The Classic Ten: Sneakers (#10)

"There is a spiritual virtue and value that are implied by shoes like that. You can't slink like you can in a stiletto, so it represents a new form of femininity. It implies a new kind of strength."

-Anne Hollander

At first I was a little turned off by the idea of sneakers being a classic fashion. I'm not a very athletic person, and the idea of sportswear like Nike being a necessity was a little hard to believe. But then I really thought about it and realized it IS a staple. Especially for a tomboy/menswear lover like myself. Sneakers are the most modern of all the classic fashions and have a gigantic variety of styles. Although athletic sneakers are a large part of the shoe market, think of all of those stylish, classic, modern cool sneaks. For the athletes there are Nike, Adidas, Puma, & Reebok. For those not athletically gifted, like myself, there are Converse, Keds, Jack Purcell, Vans and many other designer and non-designer brands. Just check out those cool Marais US sneakers above!

There's something nice about some worn-in sneakers aren't there? It's nice
to find shoes that you love so much, they start looking kind of gross...

Mmmm, Lacoste sneakers. I would love a pair of those!

This photo is from Tomboy Style, one of my favorite blogs! She herself proclaims classic kicks are a must. 

"Classic sneakers have been a staple in the tomboy wardrobe for generations. Every year I go through at least one pair of canvas Vans Authentics, originally known as the Vans deck shoe—a design that hasn't changed since 1966." 

Are Louis Vuitton sneakers worth the cash?  

What are your feelings about high-tops? I don't know if I could do it (I feel like it shortens me a bit...), but I think tall people could really look cool with them. However, in my old high school the rockers and skaters exclusively wore high-tops.

Bright Vans. Sooo tempted to buy myself a pair.

I love slim sneaks like these. They make the feet look dainty (which helps my large feet out!),
and are very practical. Also, that color is lovely.

Some Converse Jack Purcell's. 

In the book it mentions how when traveling abroad, one can always recognize who the Americans are: Just look down and see who's wearing the white, practical sneakers. Well, one doesn't have to be the typical American tourist now... large, highly-cushioned white sneakers aren't needed-- not with all of the amazing, colorful sneaker options in the world today!
Personally, I'm loving the slim styles of Keds and perhaps Vans Authentics. Maybe in a bright color to add some personality to an every day outfit. What kind of sneakers do you love?


Another fashion statement that's happening lately in the world of men is a suit with sneakers. I LOVE IT. But only if the sneakers are the right style and match the mood of the rest of the ensemble. A tuxedo with tattered New Balances are probably a no. Also, if they are gigantic and seem to be swallowing the legs from the bottom up... no. The sneakers must be slim, not chunky, and simple. 

LEFT: Andy Samberg at the 2009 MTV Movie Awards. This is an example of how sneakers and a suit don't work at all. Sloppy, bunched up pants, too distracting.
RIGHT: Diane Kruger and Joshua Jackson at Cannes 2011. The simple black kicks with a slim suit. Works perfectly. (And aren't they just the cutest and best-looking couple! I can't get over how great he looks.) 

LEFT: Brad Pitt at Cannes 2011. I mean... he's Brad Pitt. He can do whatever he wants. But the all-white with the bunched trousers... don't love, though it isn't too bad. 
RIGHT: Justin Bieber at the Golden Globes. Justin looks GOOD. He seems to have really similar shoes to Joshua Jackson's, which says something about the sneakers. (If you are a boy reading this, buy shoes like that!)

  
Mark Ronson wearing a tweed suit and white sneaks. For a suit that might have looked kind of stuffy, the white shoes look great with it. Even though they are really bright, they are simple, slim, and are paired with a great skinny trouser. 

But sneakers are not just meant for the boys, of course. I'm already planning an online shopping trip to Keds.com soon! What kicks do you love?


-Raquel x