Sneakers: they’re a personal thing. And as we approach 2019, there are more sneakers than ever to choose from. So don’t be boring me with your “I’m not really a sneaker person” excuses (something I’ve heard from a colleague or two), because what does that even mean anymore? Maybe what you’re really trying to say is that you still haven’t found your perfect match; but let me reassure you, there’s a pair out there for everyone.
And with thousands of sneakers available these days, comes thousands of ways to style them. Sporting an oversized T-shirt and jeans? Some Nike Air Jordan 1’s would work perfectly with that; Feeling graceful in a lacy white dress? I’d opt for some Alexander McQueen Runners; Running errands in a hoodie and joggers? Throw on some Yeezy Boost 350s and you’ll be good to go.
But don’t just take our word for it, listen to how the stylish 16 (an unofficial Blytonesque name I’ve labelled them with) like to rock their favourite sneakers. Look at them all just casually flexing the most sought-after kicks in the world right now like it’s nothing. (Sarcy because I’m jealous.)
Harrison Nevel in Nike x Travis Scott Air Force 1 Low
"In my opinion, the Travis Scott Air Force 1 is the sneaker of the year. The simple silhouette of the Air Force 1 has been revamped by the rapper whose added premium materials and removable swooshes. And my favourite thing about them is the neutral colour palette Scott has used ― it means that they work with a large variety of outfits. I can’t wait to see where this collaboration goes next!"
Christina Zayas in Nike M2K Tekno
"The dad shoe trend has officially won me over. I have officially traded in my Margiela Pumps (my go-to beforehand) for the Nike M2K sneakers. There’s something about the animated look combined with the chunky sole and the blush colour that reminds me of my childhood. My favourite ensemble to wear on with the M2Ks is a menswear-inspired coat and a pair of textured jeans."
Anthony Urbano wearing Sean Wotherspoon Nike Air Max 97/1
"I’ve always been a huge Nike enthusiast, and this sneaker combines two of my favourite Nike styles — the Air Max 1 and the Air Max 97. The corduroy upper is unusual for a sneaker, and so is the colour scheme, making this sneaker extremely special. Tie-dye looks especially fresh with the Wotherspoons because it coordinates with the shoe’s playful colours."
Elshane in Ash Dazed
"As a working mum, time management is everything to me. That’s why I’ve swapped out my daytime heels for a pair of Ash Dazed sneakers, saving every second I can. The result? An effortlessly chic city mama! I love the baby pink hue of these sneakers because they’re as subtle as a classic white sneaker but offer a little more personality. They’re also the perfect win-win shoe for work: sophisticated, stylish and super comfortable."
Kristina Petrick in Golden Goose Deluxe Brand
"Golden Goose sneakers establish a sense of relaxed luxury which makes them perfect for everyday wear. They are extremely comfortable and I love the deliberately distressed look, both reasons why these are the highlight of my sneaker collection. I can’t believe I haven’t worn them out!"
"My sneaker of the year has to be the Nike x Off-White Blazers. I find the black “Grim Reaper” colourway extremely easy to style - I’m all about monochrome looks. I have paired these sneakers with a leather jacket and faded jeans, combining ‘hype’ sneakers with upscale designer pieces. This is a look that I like wearing around my city of NYC, especially in SoHo."
Savvy Javvy in Adidas Falcon
"I’m still all about dad sneakers, and the Adidas Falcons pair superbly with my style. Although I often wear them with my travel attire, my favourite thing to wear them with is a silk slip dress. The femininity of the dress combined with the bulky, masculine sneaker creates the perfect balance of lux and cool."
McArthur Joseph in Puma x Roland RS-100
"I wear sneakers at least 6 days a week and would have to say that the Puma x Roland RS-100 sneakers are my current favourite. I have started to wear a lot of yellow and orange, and these sneakers match such pieces perfectly. Additionally, I like to wear these sneakers with really simple, tonal outfits so that the trainers can really stand out. My favourite thing about these sneakers has to be the nod to the Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer. As a DJ, the reference made sense to me straight away and I just had to have them."
Sanne Poeze in Nike x Off-White Air Jordan 1
"The Nike x Off-White Air Jordan 1’s are definitely my sneaker of the year. Ever since I was lucky enough to get hold of them in the Chicago colourway, they have been a key part of my sneaker rotation. I love all the intricate details of the shoe, especially the use of different materials that have been reconstructed together. I love wearing these retro Jordan 1’s with an oversized sweater or hoodie, along with some vinyl pants. I also like to match my makeup with brightly coloured outfits, experimenting with eyeshadow to complete the look."
Caroline Juen in Nike Cortez
"2018 has been such a sneaker-centric year for me! And as much as I love my Adidas and Converse sneakers, I’d have to say that my Nike Cortez are my favourites. What do I love about them? The fact they are so versatile for a start; I can dress them up or down as much as I want! And I love the pop of red that the Nike tick adds to these sneakers, as red is one of my all-time favourite colours to rock. Colour coordinating sneakers really is the perfect way to tie an outfit together."
Sinead Crowe in Balenciaga Triple S
The Balenciaga Triple S sneaker 100% my hero sneakers of the year! I’ve been living in them since I made the splurge and despite thinking that I wouldn’t wear them much, they go with everything and are SO comfortable. My favourite way to wear them has to be with jeans and a jumper, they make the plainest outfit look more pulled together and just so much cooler.
Gregory Davalos in Comme des Garçons Play x Converse
"These hi-tops, from the Comme des Garçons x Converse collab, are my favourite sneakers that I own. I’ve had these for a while now but love them more than ever due to them being so hard to find these days. I’d recommend everyone cops a pair from this collab as they’re a quirky twist on an everyday essential."
Holly Pan in Gucci Flashtrek
"In the last year, I’ve collected so many sneakers but my hero pair has to be the Gucci Flashtrek sneaker. They are super eye-catching with their bejewelled design, a look I had my doubts on at first but quickly grew to love. They look good with most of my wardrobe, especially with oversized knits, cropped pants and denim."
Lily Montasser in ACNE Manhattan
“As a New Yorker that walks everywhere, I’m eternally grateful for the sneaker trend. And these Acne Studios Manhattan sneakers are definitely my most-worn item in my closet. Whether I’m throwing them on with jeans and an oversized coat to run Sunday errands, or styling them with a blazer for Monday meetings; these shoes add that extra cool-girl element to any look I’m donning.”
Sangiev Sriskumar in Balenciaga Track Sneaker
The Balenciaga Track Runners are my current go-to sneaker as they combine two of the biggest trends currently in the sneakerverse: the chunky sneaker trend and the trail sneaker trend.
Lauren Caruso in Nike Air Max 97
When the cold weather hits, I get dressed from the bottom up. This usually means wearing a pair of chunky boots that can withstand the unpredictable NYC forecast. But on milder winter days, I swap my boots out for a pair of Nike Air Max 97s. Their timeless design combined with their I'm possibly comfortable air sole makes them a shoe to hang onto forever.