As much as we love getting new gym shoes, we don’t particularly love dropping our hard-earned cash on a pair that we’ll only use sparingly (as in, whenever we get around to working out). Wouldn’t it be nice to find a cool pair of sneakers that looked just as good with sweaty activewear as they did with a midi dress?
Fortunately, athletic shoes no longer need to be confined to the gym. Yep, it’s true. Thanks to the athleisure trend (which is still going strong, BTW), it’s now easier than ever to find stylish sneakers that go from working out to running errands and having brunch with the girls.
Whether you’re into no-fuss, slip-on sneakers or prefer ultra-comfortable tennis shoes with punchy prints, there’s a chic athleisure shoe out there for everyone. We’ve gone ahead and rounded up a few of our favorite sneaker styles that go from workout to hangout in a snap.
- Cozy, Slip-On Sneakers
Admit it, you probably don’t bother tying or untying your shoelaces. You just slip them on and go about your business—because why would anyone want to spend an extra 15 seconds putting on and taking off their shoes? That’s practically a workout in itself (okay, not really) and, in the memorable words of Sweet Brown, “ain’t nobody got time for that.”
Enter the glorious invention of slip-on sneakers. Versatile, comfortable and, most importantly, lace-free, slip-on sneakers make putting on your shoes a fast and simple experience. Best of all, their sporty look will instantly upgrade your athleisure game. Style them with edgy streetwear for an effortlessly cool look or pair your sneakers with chic workout wear for your low-intensity workouts. Either way, slip-on sneakers are an absolute must-have in your footwear arsenal in 2020.
2. Classic White Sneakers
These days, it’s practically impossible to walk the city streets without seeing at least a few pairs of white sneakers rounding out some seriously chic outfits. Everyone has been on the white sneaker craze for years now, and it shows no signs of slowing down.
What’s not to love? Timeless, versatile and eye-catching, there’s just something undeniably appealing about donning a pair of crisp, white kicks with—well—anything. From dresses and skirts to your favorite athletic wear, a pair of low-profile white sneakers can elevate your style like nothing else. Seriously, you could probably get dressed in the dark and still look good, so long as you had a pair of white sneakers to round out your look.
Anyway, the point is that white sneakers are the perfect workout-to-hangout shoe that you didn’t know you needed until now. Get one with a seriously-cushioned sole and your feet will be thanking you a million times over.
3. A Pair of Statement Kicks
Maybe you’re not a huge fan of the white kicks. They get dirty within the first five seconds of wearing them and are a pain in the neck to clean. We totally get it.
In that case, why not opt for a pair of statement sneakers instead? Statement sneakers don’t shy away from punchy prints or bold colors. On the contrary, they come in a vast array of designs—from playful floral prints to metallic leather—and strike the perfect balance of form and function.
If you have a self-admitted sneaker obsession (don’t worry, us too), then you probably have at least one other fashion-forward pair of kicks in your closet right now. If you’re a newbie to statement sneakers, here’s your fashion game plan: Keep the rest of your outfit understated. Let your shoes do all the talking. Because let’s be honest, they have a lot to say.
4. Chuck Taylors
Who knew that Converse Chuck Taylors—an iconic shoe now associated with modern street style—would be great for the gym? The answer: The entire weightlifting community, apparently. Believe it or not, many weightlifters prefer to wear Converse shoes while they lift due to their flat soles and long-lasting design.
So, there you have it. If you’re looking for a stylish lifting shoe that won’t break the bank, a classic pair of Chuck Taylors might just do the trick. To top it all off, they’re an incredibly versatile shoe that complements nearly every personal style out there, from modern prep to old-school punk.
Just remember that Converse sneakers are notoriously uncomfortable for walking around in for extended periods of time. If you don’t want your feet to ache after running errands all day, consider replacing the insole and investing in high-quality socks.
5. Athletic Chunky Sneakers—AKA, The “Dad Shoe”
When it comes to so-called “dad shoes,” you either love them or you hate them. There really is no in-between. No matter what your feelings are on the dad shoe trend, we do have to admit that the chunky sneaker has a few things going for it.
The extra-thick sole that gives dad shoes their signature, chunky appearance is also what makes it so durable, comfortable and—to some—fashionable. In fact, one of the main benefits of dad shoes is their long-lasting comfort, which makes them great for walking or hiking long distances. They’re also versatile and can be worn with virtually everything, from cute and comfortable dresses to ’90s-inspired tracksuits that give off a nostalgic vibe.
Also, keep in mind that there is no rule that says you need to go all-in with dad sneakers. If you want to ease into the trend, skip the flashy, color-blocked options and choose a dad shoe in classic white or beige instead.
A snazzy pair of sneakers can elevate any outfit. With the athleisure trend gaining momentum, you need these five sneaker styles in your closet.
Images:
https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/fitness-athletes-foot-close-healthy-lifestyle-623600189
https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/young-beautiful-girl-wearing-fashion-sports-695214217
https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/close-sporty-lady-penny-board-skateboard-1532315897
