5 sneakers for a non-sneakerhead
Last week I found myself shopping for sneakers. Let it be known, I don’t really ever wear sneakers. I like seeing other people in Sambas and Hokas and Salomons but I feel weird in them.
I started playing amateur tennis and my only sneakers shoes are old Adidas Ultraboosts from the pandemic that are all stretched out and limp laced. So I turned to the internet to find sneakers for a non-sneakerhead. None of these options were curated with tip-top functionality or podiatric support in mind. These are primarily for the aesthetic or the small exertions of modern life, like breaking into a quick jog to catch the green light countdown (which I never do because I find it humiliating to do Pacer-tested by a traffic light while a car wants to run me down turning left).
Here are my picks.
Eytys Fugu
Eytys is known more for their boots and platforms but I like the strange Fugu sneaker. The durian sole is ugly-cool. I wanted the pink and orange colorway but alas it was sold out. So I looked for Eytys secondhand and found a pair of not the Fugu but the Kamasu, its orthopedic mary-jane twin.
RE/DONE 70s Suede Running Sneakers
Because the Adidas Wales Bonners are always sold out or too expensive (even secondhand….price gouging abound). What makes the Wales Bonner shoes perfect is the 70s inspired colorways. They feel vintage. These RE/DONE sneakers get at that general vibe. The suede and cream colored laces. Fair amount of these on secondhand sites like Poshmark.
Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66
Ok, so these are hardly a secret. I like these low profile sneakers and they’re a classic. However, the colorways are hit or miss. The silver is my favorite (sadly sold out), and I’m partial to the saturated yellows and greens. Personally I like how these look more than Sambas.
Isabel Marant Bryce Lace-Ups
A more feminine take on the low top sneaker. I have these shoes in the velcro version and wore them for my daily commute when I worked in SF. It’s got all the key elements: a gum sole, neutral leather panels, no obvious logos. The little frills along the tongue and toe box add a coquettish touch. Also and easy secondhand find.
Tory Burch Serif Sneakers
These are likely from an old season because they are pretty much sold out on all retail sites, you have to dig for them secondhand. A few on eBay and Poshmark. A more feminine low top sneaker, with the elasticized opening and floral leather design. Honestly, Tory Burch has been impressing me. I think her most successful designs come through when it’s not logo-branded. If I saw these on someone I would wonder “where are those FROM” and be roped in by the fact that they’re mysterious (unlike Adidas where it’s super obvious). It’s like what old Kate Spade was: a little preppy and unserious, high commercial appeal, wearable.