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Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to wear fashion sneakers – even with business casual attire. Hazy is now the line between fashion and athletic footwear.
Fashion sneakers complete any weekend look and send a relaxed vibe without trying too hard. Despite being a status symbol for decades, hazy is now the line between fashion footwear and athletic wear. For many, the right pair of kicks is an individual trademark conveying a mixture of power, nonchalance, and creativity.
The market for fashion sneakers is booming yet is the recent frenzied adoption really new? Sneaker culture dates back to the early 1920s when sneakers were relegated to the realm of sports and the athletes who technically needed them. Chuck Taylor requested Converse make modifications to improve support and flexibility, thus becoming the first-ever celebrity to endorse sneakers. Converse ran with the celebrity endorsement and set a marketing standard in the world of iconic athletic footwear that continues today.
While menswear trends seemingly come and go by the seasons, it is of no surprise that sneaker culture changes just as quickly. Whether you are ready to jump in and purchase your first pair of fashion tennies, or if you are in the market to feed your fashion footwear addiction, now is the perfect time to make a few purchases. According to a February 2019 Business Insider report, the best months to upgrade your sneakers are May and November. With November overlapping the holiday season, this is where you will find most of your discounts stacked on top of markdowns.
If you are getting ready to purchase your first pair but are unsure, invest in a classic minimalist white sneaker. Avoid neon colors and styles with an orthopedic vibe.
Minimalist White Sneaker
The clean and classic minimalist sneaker trend is currently a fan favorite and is a great place to begin your fashion sneaker addiction. They are simple and versatile enough to dress up with high-end tailoring or dress down with athletic wear or casual jeans. White sneakers are a smart-casual staple that is going to be around for a while.
Whether white- or gum sole, white leather sneakers are ubiquitous in the world of men’s fashion. A drawback, however, is that they get dirty quickly. Avoid wearing your white kicks in rainy weather or grimy places. Wear with no-show socks, which are different than ankle socks. Ankle socks sit at the ankle, while no-show socks lie low below the ankle.
Tech Runners
As a running enthusiast, tech runners are my personal favorites. The best part, they are not “just for runners.” Tech runners go well with the “athleisure style.” They are very sleek, lightweight, and have knitted uppers. Some of our favorite tech runners have built-in waterproofing and ripstop fabrics. They come in many colors and different sole options, including white, color, and gum sole. Whether you choose lace-up or elastic laces, you cannot go wrong with tech runners. When wearing this style, be sure to pair your shoe with a no-show sock.
Suede
Suede adds texture and visual interest to any stylish outfit. It looks fantastic when blended with leather embellishments and a gum sole. Try to stick with neutral colors with small pops of color. If you feel brave, snag a pair of light navy blue or light olive. Although still neutral colors, they have a bit more visual interest than plain brown. You can take things to the next level with a darker olive. Again, these colors are versatile and subdued yet make standout pieces. As with tech runners, your ankles should be bare. Wear no show socks, not ankle socks.
All Black
All black sneakers are definitely a fashion-forward statement. Stick with a simple, understated outfit and do as little as possible to draw attention to your shoes. They will do most of the talking for you. Black sneakers are heavy on the eyes, so go easy on the colors lest they clash. Stick to wearing only black, white, or gray.
White-soled black sneakers are a bit more versatile and have an overall lighter look. You can ease up on wearing only darker colors as the white soles help tone down the shoe. The key is not to look like you are trying too hard.
Again, stick to a no-show sock. They only times we should see your socks are if you are outside running or in the gym.
Fashion sneakers should be fun, and you should feel at ease wearing them in public. No matter what kind of sneakers you choose, there are a few basic principles to keep in mind.
- Buy sneakers that complement your current wardrobe.
- Wear them on the right occasions; err on the side of over-dressed.
- Keep them clean.
- Hygiene counts, wear socks.
We want to see what you are wearing! Upload a pic of you wearing your favorite fashion sneakers and tag us @coastallifestylemagazine #coastallifestylemensfashion .
