This trifecta proves the best sneakers can be both of-the-moment and built to last
Whether you want to admit it or not, the pandemic brought on an athleisure boom that has stood the test of time for… well, some time. It didn’t spawn the term “athleisure,” but it certainly mainstreamed it, thanks in part to the shift to remote work for many.
Of course, the pandemic-era boom wasn’t the first time the trend had its moment. From the fitness craze of the late ‘70s and ‘80s, which popularized spandex and Lycra, to the ‘90s streetwear and hip-hop influence that pushed athletic wear into the mainstream with tracksuits, jerseys and high-top sneakers; to the leggings boom of the early 2000s; and now, a more refined approach with brands like Lululemon, Alo, and Athleta offering an elevated interpretation of performance wear.
At this point, most luxury designers have offered their own take on the category, and the resulting brand and celebrity collaborations are seemingly endless. Remember those standout collaborations like adidas by Stella McCartney, New Balance x Miu Miu or more recently, Zendaya x On and Nike x Jacquemus (more on that one later).
The reality is, six years after the outside world shut down, people still crave the same comfort, familiarity, relatability, and authenticity they gravitated toward when they first became homebodies. Except now, they don’t just want all of the above within the confines of home, the place they reserved for being the most relaxed and vulnerable version of themselves. People now want that when they’re out in the world, where they typically put on their bravest face and suit up in bulletproof armor to face the day.
I’ve watched as athleisure has evolved beyond the clothing itself and into a broader approach to getting dressed. What started as a specific category between athletic and everyday wear is now an overall acceptance of leisurewear. Leggings, track pants, sneakers and performance-inspired pieces that have found their way into everyday wardrobes. And the leisurewear lexicon has expanded from simply workout wear to more elevated, refined utilitarian looks to campy, themed sportswear dressing: tennis core, ballet core, and the like.
I think the leisurewear trend has its upsides (and definitely its downsides), but I don’t reject it as much as others in the industry. If anything, it’s really reframed how people think about getting dressed before venturing outdoors. Some argue that it encourages a form of messy dressing that is lazy, thoughtless and devoid of intention. But I think it has also relaxed some of the pressure around achieving perfection and the expectations that come with “creating a look.” And, surprisingly, it’s actually invited more creativity and innovation.
In the last couple of years, we’ve seen a resurgence of the public’s obsession with fashion sneakers. And with it, a renewed creativity in the ways people elevate them. They’re now showing up in more luxurious fabrics, unexpected color combinations and unconventional silhouettes.
Which brings me to my current sneaker trifecta. It’s a roster of styles from three major brands that, in very different ways, have perfected the athleisure to everyday crossover. I love that each caters to a different mood, which means the looks I pair with them and the combinations I can create feel endless. Here they are and how I’ve been styling them to meet the test of today and tomorrow:
THE HIP AUNT
A refined take on one of Nike’s earliest sneaker designs, the Moon Shoe feels more fashion-forward than its athletic predecessor. It’s also earned a celebrity following from the likes of Dua Lipa, Solange, Rihanna, which certainly doesn’t hurt its cool factor. I love the “Fauna Brown and Cashmere” for fall. I’ve been gravitating toward monochromatic looks with these, but they pair well with the unexpected neutral in an otherwise colorful outfit like creams, whites or even pops of red and blue. Because of the feather light weight and slim silhouette that grips the ankle, I prefer to pair these with more fitted ensembles that still move but don’t drown the shoe. They’re especially good with midi skirts that create a nice tension against the sport silhouette.
THE TRENDSETTER
Adidas Barreda Mary Jane Sneaker
The Barreda taps into the ongoing resurgence of ballet core without requiring me to fully commit to the trend. The rich red of the “Better Scarlet” color makes it even more of a statement. These are a chunkier option with a thick sneaker sole and cushioned insole designed for comfort. Because the body of the shoe has such a distinct, delicate shape, I like balancing it with looser, more relaxed pieces so baggier denim, oversized trousers and slouchier silhouettes. The contrast keeps the look from feeling too precious.
THE NOT SO REGULAR MOM, BUT COOL MOM
Lastly, there’s the Reebok Club C Grounds UK. The sneaker that says mom, but decidedly not mom sneaker. I own a pair in blue suede, and they’ve quickly become one of my favorite ways to make everyday denim feel more considered. I’ve been pairing these with cropped boyfriend and barrel-leg denim, where the slightly retro shop of the sneaker plays nicely with the volume of these jeans. They’re no-fuss and casual, but not so casual that they look like an afterthought you’ve simply thrown on with whatever was closest to the door, which, as a mom, is sometimes exactly what happened.