The slip-on sneaker is my new favorite shoe right now when I want to feel a little more hip/casual. Which sounds pretty much the opposite of hip (21-year-old me would be dying of mortification). ANYWAY. When you’re a little bit Fancy/Dressy but a little bit Sporty Spice, sometimes you want to slum it a bit in sneakers without going full on Activewear™ or hipster in Toms. I’ve never been one to wear sneakers unless I was, ahem, actually exercising (#rare) but I can appreciate that American style is totally having a moment with all things athleisure.
So. When you want something in between a ballet flat and a New Balance athletic shoe, enter the slip-on sneaker. This is a fantastic trend because you can find it at practically every price point, which is ideal for those of you who are budget conscious or for the commitment-phobic (aka, Fashion ADD).
I own a couple of pairs: the Vince Blair slip-on sneakers in grey perforated leather, and a pair of Keds Champion slip-ons from several years ago. The Vince slip ons are as comfy as they get and a great quality shoe, with plenty of support and a smooth interior. I wore these all over Vegas (although I did have an issue w/ blisters after one particularly long day of wandering). The Keds are great, but I will say that they turned out to be kinda stinky after the first year. However, at such a low price point these can be worn hard and then used only for, say, gardening or somesuch.
For spring, I’m especially fond of anything pale pink, perforated, or with a nod to espadrilles (woven sole, etc).
THE ULTIMATE SLIP-ON SNEAKER ROUNDUP
- VANS
- VINCE
- LOEFLLER RANDALL
- VINCE
- MICHAEL KORS
- GAP
- KEDS
- SHOPBOP (ALSO IN LA VERSION)
- VINCE
- PRADA (HELLO LOVER)
- NORDSTROM
- SEAVEES
- GAP
- TORY SPORT
- MATT BERNSON
- TORY BURCH
- SOLUDOS
- NORDSTROM (YUM)
- SPERRY
- TORY SPORT