Sneakers are the new pumps … and the new booties, boots and loafers, too. They’ve upstaged all other footwear as the go-to shoe whether we wear leggings, joggers or jeans. Those of us who have returned to actual clothes even wear sneakers with tailored work pants and midi dresses. Our bunions and hammertoes love them, our calluses and sensitive soles, too. And if you’re looking for extra traction (and who isn’t over age 50?) what’s not to love about rubber soles? Here are the ones to snap up.
(Clockwise from top left) Keds Champion-Canvas CVO in Black Canvas; Superga Women’s Classic Low-Top Sneakers in Grey Sage; Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Hi-Top Sneaker in Red
Zappos (2); Famous Footwear
1. The classic sneaker
They’re old-school, iconic and a great blast from the past of sneakers we’ve wore before. Cotton canvas sneakers with white laces are classics, so think of them as basics — just like a navy blazer, a crisp button-down shirt or a pair of dark-wash jeans. In other words, you can’t go wrong. Choose low-tops — like the Keds Champion-Canvas CVO in black canvas ($50, zappos.com) or the Superga Women’s Classic Low-Top Sneakers in grey sage ($65, zappos.com) — or a high-top like the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Hi Top Sneaker in red ($60, famousfootwear.com).
(Clockwise from bottom left) Cougar Women’s Lace Up Faux Fur Trimmed Sneakers in Pewter; Steve Madden Debora Mid-Top Sneaker in Dark Olive Green; Sperry Crest Lug High-Top Quilted Cozy Suede in Griffin
Bloomingdale’s; DSW; Zappos
2. The snow sneaker
Hi-tops and hiking boots have joined forces in a toasty new alternative that keeps our ankles sturdy and our soles from slipping, in fleece and faux fur trimmed ski-lodge style. Yes, they’re a little more expensive, but they are multitasking and worth it if you live in a cold climate. Try a cozy pair like the Sperry Crest Lug High-Top Quilted Cozy Suede in griffin ($85, zappos.com), Steve Madden Debora Mid-Top Sneaker in dark olive green ($100, dsw.com) or the Cougar Women’s Lace Up Faux Fur Trimmed Sneakers in pewter ($160, bloomingdales.com), and start looking forward to chilly icy days like never before. And unlike clunky/heavy storm boots, they’re a cinch to drive in, too.
(Clockwise from top left) Steve Madden Coulter Quilted Slip-On Sneaker in black; Naturalizer Zola Slip-On Sneaker in black; Dr. Scholl’s Nova in black
Nordstrom; DSW; Zappos
3. The leather slip-on
This is the faux black leather shoe substitute that fashion editor me calls a “sh-neaker” — a chic hybrid with a more dressed-up look. The structured fit is way more foot friendly than thin-soled ballet flats, pointy toe pumps or mules. Try sophisticated styles like the Dr. Scholl’s Nova in black ($50, zappos.com), Steve Madden Coulter Quilted Slip-On Sneaker in black ($60, nordstrom.com) or Naturalizer Zola Slip-On Sneaker in black ($70, dsw.com).
