is very fashionable right now. My only pair of black sneakers have white soles, and I'm not crazy about that look. You might try satin ribbon laces, also in black, which would dress them up a little bit.

1 month ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Good luck with your foot challenges, Sal. I know how grottty that is and send healing thoughts. Hope the new shoes do their magical trick.

Black tops, belt and bag will help pull the black shoes together!

1 month ago

Sal

Veteran

Thanks all! Good news they are really comfortable and so much better than my Hokas.

I will mostly wear them with leggings or shorts for walking. But I have days when I will maybe wear them with jeans if I have a lot of steps to do.

I can still wear other options for work and play - but I have eliminated two pairs of sandals recently that no longer work.

It is big toe arthritis so it won’t improve but I can manage it. And if these ones work when a bright colour comes out I will buy them as a second option.

1 month ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Sal, I am really sorry about your foot problems. So discouraging when you are an active person. I'm glad at least this option works and I hope they will appear in brights to cheer you very soon. In the meantime, I am with Angie on the styling tips.

1 month ago

Carol

(website)

Veteran

Sal....black sneakers are amazing in certain brands, like Reeboks. I love black sneakers, and never jumped on the white trend. Black sneakers look great a little boyish. Grey socks pulled all the way up--more like a trouser sock than athletic sock would look great. Athleisure--"louder" athleisure will look good--an all-white look to contrast. Classic outer space leggings. Track pants, or one of the utility cargo skirts.

Here are mine...

Custom Find

by Carol

View Info

1 month ago

Sal

Veteran

Thanks Suz and Carol. I think they look okay with black leggings and black socks so that’s okay! And I am rapt with how good they feel - the most comfortable sneakers I have had in a long time. They are a Brooks Ghost Max3. The pretty colours are only in the standard width but I have had to go to the wider D width. If I really like them after a month I may add the solid white as another option.

It’s a small thing but one of those signs of aging that we don’t want. But I am grateful I can continue doing my activities and I also have a very good excuse not to run (lots of runners in my family - I don’t like it anymore though and now should not do it)

1 month ago

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Ha! You are asking the wrong person Sal because all black sneakers are my favorite sort of sneakers and, as it happens, the only shoes* apart from Birkenstocks I brought on my trip (we are visiting family in the US right now). I think they are inherently cool .

*I am not even a sneaker person, but I wanted to travel light knowing I will be shopping here.

1 month ago

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

I like the look of them, Sal! But I empathize in that I have a pair of all-black walking/hiking shoes that are super comfy but I'm not crazy about style-wise.

I also think it could be fun to try different laces. I bought a pair of white sneakers this summer that I decided to put navy blue laces in, and I like them that way. I used stretch laces, so I can put the shoes on and take them off without untying them. These are the laces I found on Amazon that I like. I also got green laces and gray ones, but I haven't bothered to switch out the navy!

This post has 1 photo. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Nordstrom

Nike Air Superfly Sneaker (Women)

View Info

Top Pick

1 month ago

Sal

Veteran

Thanks Jaime and Sharan.

As gear practicality and comfort is by far the most important thing. I think I felt so sad on Friday that it might be the start of the end of pretty shoes for me - and I have always liked bright colourful trainers for sport. My Mum had the most terrible foot issues in her life resulting in amputation of toes, rebuilding of her feet, constant ulcers and nodules and it started for her with a pair of all black trainers. So I have a strong association there which made me feel really sad.

They look fine - and it's good to know that others prefer this look!!

1 month ago

karen23

Active Member

I hope the new sneakers feel good on your feet!

I can't help with the color, though. Like some of the others, I tend to wear black or dark colored shoes. Maybe switch out the laces?

1 month ago

Sal

Veteran

After wearing them four times I think I need to lean into the blackness. I will get some more black socks (white feel wrong). They are comfortable - so that's the main thing. And with a black sock and often black leggings or shorts they will be fine.

1 month ago

lyn67

Veteran

Sorry for the foot issues-many of us experience these "small" things which really are signs of aging that we don’t want, that' called true life, I guess-or the privilage of getting old? Now, what if you will wear them with skin colored or black sheer knee highs to dressier pants, for ex.? It can help to look more airy/light or more suitable for smarter outfits. I always wear my closed shoes with tan or black sheers, depending on the effect I want to achieve (accenting on ankles, or blending in with hems). To be frank I never wear true cooton socks with any kind of shoes other than perhap boots when very cold...just my two cents. Of course depends on what kind of hosiery have you tryed them on to fit when purchased, cause that can be a problem if not fitting well-so take it with a pinch of salt.

3 weeks ago

Sal

Veteran

Thanks Lyn! At the moment I am just wearing them for my morning or evening walks. But if I have a day with a fair bit of walking - such as city sightseeing or a long shopping day on foot - I may choose them over casual sneakers or leather shoes or sandals. It is in these situations that I would want to feel a bit more stylish. On the morning walks they are fine with my leggings or black shorts. I have only worn them once outside a gear outfit and I chose a black tee with cream jeans and I think that was "okay".

3 weeks ago

cat2

Veteran

Sal:

With your love of color I can see how crushing this must be. What about looking at your existing accessories and garments to see what has a color plus black and building outfits with those pieces? Maybe some of your great prints? Or you could tie a scarf with a bit of black in the print on a colorful bag and tie them together? You have great styling skills.

3 weeks ago

Eliza

Veteran

Sorry for your bossy foot. As a fellow footwear lover who has had options severely reduced (by injuries and 3 surgeries), I feel the dilemmas. Others have shared some of what helps here and I’ll echo your notion of leaning into the black color of your foot friendly sneakers. Blend them with darker flares, keep the laces dark if you wish to minimize them and carry on. Hang in there. I keep telling myself that it has never been easier to accommodate fussy feet, even though I miss many former go-to styles. Brooks often has at least a few color choices; hoping the next time brings some preferred options your way.

3 weeks ago

Sal

Veteran

Thanks Cat2 - I agree, black somewhere else will make it look better.

Eliza - you are right - options have never been better!! I am feeling better about it - it was a harsh reminder of what my Mum went through which made me very nervous!!

I think a pair of flared, wide leg black pants - travel pants or tracksuit pants - would be a good idea. I only need one option to wear for those days. My current Athleta Brooklyn pants are slightly cropped and look awful with them.

3 weeks ago

Category