The times of sneakers being a humble shoe for gym and sports fields are far gone. We are used to seeing them on almost every runway. Plus, the lines between smart and casual went from bold and clear to thin, to a tiny dot line, to blurred, and nowadays, they are almost non existent, so we’re safe to state that today, these super versatile, comfort-meets-style shoes for everyone to pull off, are more popular and relevant than ever.
Dressing down? Dressing up? Weekday? Night out? Weekend? Just about everything you just thought about, just about everything you have in mind (and in your closet), can be styled with a pair of sneakers. What would you say is this season’s biggest trend when it comes to sneakers?
Pause.
(Or not. We just thought you may want to do the little exercise of answering it for yourself before you keep on reading ❥).
We would say THE WHITES (are you with us?).
Trend Alert: The White Sneakers Everyone Is Wearing This Season
Within the sea (more of an ocean this season) of white designer sneakers in every imaginable white hue from pure and snow to ivory, alabaster or pearl, to chalk or linen or cream whites, to off-white or vintage white, we bet for retro (we dubbed Loving Nostalgy), futuristic (OMG! - we’ll explain later on) and sport (Athletic Venture).
LOVING NOSTALGY
Not a new phenomenon but HUGE (with no sign of dropping off of the top list).
Contemporary, 70s, 80s or 90s-infused reinterpretations of the golden oldies. Classic design with a modern twist, perfect to pair with everything from vintage denim, cargo or track pants to skirts, dresses or tailored suits.
Not a newcomer but this year, suddenly, one of the high-end retro sneaker leaders (if you’re an avid TikTok user you know what we’re talking about): Loewe Flow Runner.
A tactile, textured and harmonious fusion of nylon, calfskin leather and suede, and contrasting honey rubber wave sole “flowing” from the toe to the back of the heel. Dynamic L monogram appliqué on the side, embossed anagram on the tongue, and a barely there touch of gold on the heel.
O. M. G! Otherworldly. Modernist. Galactic!
You can’t miss them even if you wanted (not even if in an all-white rendition).
Futuristic, architectural, sci-fi like silhouettes, metallic accents with a space-age vibe (silver is THE metal of choice for this season), new-age compositions, attention-grabbing textures... A touch of edgy sophistication.
We couldn't talk about the "tomorrow? today!" sneakers without mentioning the Unicorn.
Balmain’s creative director Olivier Rousteing woke one day and decided the entire world has to finally see it.
His creation is just as exceptional as the mythical (and magical) creature. Balmain Unicorn sneakers are also a nod to aerodynamic cigarette speed boats and anime.
Strikingly multi-sectional, the sole with ultra comfortable shock-absorber cushioning system, is created with 8 molds. The mathematics doesn’t stop there. In order to deliver the ultimate horizontal and vertical adjustment, it has 3 translucent bands attached (on each side) to the laces. The upper features 3 parallel breaking waves. You don’t have to look very closely to spot an array of its signature finishing touches, including 3D metallic lion head.
ATHLETIC VENTURE
What is your activity of choice? Walking? Jogging? Running (errands or distance)? Hiking?
Technical, mostly waterproof materials, unique cushion technologies, increased shock absorption and support, rugged soles, easy to slip in and out. Lightweight, comfy and durable but also stylish.
No doubt that when it comes to constant innovation and constant wow effect both in terms of craft and creativity, it doesn’t go any better than Y-3.
Look at this beauty with a contrasting, untied, weaved-through threads as Yohji Yamamoto’s very own not to one of adidas hallmarks. Y-3 4D Halo Runners with a 4D printed midsole, have a dynamic, inside-out-wrap chord lacing for the ultimate comfy yet breathable fit. The upper is rendered entirely in mesh, hence their extremely transparent look (if you wonder about the exposed tooling, it was created with precisely-coded performance zones for not only comfort but also impact absorption and stability).
Styling White Sneakers: Endless Options for Every Outfit
Whether you are a die-hard sneakerhead or a sneaker collector (they say “more than two is a collection”, so all of us are to some extent, right?), there’s a white sneaker out there for everyone.
And the styling options are endless: as a part of an all-white-everything look, or as a pop in your all-black (or all-any color of your choice) outfits, with wide, baggy or relaxed jeans, or shorts and a t-shirt or pants and shirt (and blazer)…
Looking for a white yet statement pair?
The list of the lucky owners includes celebrities, fashion editors and street style stars, they are available in an array of color combinations, including white-on-white, and are crafted using recycled materials, rooted in the iconic fashion houses’s commitment to sustainability.
We’re sure that you know what is the name that’s going to pop at the end of the next sentence. Yes, Nama!
Bold and lightweight, Chloé Nama sneakers feature a mesh upper and Leather Working Group-certified suede panels comfortably sitting atop their ridged sole. We adore the hand-stitched detailing. Chloé signature touch comes via rear logo stamp.
Now something for boys: Wave by Dolce & Gabbana.
The slip-on and go eye-catchers were inspired in the 3D virtual world of the the metaverse. Their sleek, stretch mesh silhouette with DG logo make a stunning contrast to the sculptural, chunky, wavy rubber sole wrapped around three clear, bubble-like (soft) pads.
Sneaker Trivia: Fun Facts You Probably Didn't Know
World’s first sneaker museum, ShoeZeum, was in Las Vegas. Featuring +2.5k pairs of Nike sneakers, including every Air Jordan model ever made, the collection, curated and owned by John Michael Geller, was certified by the Guinness World Records as the largest sneaker collection in the world.
One of his unworn Nike "Moon Shoes” sold back in 2019 at a Sotheby's auction for a record-breaking $437.5k (the most expensive unworn sneakers sold in an auction so far).
Nowadays the credit for the world’s biggest sneaker collection goes to The Chicks with Kicks, three sisters from Florida, with a colossal collection of more than 6k pairs of sneakers, mainly prototypes, samples and vintage kicks, for which they had to build a house extension in order to store them.
Love, Lozuri