orget the politics. When Texas state Sen. Wendy Davis filibustered in June in a designer suit and colorful sneakers, she sparked a fashion trend. Partly to make a political statement, many men and women began honoring the “Rouge Red” Wave Runner sneaker by Mizuno that Davis wore by buying and
wearing the sneakers — a way to say they stand with her and her ultimately unsuccessful campaign to stop a Texas law curtailing access to abortion.
The rush to buy the sneakers doubled the shoemaker’s website traffic and re-animated a trend toward brightly colored trainers as a go-to statement shoe.
Davis and her followers stumbled onto something stylish people have known for years: There’s only one “comfort” shoe that brings its own portion of chic to an outfit — a sleek sneaker.
Fashion editors and other women whose jobs require them to look chic while constantly on their feet have always gravitated toward the high-style quotient of cool trainers or the classic edge of a low-top Converse All Star. Nothing says “I have style for days but don’t need to impress you” like a sharp suit paired with a pair of cool kicks and a killer bag. The look works equally well on men.
Isabel Marant’s covetable wedge sneaker kick-started the latest statement sneaker trend a few years ago and spawned a zillion knockoffs, giving high heel-loving fashionistas a way to look stylish and sporty at the same time.
The trend has brought about a reboot of classic brands such as Converse with new fabrics and patterns and embellishments on its iconic Chuck Taylor All Stars and Jack Purcells. Updated details such as bright color, studs and prints also adorn styles at Vans, etnies and DC Shoes. Vans has just partnered with Hello Kitty for a special collection of its popular skate shoes.
In my closet, there are many, many versions of the sneakers, from old school Converse (black and white and plaid) to trainers in every color (I favor slim Puma and Nike styles). I keep my coolest kicks forever — I have a pair of K-Swiss leather court shoes from 15 years ago that I pull out of the closet every summer; they still gleam bright white in the sun.
My current wear-everywhere sneaks are black, white and gold Nike trainers that I bought for workouts until I decided they were waaaaay too cool to waste at the gym. They’re great for the days I want a look with a little edge but need to be on my feet; they are the perfect ending to leopard-print skinny jeans and silky black button-up shirt.
Fashionable athletic shoes are available in all price points and styles — from the aforementioned bright trainers to punk-chic studded leather high-tops and wedges to blinged-out slip-ons. Wear them now through the fall.