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Every couple of years, a specific sneaker takes over the fashion crowd’s footwear wardrobes. There was the Phoebe Philo-co-signed Adidas Stan Smith during the 2010s and then the New Balance 990s, which we first spotted all over Copenhagen Fashion Week back in 2017. Fast forward to 2023 and we’ve seen the “It” sneaker cycle speed up with even more options, like the rise (and fall) of the Fila Disruptor II, Nike Dunks, gorpcore-leaning silhouettes from Hoka and Asics, and the most-wanted kicks of the moment: Adidas Sambas, to name only a few.
Oftentimes, a popular sneaker becomes inescapable. Sambas are so ubiquitous on the internet — in street style galleries, celebrity sightings, brand lookbooks, TikTok fit checks, IG #ootd posts, you name it — that it’s almost as if no other pair exists. So what else is out there? Or better yet, what are the under-the-radar sneakers that the cool, influential, fashion-obsessed girlies are wearing right now, and that the rest of the world is bound to be obsessed with for the next year?
Ahead, we asked a few of our favorite stylish creatives to tap us into what they’re loving in the space, from Tabi-inspired kicks to an under-appreciated Adidas style. Read on for some fun sneaker shopping inspiration.
Nike Air Rift Sneaker, prices vary, available here: “I love Rifts because I have quite a muted color palette and strictly wear silver jewelry. (It might sound crazy but even just the Adidas logo being written in gold on Sambas drives me insane, clashing with my cool-toned wardrobe.) I think the Rifts are a great, versatile and unisex look that are a much more affordable option if you’re looking for a Margiela Tabi alternative.
Styling them is pretty effortless as well. I often find that they’re a great in-between for an outfit where you feel sneakers might be too casual and loafers might be too stiff. That plus the velcro straps and they’ve become my most-worn shoes by far. They’re almost always sold out due to limited restocks but they’re not ‘rare,’ so they’re usually at least 50% less expensive and brand new on GOAT or StockX.” —Alexandra Hildreth (@alexandra.hildreth), fashion journalist and writer behind the fashion newsletter “Guy Fieri Superfan“
Nike x Off-White Air Terra Forma Sneaker, $220, available here: “I got gifted Nike x Off-White Air Terra Forma sneakers and they’re definitely a collector’s item, but I plan on wearing them into the ground. I keep seeing the girlies downtown adopting gorpcore into their footwear, and I’m INTO it. I think the gorpcore sneaker is about to take off full-force in the next year.
This Nike x Off-White pair is technically a sneaker, but they have the energy and chunkiness of a hiking boot. They give you about a three-inch height boost, so as a short gal, they’re my favorite thing to bust out when I want to go for sneakers, but my pants are too long. Therefore, I love wearing them with my boyfriend’s jeans, which fit me baggy and low-slung. Ever since becoming bald, if I’m going oversized on the bottoms, I like to add in a hyper-feminine or sexy element on top to balance the look out. I feel like Paolina Russo‘s latest collection is a great example of making practical, outdoorsy shoes look feminine and girly.” —Clara Perlmutter (@tinyjewishgirl), TikToker and fashion influencer
Keen Jasper Suede Sneaker, $120, available here: “These are my favorite sneakers right now. I love a suede shoe because of the added texture they can bring to an outfit. This shape is sleek but not too minimal.” —Michelle Li (@himichelleli), stylist and writer
Maison Margiela Replica Sneaker, $540, available here: “I’ve been loving flat sneakers recently and started noticing and posting about the style on my trendspotting Instagram account @dress4unot4them. When I was younger, I used to love platforms, but now the closer I am to the floor, the better I feel!” —Rubi Pigeon (@rubipigeon), curator of @dress4unot4them and designer of Rusmin
Adidas Gazelle Sneaker, Prices Vary, available here: “This shoe is a fusion of my two favorite colors and also serves as a nostalgic nod to my sorority days on campus. I’ve got my heart set on these sneakers for the upcoming NCCU homecoming — a way to celebrate my sorority and alma mater. I’m planning to rock them with a stylish soccer jersey paired with one of my cherished minis from Pushbutton. You know, I’m all about that sporty yet feminine aesthetic!” —Ryan Gale (@ryancgale), stylist
Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 Sneaker (Nippon Made Version), $250, available here: “I love everything about Onitsuka Tiger’s low-profile Mexico 66 sneaker, especially its elevated craftsmanship from the brand’s premium ‘Nippon Made’ line. They are hand-customized, so each pair is unique. I have the silver pair and they’re my go-to shoes to wear with slouchy jeans.” —Viv Chen (@vivthemole), writer behind the fashion newsletter “The Molehill”
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