Summer Sneakers…

My rotation for this season’s sneakers trends

Look, I know most people have a pair or two of sneakers and call it a day. Trusted, basic styles that get them through a trip to Europe or Disney or to the grocery store or the park.

And then there’s…me. Call me a sneakerhead, sneakerphile, obsessed, or just plain bananas. I own almost 100 pairs of sneakers alone. I buy a few new pairs each season…colorways I don’t have and absolutely want, new trends and styles that I want to give a go, old trusted pairs I won’t let go of (I’m STILL rocking my Nike Pandas and you can’t stop me). So I thought I’d share what’s trending right now for summer when it comes to sneakers and the specific pairs that will be in heavy rotation for me!

For those who are just tipping their toe into branching out into something more adventurous, the Adidas Samba Janes are the go-to. I see them everywhere out and about…and have seen a lot of AUTHORS, specifically (my algorithm), mention they got a pair. I, too, have a pair…the white w/ black stripes and they’re…fine. Fun, functional, comfy. I don’t reach for them often, but I’d have FOMO if I didn’t get a pair. And I don’t think you can go wrong with these, in any color!, for summer!

Now, that said, if you want to step up your sneaker game even further, here’s what’s trending “on the streets”:

TREND: low profile

Not quite ready for the ballerina sneaker but want something narrow and more low profile? You’re in luck. There are so many styles available. Think of it as a replacement to the Sambas you bought a year or two ago. Low profile sneakers go well with skirts and pants, and do well from work-to-play, available in fun colorways!

*Adidas Tokyo sneakers, Puma Speedcat, New Balance 471, Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66

I was in search of a yellow sneaker this year, so I basically just dove right in. My low profile choice for summer is the Nike LD-1000. I like that it’s slim but still has a substantial sole for support. And the yellow/blue had me gagging. I love it so much!

TREND: textured

Satin, lace, mesh…and fur? Yeah, sneakers are going there. They’re also coming in hot with ruffles and bows and I kinda love the juxtapostion.

*NB 740 lace, Adidas SL72 mesh, Puma Arizona Venus satin, Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 Paraty fur, Nike Field General mesh & ribbon, Adidas Gazelle ribbon

Brown w/ blue is a colorway I’ve really been on the lookout for. So when I found these cool, woven Adidas Gazelles, and then had 1 pair left in my size, I grabbed them immediately. I always warn people that Adidas sizing is ALL over the place and different for every style of shoe. The Gazelle for instance, I always size a FULL SIZE DOWN. In any case, I like how these are elevated and can be dressed up with a nice pair of bermuda shorts or a maxi dress.

TREND: chunky

You guys, the dad sneaker is not going anywhere. If anything, it’s morphing into even chunkier styles that lean near hiking shoe. Luckily New Balance and Asics and Saucony and even Brooks are upping their style game. As are brands like Merrill and Sorel. That said, if you want the ultimate chunky sneaker that right now is truly the hottest find, you’ve gotta go Salomons—XT6 for the masses, Whispers for next gen. I have 3 pairs of Salomons and I love them so much. Incredibly comfortable, surprisingly chic if styled well. And, I just came to find this year, do not take themselves too seriously.

I’m gonna wear the sh*t outta these adorable Speedcross 3’s with the ruffle tongue and ribbon on the toe? GET OUTTA HERE!

TREND: alt-sneakers

Ballet sneakers, mary janes, sandals, platforms, and even boots…brands are stretching their seasonal drops to the limits and bending what “sneakers” are thought to be. I always found these to be more niche, and often a way for fashion brands to collab with sneakers companies to do something edgy and unexpected. But with the popularity of the Samba Janes, maybe it’s more for the genpub than I realized!

In any case, I went WAY out there, even out of my own comfort zone this summer for a collab I’ve been eyeing. I’m obsessed with Cecilie Bahnsen and they’ve already done some really cool collabs with Asics that sell out within minutes. (grrrrr). So I jumped at the chance to get something from their new line with The North Face. Wait for it……anyone hear of the shandal? A shoe + sandal? You might wish you never had. But I present to you my TNF x Cecilie Bahnsen Bekah shandal…don’t worry…you can laugh at me if you see me in public wearing these. I’m secure enough in my choices to take it. :) And yes, I will be wearing these with socks. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Okay, that’s it! Thanks for indulging me this post about another of my random obsessions. Have I tempted any of you to buy a new pair of sneakers to jazz up your shoe closet? :) Let me know what you’re looking for in the comments and I’d be happy to pull up some suggestions! <3