Me too! There are so many shoe options out there. There’s just no excuse for using these as regular footwear! Before athletic shoes, women simply wore well-made, sturdy leather shoes with a one-inch (or higher) heel. They wore them all day; they were many times the only pair they had – and they lived to tell about it. Why, now, this need to be in something ugly because it’s going to then (supposedly) be inherently comfortable. Don’t get it! Also, never heard them called racers before – very odd. I’m old enough, I still call any kind of athletic shoes tennis shoes – ha!
It’s not just about comfort, it’s more about edge and humor. No amount of colors, spikes and prints on a pair of ballet flats or heels, can achieve the same edge, and give the same spin of irony to an otherwise simple outfit, as just a regular pair of sneakers. Sneakers are not meant to be elegant, that is not what they are made for. That is why they can do this for an outfit. Women shoes are meant to be elegant, sneakers are nonchalant. Sometimes timelessness, elegance and simplicity (which i’m a big fan of of) can just feel like sleepwalking, and then a bright pair of sneakers can help waking up the outfit (without killing your feet).
Sorry, but I don’t see anything edgy, humorous or ironic here. All I see is shoes that don’t go with the outfit. How, exactly, would one wear tennis shoes ironically – with a wedding gown, maybe… ?
LBell
March 24, 2013 at 7:19 am
On my first visit to London years ago I was told that the only people who wore trainers outside of the gym were American tourists. So in order to blend in I stayed in black flats the whole two weeks. It must have worked because people kept walking up to me and asking for directions. That was my second thought upon seeing these pics. (I confess that my first thought was “Cool!” lol)
Only the 4th picture can do it with racers , others are rubbish…
However, the beige hat and coat in the first picture and the scarf in the second , are just stunning ! Great capture as always ..lol… http://www.ottomandandy.com
I like all of these. The last is especially nice because she’s writing with a pen in a sketchbook or journal or notebook. Somehow I find that people writing in a real journal or who are reading a real newspaper, book or magazine look about 5,000 times better than those who have some little electrical device occupying their attention.
Oh those are cute. Some of them, anyways. I love old school Nikes. But they are damned hard to find these days. And mine are about to fall apart. I suppose I’ll have to settle for something else. Those red ones are nice.
Thanks, Johnny. Yes, there are lots of shoes out there that provide both comfort and style. Like using the right tool for the job. These are for running so, unless that’s what I see you doing in them, I don’t want to see you at all. Thanks.
I LOVE seeing them in these wonderful bright colours …. with such panache. It beats some of those crazy heels we’ve seen …. mind you, I love the aesthetic of the heels, but I cannot walk in them to save my life for the pain.
I see why you say that, but I find it really frustrating when people give credit to Phoebe Philo for the popularity of runners/sneakers or as we say in London ‘trainers’. Many women (myself included) have worn trainers creatively, not just with the standard tracksuit for years….
The same women who used to look at my feet with horror as I wore my Adidas Stan Smiths with my Balenciaga now think they are trend-setters with their overpriced Isabel Marants. Ohhh fashion lol :)
yes, this first started in the 90s. i remember going to fashion parties in london in and seeing people with running shoes on. then, when i went back to college in ny, the cool kids were all wearing the nike air max ’95 with their regular street clothes.
heeey! I´ve got those orange ones!!!!! :) definitely saving this post with such great ideas of how to wear them ;) xo, Alma http://www.soulofashopper.com
i love that comfort and style can blend together! i live in a city and i can identify to the need of wearing comfortable shoes and maintaining a certain style!
I really like the older lady’s smile, contrasted with the other 3 younger ones. She shows the most grace, in spite (because?) of the fact.
Nothing beats time. Not even youth, I’d say.
I don’t know. If it’s your own signature, running around with racers, it’s authentic and it’s great to see that. But for example the lady with the bright pink nikes seems like she has only put on the sneakers, because EVERYONE in the fashion world do so right know. So, on her it looks – just a bit – ridiculous. Not real. Not her personality. I mean, with leather pants and a clutch? Is she trying to stand out whatever it takes? It has no class. I’m sure, she is a nice person, but what’s the deal with her shoes?
Wow. Hypocrisy at its very best. For years and years the Europeans et al. made fun of the Americans for their fashion practicality. Work suits with sneakers on their commute to work…etc. etc..
Now they can’t buy neon nikes fast enough….LOL. It takes attitude and confidence to wear whatever the hell you want to wear. Then guess what? You are the trendsetter!
You certainly have your finger on the nub of youth…keep on keeping on…the fashion students of the world need to keep sucking from your font of knowledge. Bravo, Sart!
Sorry to tell you, but this has already been a trend in the U.S. for a long time.
Quite a few years ago, working women started putting on sneakers to go back and forth to work claiming that it was more comfortable and/or they were saving wear and tear on their “better” shoes (which they presumably switched to once in the office). I can buy the comfort excuse but, given what some sneakers cost, what difference does it make whether you are wearing out athletic shoes or your “good” ones? All shoes are made to be worn; they wear out, and need periodic repair. Deal with it. I will say that the ones here are at least a little more interesting (especially the orange ones) than the typical ugly, white, puffy ones that are so prevalent. I can’t tell you how much I dislike seeing a woman in a nice business suit and then– WHITE TENNIS SHOES with her thick little socks over her stockings!!! I think, after a while, it became a kind of badge of success – “I have a good job, and I have much better shoes, but I don’t want to ruin them by wearing them outside…”
I read once that one should leave the house only as a complete picture – that means that everything is right from head to toe. This includes ones footwear. Tragically, now the ugly tennis shoe phenomenon has given way to flip-flops – not only for women but men as well. And not only in summer, but all year round. I can’t imagine what future footwear nightmare awaits us… What a world, what a world…
I love trends/fashion that are meant to live in, not just to be beautiful and maybe not always comfortable. This is great! I live an active life and walk around a lot, to not kill my feet/legs and still look cool this is such a nice choise for my feet. I don’t understand people who thinks women are supposed to wear more classic female shoes. We have to remember how clothes makes us feel, and I suppose lots of people feels free and active in these kinds f shoes. I think it’s great. And the fashionword needs humour and colour!
irene
March 5, 2013 at 4:03 pm
ohh that’s for sure a good choice!
So glad comfy shoes are on fashion right now :)
http://www.ontomywardrobe.com
andreea
March 6, 2013 at 5:20 am
phoebe philo has just appeared in a mag the other day, wearing cool sneakers. this one cool trend to be kept for ever! :)
http://littleaesthete.com
Nico
March 5, 2013 at 4:07 pm
I like the first and the second shot!
http://lowbudget-lowcost.blogspot.it/2013/03/dont-freezenew-warm-outfits-post.html
aninalu
March 5, 2013 at 4:16 pm
I’m currently looking for a pair of sneakers and then I found these: http://25.media.tumblr.com/606b5cace2a5e5f0a0da6026b5e32659/tumblr_mj79e26tcX1r2zymqo1_400.jpg
Turns out they don’t come in my size (at least not on the webshop, where I found them). Damn, search continues…
Sandra
March 5, 2013 at 4:16 pm
Love the second pic! I like that sneakers!
Sandra
http://lestylonoir.wordpress.com/
Mr Essentialist
March 5, 2013 at 4:17 pm
I like the idea of mobile-fashion, the added flash of colour doesn’t hurt either.
http://www.mressentialist.com
Gian Luca M
March 5, 2013 at 4:23 pm
….mmmm….no….no….
Gian Luca M
http://www.laterzapagina.net
Dawn
March 5, 2013 at 4:47 pm
I agree, definitely NO! Unless you’re in the gym…
dcinDC
March 5, 2013 at 6:25 pm
Me too! There are so many shoe options out there. There’s just no excuse for using these as regular footwear! Before athletic shoes, women simply wore well-made, sturdy leather shoes with a one-inch (or higher) heel. They wore them all day; they were many times the only pair they had – and they lived to tell about it. Why, now, this need to be in something ugly because it’s going to then (supposedly) be inherently comfortable. Don’t get it! Also, never heard them called racers before – very odd. I’m old enough, I still call any kind of athletic shoes tennis shoes – ha!
aninalu
March 6, 2013 at 4:39 am
It’s not just about comfort, it’s more about edge and humor. No amount of colors, spikes and prints on a pair of ballet flats or heels, can achieve the same edge, and give the same spin of irony to an otherwise simple outfit, as just a regular pair of sneakers. Sneakers are not meant to be elegant, that is not what they are made for. That is why they can do this for an outfit. Women shoes are meant to be elegant, sneakers are nonchalant. Sometimes timelessness, elegance and simplicity (which i’m a big fan of of) can just feel like sleepwalking, and then a bright pair of sneakers can help waking up the outfit (without killing your feet).
dcinDC
March 10, 2013 at 1:23 am
Sorry, but I don’t see anything edgy, humorous or ironic here. All I see is shoes that don’t go with the outfit. How, exactly, would one wear tennis shoes ironically – with a wedding gown, maybe… ?
LBell
March 24, 2013 at 7:19 am
On my first visit to London years ago I was told that the only people who wore trainers outside of the gym were American tourists. So in order to blend in I stayed in black flats the whole two weeks. It must have worked because people kept walking up to me and asking for directions. That was my second thought upon seeing these pics. (I confess that my first thought was “Cool!” lol)
annaofgreengable
March 5, 2013 at 4:28 pm
Yes! I was just thinking about this. Brilliant!
xo green gable
http://annaofgreengable.wordpress.com/
Laura
March 5, 2013 at 4:28 pm
Love, love, love this trend!
http://www.laurablogmode.com
Carol
March 5, 2013 at 4:29 pm
OMG, I love these! Subjects, setting, mood, wonderful! Ladies in real life, looking lovely & content. The sneakers in the last photo are amazing!
cristina
March 5, 2013 at 4:35 pm
sometimes images are better then liric
http://www.designandfashionrecipes.com
Ottoman Dandy
March 5, 2013 at 4:35 pm
Only the 4th picture can do it with racers , others are rubbish…
However, the beige hat and coat in the first picture and the scarf in the second , are just stunning ! Great capture as always ..lol…
http://www.ottomandandy.com
THE STEL STYLE
March 5, 2013 at 4:38 pm
I really love this style!!!! It’s fantastic and conformable!!!
http://www.thestelstyle.com
simbarashe
March 5, 2013 at 4:44 pm
Well they come in popping colours and are crazy comfy, so why not make it work with some looks.
http://lordashbury.com
Sevan
March 5, 2013 at 4:47 pm
The 3rd picture kept my attention. I never thought of pairing red racers with dressy pants but in this case, the whole outfit is very stylish.
monkeyshines
March 5, 2013 at 4:59 pm
fabulous sneakers!
monkeyshines
http://monkeyshines-monkeyshines.blogspot.com/
Lelli Family
March 5, 2013 at 5:02 pm
It’s a casual&chic style that I love, woman in last pic is my favorite
Mom Cesy from Lelli, italian fashion family
joia
March 5, 2013 at 5:07 pm
i love this trend! but somehow, it would feel really strange to me.
Monica Harmony
March 5, 2013 at 5:07 pm
Never thought that it would actually look great with an outfit!
monicaharmony.wordpress.com
El Presidente
March 5, 2013 at 5:10 pm
Agree, the shoes are comfortable and colourful….but so are track pants.
It looks to me like they had some kind of multiple shoe tragedy and these were the only ones they had left.
lpv
March 5, 2013 at 5:20 pm
yes. finally, i am fashionable!
jason
March 5, 2013 at 5:22 pm
I like all of these. The last is especially nice because she’s writing with a pen in a sketchbook or journal or notebook. Somehow I find that people writing in a real journal or who are reading a real newspaper, book or magazine look about 5,000 times better than those who have some little electrical device occupying their attention.
maya
March 5, 2013 at 5:23 pm
i love this style, it’s so nonchalant and cool !! especially the 1st and 3rd photo.
Martine
March 5, 2013 at 5:23 pm
Oh those are cute. Some of them, anyways. I love old school Nikes. But they are damned hard to find these days. And mine are about to fall apart. I suppose I’ll have to settle for something else. Those red ones are nice.
johnny lexington
March 5, 2013 at 5:23 pm
no thanks, they belong on the track!
dcinDC
March 5, 2013 at 6:32 pm
Thanks, Johnny. Yes, there are lots of shoes out there that provide both comfort and style. Like using the right tool for the job. These are for running so, unless that’s what I see you doing in them, I don’t want to see you at all. Thanks.
Stephanie
March 5, 2013 at 5:50 pm
Never heard them being called racers!! Love the looks though!
-Stephanie
@LaminLouboutins.com
Chris
March 5, 2013 at 5:51 pm
I have been trying to find a pair of runners that have the classic gum sole studs on the bottom, but it’s hard to find these days!
LIZPR
March 5, 2013 at 5:55 pm
We call ‘em “runners” in Canada.
I LOVE seeing them in these wonderful bright colours …. with such panache. It beats some of those crazy heels we’ve seen …. mind you, I love the aesthetic of the heels, but I cannot walk in them to save my life for the pain.
http://www.lizpr.com
hadhka
March 5, 2013 at 5:58 pm
Stunning
http://cargocollective.com/haideedefraine
Jennifer
March 5, 2013 at 6:17 pm
These ladies make them look so chic!
xo Jennifer
http://seekingstyleblog.wordpress.com
Elena
March 5, 2013 at 6:37 pm
Great collage, all looks are super chic and stylish!
http://dcinstyle.com/
Nanna
March 5, 2013 at 6:56 pm
Oh no. Not when there are so many nice comfy leather flats and ankle boots that could be worn with these outfits. Though these are great…
Archie
March 5, 2013 at 6:57 pm
Racers, yes, but how about racers & clutches? 3 out of the 4 ladies have one. : )
I love this trend. Healthy for your spine yet totally fun.
Esteban
March 5, 2013 at 7:02 pm
Since Phoebe Philo did back in 2011, everyone is thinking about it
Ali
March 6, 2013 at 6:13 am
I see why you say that, but I find it really frustrating when people give credit to Phoebe Philo for the popularity of runners/sneakers or as we say in London ‘trainers’. Many women (myself included) have worn trainers creatively, not just with the standard tracksuit for years….
The same women who used to look at my feet with horror as I wore my Adidas Stan Smiths with my Balenciaga now think they are trend-setters with their overpriced Isabel Marants. Ohhh fashion lol :)
heather
March 6, 2013 at 10:36 am
yes, this first started in the 90s. i remember going to fashion parties in london in and seeing people with running shoes on. then, when i went back to college in ny, the cool kids were all wearing the nike air max ’95 with their regular street clothes.
http://anna-and-klaudia.blogspot.com/
March 5, 2013 at 7:04 pm
very comfy :)
jonny
March 5, 2013 at 7:30 pm
Girl, top left pic, felt hat. What sneakers are they?! Been looking for those Nike’s everywhere!! Does anyone know what their called? Many thanks.
aninalu
March 6, 2013 at 4:11 am
http://www.nakedshop.dk/commodity/729-nike-sportswear-vortex-air-vintage
Nike Vortex Air Vintage
jonny
March 6, 2013 at 5:41 pm
Siiiiiiiiiick !! Thank you very much aninalu
Rachel
March 5, 2013 at 8:11 pm
i will take the old school new balances please & thank you -the neons can come too.
retailandothertherapies.wordpress.com
amy jo
March 5, 2013 at 8:23 pm
This is reminiscent of NY in 1998-1999.
heather
March 6, 2013 at 10:36 am
totally. even 1995 with the nike air max.
dandy
March 5, 2013 at 9:29 pm
Loving the sneaker trend at the moment! I just posted a similar post on how to wear them! <3
Felyn
March 5, 2013 at 11:47 pm
Sneakers are chic!
eypolapol.tumblr.com
Isa tout simplement ...
March 6, 2013 at 12:49 am
Love the first coat ! Beautiful !
Herrbergquist
March 6, 2013 at 1:32 am
Like being back in 1997! I love that the racers are back!
MaricruzLA
March 6, 2013 at 2:05 am
Love them!
http://www.lam-style.blogspot.com
Nomadic D.
March 6, 2013 at 2:27 am
I was so excited to see my new sneakers in the mix! Bottom right, funnest sneakers ever:
http://bit.ly/XWhZmw
Love the simple black new balance as well, I think that looks great, but I discovered I needed something a little bolder.
http://www.nomadicd.com
Maike
March 6, 2013 at 2:50 am
… thinking, that I am very happy, that they are back in fashion! Wouldnt miss them in my closet and on my feet!
Cheers, M.
soulofashopper
March 6, 2013 at 3:17 am
heeey! I´ve got those orange ones!!!!! :) definitely saving this post with such great ideas of how to wear them ;) xo, Alma
http://www.soulofashopper.com
Charlotte
March 6, 2013 at 4:14 am
Love it!
http://fashionbrunette.blogspot.com
Namrata
March 6, 2013 at 5:18 am
Love how casual and fun they look!
N
http://seasoncheck.blogspot.in
sybil
March 6, 2013 at 6:57 am
i love that comfort and style can blend together! i live in a city and i can identify to the need of wearing comfortable shoes and maintaining a certain style!
From Boho to Chiic
March 6, 2013 at 7:38 am
Love it! ♥
http://frombohotochiic.blogspot.com
slothglut
March 6, 2013 at 8:16 am
I really like the older lady’s smile, contrasted with the other 3 younger ones. She shows the most grace, in spite (because?) of the fact.
Nothing beats time. Not even youth, I’d say.
Bonnie, Clyde and Marni
March 6, 2013 at 8:24 am
Love it!!
http://www.bonnieclydemarni.com/
Maria
March 6, 2013 at 8:43 am
I don’t know. If it’s your own signature, running around with racers, it’s authentic and it’s great to see that. But for example the lady with the bright pink nikes seems like she has only put on the sneakers, because EVERYONE in the fashion world do so right know. So, on her it looks – just a bit – ridiculous. Not real. Not her personality. I mean, with leather pants and a clutch? Is she trying to stand out whatever it takes? It has no class. I’m sure, she is a nice person, but what’s the deal with her shoes?
Christina
March 6, 2013 at 8:57 am
Wow. Hypocrisy at its very best. For years and years the Europeans et al. made fun of the Americans for their fashion practicality. Work suits with sneakers on their commute to work…etc. etc..
Now they can’t buy neon nikes fast enough….LOL. It takes attitude and confidence to wear whatever the hell you want to wear. Then guess what? You are the trendsetter!
The slow pace
March 6, 2013 at 9:58 am
I get it. No socks.
Tina Banks
March 6, 2013 at 11:22 am
Not a huge fan…
http://Www.elblogdetinabanks.com
AlsoTracy
March 6, 2013 at 1:43 pm
Worn by every dowdy woman in the Midwest (USA). It’s hard not to see them, but I try really hard not to think about them.
Christina
March 6, 2013 at 4:00 pm
I am still laughing at this comment! perfect
Carlos Dawson
March 6, 2013 at 4:04 pm
You certainly have your finger on the nub of youth…keep on keeping on…the fashion students of the world need to keep sucking from your font of knowledge. Bravo, Sart!
Sharemychic
March 6, 2013 at 9:18 pm
I HAVE been thinking about these. So perfect.
nicola lynde
March 7, 2013 at 3:51 am
Everyday Copenhagen…
Laura
March 8, 2013 at 2:10 am
I love mixing everything chic with one contrasting item, it’s like heels, skinny pants and a slouchy sweater, but reversed.
Daniela Wartropp
March 8, 2013 at 5:43 am
They are a MUST for this spring season. Valentino militar sneakers are the most beautiful . CAN NOT live without them.
JESUS PEREIRA
March 8, 2013 at 7:43 am
Love this retro style of sport shoes , but my prefered brand is
GOLA CLASSICS, the same style but more cool than the rest !
BeingandBecoming
March 8, 2013 at 7:58 am
no, No, NO! I live in South Korea and they are EVERYWHERE! I’m really going to be upset if this becomes a tread in America.
dcinDC
March 10, 2013 at 1:16 am
Sorry to tell you, but this has already been a trend in the U.S. for a long time.
Quite a few years ago, working women started putting on sneakers to go back and forth to work claiming that it was more comfortable and/or they were saving wear and tear on their “better” shoes (which they presumably switched to once in the office). I can buy the comfort excuse but, given what some sneakers cost, what difference does it make whether you are wearing out athletic shoes or your “good” ones? All shoes are made to be worn; they wear out, and need periodic repair. Deal with it. I will say that the ones here are at least a little more interesting (especially the orange ones) than the typical ugly, white, puffy ones that are so prevalent. I can’t tell you how much I dislike seeing a woman in a nice business suit and then– WHITE TENNIS SHOES with her thick little socks over her stockings!!! I think, after a while, it became a kind of badge of success – “I have a good job, and I have much better shoes, but I don’t want to ruin them by wearing them outside…”
I read once that one should leave the house only as a complete picture – that means that everything is right from head to toe. This includes ones footwear. Tragically, now the ugly tennis shoe phenomenon has given way to flip-flops – not only for women but men as well. And not only in summer, but all year round. I can’t imagine what future footwear nightmare awaits us… What a world, what a world…
diaboliqueguan
March 8, 2013 at 3:52 pm
in the fashion world, this is so WRONG.
Lydia
March 8, 2013 at 10:12 pm
Freaking love racers, I have a pair of purple Nikes I love to death…of course this will only work when paired with the right outfit, like those above!
ravenmaidenmaven.blogspot.com
Emelie
March 9, 2013 at 2:40 am
I love trends/fashion that are meant to live in, not just to be beautiful and maybe not always comfortable. This is great! I live an active life and walk around a lot, to not kill my feet/legs and still look cool this is such a nice choise for my feet. I don’t understand people who thinks women are supposed to wear more classic female shoes. We have to remember how clothes makes us feel, and I suppose lots of people feels free and active in these kinds f shoes. I think it’s great. And the fashionword needs humour and colour!
Susan
March 10, 2013 at 1:57 am
the second outfit is perfect! i want to dress like that every day :)
Hillary Butler {Fine Art}
March 10, 2013 at 6:07 pm
Why, oh why, do kicks look so much better on Europeans than we Americans? They look so tragic here!
Just James
March 12, 2013 at 3:16 pm
Oh boy! Speaking as a Canadian, I hope this isn’t a gateway to thinking pyjama bottoms are acceptable streetwear…FYI North America, they are NOT!