Twelve Things…The Street Sneaker

Twelve Things every Teen Girl needs in her closet. Number 3 – the street sneaker

There will be two types of shoes featured in our Twelve Things series and the street sneaker is one of them. What’s a street sneaker? Well…have a look into the madness little display that is part of our personal collection:

The street sneaker isn’t a running shoe, or trainer or runner (or whatever you call it in your corner of the world.) It isn’t the shoe you throw on for your PE class or to run at the beach. The street sneaker is a fashion accessory and closet must-have. It’s stylish, versatile, and most of all: comfortable! This is our shoe of choice for sightseeing when you want to look cute and cool, but avoid sore feet. It doesn’t belong on the field or running track. It belongs on the sidewalk, cafeteria line, mall date with friends, amusement park queue, party, or most places your feet need to be. The past few years have witnessed a big trend in wearing sneakers with everything from denim to boho dresses and, yes, we’ve seen them with long, floral midi skirts (and even a few prom dresses.)

If your closet has the running shoe variety but is missing the casual street sneaker, we think this is the next thing that should be on your shopping list. Or maybe, you’ve been wearing the same type of sneaker for years and are ready to try something new. Which sneaker is best for you? Our mood board is here to help. Have a look and then we’ll explain the different types and brands of some of the most popular classics, as well as some new players (or, really, old-school models that seem new and fresh again.)

 

 

 

1. This Converse classic white low-top never fails. It has a low price point and works with so many outfits. Lately, we’re seeing white Converse all over cute Instagram and Pinterest feeds. They’re white hot!

Looks best with: Shorts, mini dresses or skater skirts, maxi dresses, cropped jeans.
Be careful with: long, dark denim jeans. The dye can stain the tops and rims of your sneakers.

2. Retro alert! We think New Balance does the retro look best. Try the 420 model (shown here) There are similar 575 and 620 models but both are a bit bulkier. These sneakers come in so many fun colors and are often color blocked. Don’t be afraid to go bright!

Looks best with: denim cut-offs, skinny jeans of all lengths, boyfriend jeans, above the knee skirts.

Be careful with: bootcut jeans. They aren’t always the best proportion-wise with these sneakers. Also, calf-length skirts, unless slim-cut, don’t work as well unless you are tall.

3. For something different than the classic Converse hi-top, try the Vans Sk8-Hi. I find this one more padded and more comfortable. Also, these Vans feature a zip-up back that makes putting them on a breeze.

Looks best with: Skinny jeans, leggings, short dresses, long, slim maxi dresses in solid colors.

Be careful with: Not everyone can wear these hi-tops with cuffed boyfriend jeans. It’s all about proportion and that particular outfit can make you appear shorter.

4. Another favorite from Vans – the classic slip on! We chose metallic silver leather because it’s amped up, style-wise, and less like a standard skater shoe. Metallics also go with everything (great for travel).

Looks best with: Nearly everything! Very versatile! Our favorite is a slim, cropped jean with these.

Be careful with: Buying too many kinds? This is a style winner that has the right proportions to complement most outfits. (If you’re daring, you can try it with a feminine, short party dress worn under a denim jacket)

5. We saved our current favorite for last: the Adidas Superstar. It’s sold out almost everywhere and tricky to find for a reason. This is currently the most comfortable and stylish and easy to pair sneaker in our collection. It has an urban look we love, the retro feel of the New Balance, and proportions that work like the Vans and Converse with all types of clothing. I took this one on a recent trip and walked miles without pain.

Looks best with: all lengths of shorts, most dresses, all denim, leggings with a long top.

Be careful with: sizing. This shoe runs at least a half-size large. I took a full size down. So be careful ordering online and make sure returns are easy.

Now you see why we’re street sneaker-obsessed. What are your favorite brands or the ones topping your wish list? Let us know!