September 10th, 2024
On My Mind
What’s Next?
I am going to check in on a friend who is in the hospital. Since she’s a fellow blogger, I told her that we could discuss the demise of Adidas Sambas and whether Mary Janes are still chic. It seemed that every third person in Paris week before last was wearing the white Sambas above. Even though I have worn them for decades, I put them away at the beginning of the summer. I don’t usually let trends dictate my wardrobe choices, but the Samba is ubiquitous at this point and no longer feels special. So, what now? Which sneakers are you wearing these days?
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Valsport . The style is Tournament or Pelle.
Valsport is a fabulous and SO comfortable and stylish Italian sneaker. Plus you don’t find anyone wearing them in the USA. I feel like I’ve hit the jackpot with them !
Thanks Preston .
Jo
Love! As always… the white and black sambas with the black sole vs. the white. Just looks nicer. And MJs. I have wide feet and sadly, the Chanel ballet flats are not comfy to me. What’s comfy you ask? The suede Zara MJs. I’ve been following your MJ journey and love all your picks.
I still love my white Sambas (without a color stripe), but I change them out with a pair of Vejas. When I was in Paris in April, I saw more women wearing Vejas, and the department stores were heavily stocked with every color and style that Veja makes. Of course, they are designed in Paris so that’s no surprise. Overall, my Sambas are more comfortable for long-time wear, but I do appreciate the eco-friendliness of the Veja sneaker.
Preston! Per usual, this question is very timely to me. I have an upcoming post to discuss “playground footwear”, as I’m looking for a chic shoe that’s appropriate for chasing my toddler through the wood chips. My algorithms keep pointing me to the Sambas, but I don’t want to wear what everyone else is wearing. Looking forward to the comments here.
Wishing your friend a speedy recovery.
Marcheline Isabelle
Not “chic” per se, but Hoka are the most comfortable walking sneakers!
Loving Nike
Great designs for jean and trouser, so old school yet so cool,
They know how to make a sneaker
Still nostalgia with the Nike Cortez or Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 (although not a newcomer, but less everywhere than the Sambas)
Please pass on my get well wishes to one of my favorite bloggers Habitually Chic. It’s so awesome to get a visit from a friend while in the hospital and talk fashion instead of comparing ailments (LOL)!
I never jumped on the Sambas bandwagon. I am still wearing my GGDB leopard pony hair with glitter, but I like everything to be a little extra 😉 I am thinking about adding these: https://www.chanel.com/us/fashion/p/G46011B18068NZT00/sneakers-wool-mixed-fibers/
they are an investment, so I haven’t pulled the trigger yet.
I’ve never worn Sambas because they’re not all that comfortable on me. I love Autry which they now carry at NAP.
Loving my Paul Green sneakers.
Funny you should post on this. I have a pair of navy leather Sambas that I love. Great with both blue and white jeans. I was thinking that it was time to move on, but then my lovely SIL comes to visit wearing a pair of white Samba Court Shoes and I was in love all over again. I have a pair of NB 996 that I really like and Hoka’s (dislike) for working out. Preston, I also love those green Sambas you posted last year. So many colors to choose from!
I agree with the vote for Hokas! I have one pair in black, one in white!
Additionally, I’m interested in the clean look of a simple, leather sneaker. It appears timeless. I’ve heard good things about Common Projects but many retailers seem to have one to offer: Everlane, Quince, Cole Haan…
Marcheline Isabelle
I always go back to my white Stan Smith’s with navy at the back.
Stan Smiths ~ so I’m really behind with my with my sneaker choice.
And Chanel two tone ballet flats will always be cool with jeans.
Hi – my daughter lives in the UK and while I was visiting we were shopping for Sambas….it seemed like every person I saw had a pair on their feet. I passed, my daughter bought navy blue. I love Rag&Bone, but my all time favourite is the classic white Stan Smiths (prime green) they’re so comfortable.
I will say-as a rather odd person out-that I do not like walking miles in sneakers or trainers. I am a leather soled shoes person. I have walked up 15 miles a day in cities, wearing flat leather soled shoes, and my feel have never hurt. There was a recent WSJ article on this topic, speculating that the intrinsic foot muscles stay better conditioned when not cushioned. I only wear sneakers when actually playing sports or wear hiking shies when hiking. Currently in Rome-12 miles a day. And over 50.
Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 !
Loving the Nike Killshot 2.
I am wearing the Hoka Mafate Speed 2 and Salomon ACS as my go to sneakers. The other Hokas aren’t my thing. Even though everyone is wearing Sambas, the odd ones which are limited addition stand out IMO . Also the Nike x Bode Astro Grabber is a keeper. Air Force Ones are great too.
New balance 327s!! Flattering shape, comfortable for walking long distance. Particularly good with any cropped pant.
Not chic per se – but being Swiss I feel compelled to make a plug for On sneakers. We wore slip on On sneakers during a three week trip in Japan. They are easy to take on and off when entering temples, restaurant or other buildings and still give good support to walk for hours and miles. If I don’t walk for miles, I wear Chanel ballet flats. I have no idea if they are on trend right now but I love them.
I swear by AS98 Adrian sneakers. They are so comfortable and come in a range of colors. Right now, I’m wearing fuchsia.
Personally, I really dislike being in sneakers if I’m in a truly great city. I feel dowdy in sneakers, regardless what they look like. City days involve visiting museums, cathedrals and temples, shopping, cafe breaks, and sometimes the day runs into cocktails and dinner without the opportunity to change. I can’t enjoy a glass of French wine or a well made cocktail or a fabulous setting sitting in sneakers. That said, I don’t have the perfect solution. Recent trips I’ve worn solid color wool-and- suede tie shoes (in black or beige) from Loro Piana. In warm climes for day touring ancient ruins, Rothy’s are a good choice. In cold weather, an ankle boot with cushion is the answer. I agree with Rebecca about a leather sole shoe, ideally with arch support and cushion.
New Balances for exercise, in the summer Supergas, the rest of the year Veja’s or navy suede NB’s, but this fall I may buy a pair of platform low top leather Converse’s. I think they will look nice with wider leg jeans and pants.
Love this post and reading all the comments. I’ve been increasingly wearing sneakers to work (!) and have been loyal to the Hermes Trail sneaker for the last 20 years – the solid color calfskin leather ones are so incredibly soft, and somehow under the radar compared to their other styles. I got them in silver a few years ago that was so not my style – but I now love them especially since I wear a lot of navy. Also love my Brunello Cuccinelli suede and tulle black sneaker without the laces (MZSFG2127C101) – they are pretty anonymous and the only pair I bring when I travel and it holds up well with dressier pants/dresses/work wear. I’ve held on to my old YSL Andys as they still work well with chino/navy pants but they’re super stiff and never got softer over time. In summer plain white canvas Supergas with everything.
I wear On sneakers…I have 3 pair. Latest are for walking…I tried on Hokas but they were just too much for me! On fits me well…also Nike. Tried New Balance, but my feet don’t like them!
Not since my all black Pumas have I had a pair of sneakers that I would consider wearing when “dressed”, as opposed to when walking or hiking. I would love to find the right pair — without a white outer sole and not too heavy looking.
As for Mary Janes — They are not chic. They are adorable on little girls. But after one is 6, surely there is a better choice.
I love the Nike Killshot 2 in white/beige and The Row Owen in black. I took out the insoles of the Owens and put in Superfeet Insoles (found on Amazon). They have been life changing for me. These responses have been very educational!
I’m a big Van’s girl, the slip ons are great, and the lace ups give off old school Ked’s vibes.
I almost don’t want to mention it, but Freda Salvador is a beautiful brand designed by the coolest (and nicest) moms in Northern California. Both their sneakers & handwoven flats are chic, not-at-all mainstream, and most importantly, walkable.
On sneakers are the best! Simple black with black sole. Lightweight and so comfortable. I also love to travel in my camel Tod’s slip on sneaker. Paul Green sneakers are very comfortable but I am having a hard time finding a simple pair without metallic.
I’m a bit of a sneaker head, albeit luxe kicks. Currently wearing on repeat Italian brand Ghoud Venice, hand made in Venice, well made, super comfortable, but had been wearing for years Brunello Cucinelli. I have more pairs that I care to state but I love the details, comfortable level and durability of Mr. Cucinelli’s sneakers. I too have worn Sambas since college but haven’t retrieved them from storage due to the overexposure of the style.
Asics Onitsuka
Hi Preston! I’ve been living in my Golden Goose V star- They remind me of Converse but with much better arch and sole support. I have 4 pairs and plan to get a new pair this season. I don’t see them on everyone, which I love.
I have been eyeing Nike Cortez again- their color combos are so delicious! xx
I am sitting with about 10 tabs open on every recommendation. Thank you to your readers for their generosity in sharing. I have HC (wishing her a speedy recovery) on her Paris posts to thank for my investments in Loewe flow runners and Ghoude but am loving all these suggestions.
I keep trying to like sneakers for running around but I always feel like my feet look like big boats in them. I recently bought a pair of Loro P knit slip-on sneakers for travel and like them very much, but not for the playground. Rebecca I’d love to read that WSJ article but alas cannot find it!
Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 Vintage ‘Birch Black’
The Dries Van Noten sneakers are great!
Loved that you took such great care of HC. xoxo
tretorn! lately i love how unfabulous they are.
I preferSalomon, New Balance, and On. I find Sambas too flat and too wide. In my opinion, MG is funny on grown up women…
Vans classic slip-on in navy. They’re so easy and go with everything!