Sneaker-Mania: 8 Style Panel members show off their favourite pairs of kicks
It’s the year of the sneaker. With music’s style-makers Rita Ora and Rihanna adopting them as signature looks that they pair with everything from jeans to eveningwear, and Alexander Wang‘s Spring 2015 collection inspired by the sneakers he grew up wearing, throwing on a pair of Jordans or Nikes has never been cooler. Even those who are far from skilled when it comes to athleticism are YOLOing and running to their nearest sneaker shop. We don’t want to jinx it, but it may be safe to say that comfort is totally back in the fashion world.
From Lyndsey Forest‘s neon bright addition to a simple summer outfit, to Jessica Concannon‘s sleek outfit complete with animal printed slip-ons, the options really are endless when it comes to dressing an outfit up or down with sneakers.
Question 119: How do you wear your favourite sneakers? Read the answers now! »
Jump to: BARBARA ANN SOLOMON, TORONTO | EMMA WALKER, DENVER | JESSICA CONCANNON, MONTREAL | KAYLA SHORT, HALIFAX | KIRA PINAN, EDMONTON | LARA CARDOSO, TORONTO | LYNDSEY FOREST, EDMONTON | MO HANDAHU, HALIFAX |
Barbara Ann Solomon, 25
Toronto | Barbara Ann’s Style Blog
The high fashion sneaker has gone crazy this fall season. Where I am always more comfortable styling a dainty heel, I must say, nothing is more glorious than wearing a comfortable pair of running shoes all day and feeling chic.
These Adidas were designed with Opening Ceremony and are just too amazing. The eye-catching colour, paired with rose gold detailing and a bold leopard print—they are truly the highlight of any outfit. You have to keep everything else rather simple when rocking such a strong shoe game, so I paired them with a leather skirt and moto jacket.
Photography by Trevor Negin
Polo: Joe Fresh, Skirt: Forever 21, Moto Jacket: Danier Leather, Sneaker: Opening Ceremony for Adidas
Emma Walker, 17
Denver, CO | With A City Dream
My favourite sneakers of the moment are these Adidas. The secret? They are men’s! The black and white palette goes perfectly with every outfit. Great as summer transitions to fall. I will be wearing these nonstop.
Jessica Concannon, 30
Montreal | WestmountFashionista
Hands down, my favourite style of sneaker is the slip-on. You’d be hard-pressed to find me in sneakers outside of the gym, but this versatile style is the perfect foil to my otherwise impossibly high heels. Perviously, my go to flats were ballerinas but I find the slip-on add just the right amount of edge to my decidedly feminine style. This great leopard and black pair from Aldo has a little extra elegance with its pointed toe making it easy to dress up or down.
Coat: RED Valentino, Pants: Joe Fresh, Shoes: Aldo, Shirt: H&M, Clutch: Bottega Veneta , Belt: Hermes
Kayla Short, 26
Halifax | Short Presents
I am a Chucks girl through and through! With super narrow feet (and I mean nar-row) I seriously struggle to find shoes that stay on my feet. I praise any shoe that I can lace up, and can hug my feet: cue the sneaker! I don’t know what it is about Chucks, but I seriously can not get enough of them lately. I literally can’t stop wearing them, and with everything. I’m so going to be that 80 year lady who wears skinny jeans, tunics and chucks; I’m just going to embrace it. I also owe these kicks a major thanks for getting me through one heck of a busy summer (especially while touring around in Boston and NYC).
Kayla is wearing, Converse Sneakers, Converse Outlet. Cardigan, Marshalls. Hat, H&M. Blouse, Vera Moda. Sunnies, Polette.
Kira Paran, 29
Edmonton | Northern Style Exposure
I can’t stop buying sneakers! But they all have one thing in common: they are they same brand and type! I love Nike Free running shoes, I easily own
6 pairs right now. Ultimately, I love them aesthetically and structurally. They are so lightweight, it feels like you don’t have sneakers on. Plus, they are cute with athletic gear or just with jeans while running errands!
Lara Cardoso, 21
Toronto | Lara Cardoso
Currently, my favourite sneaker trend is the slip-on! I think I wore my coveted pair just about every weekend this summer. I like to think they were the shoe of the season, even though I plan to wear mine way into fall. I pair these sneakers with all outfits, casual and dressy. This slip-on style is versatile, and designers are re-creating the classic Vans shoe in all textures and colours. The more options, the better, right? For me, the best trends are ones that can be worn whenever, wherever. This year, the slip-on sneaker will continue to top my list as number one.
Jacket: Topshop. Dress: BB Dakota. Sneakers: Kenzo x Vans.
Lyndsey Forest, 23
Edmonton | Over My Styled Body
Sneakers have been spotted everywhere lately and in a plethora of colours and styles. Athletic shoes have been my go to shoe this summer and I can’t wait to transition them into fall. Nike’s in particular have been some of my favorites because of the variety of colours they come in. From bright neon’s to colour blocking, they have it all. And the best part about sneakers is not only are they fashionable, but they are so comfortable! Say goodbye to blisters, and hello to comfortable chic.
Sneakers: Nike Free 5.0, Shorts: Zara, Top: Aritzia, Backpack: Zara
Mo Handahu, 29
Halifax | Lion Hunter
I’m officially part of the #taylorgang! I can’t believe that it’s taken me this long to have my first pair of chucks. I’m obsessed with how they go with absolutely everything in my closet. It’s safe to say that these are my current favorite sneakers and I will be wearing them till they are filled with holes and the heel is worn away!
Mo’s wearing: Skirt and Tee, H&M. Glasses, Le Chateau. Chucks, Little Burgundy. Jewellery, Thrifted.
 I seriously struggle to find shoes that stay on my feet. I praise any shoe that I can lace up, and can hug my feet: cue the sneaker! I don't know what it is about Chucks, but I seriously can not get enough of them lately. I literally can't stop wearing them, and with everything. I'm so going to be that 80 year lady who wears skinny jeans, tunics and chucks; I'm just going to embrace it. I also owe these kicks a major thanks for getting me through one heck of a busy summer (especially while touring around in Boston and NYC).
Kayla is wearing, Converse Sneakers, Converse Outlet. Cardigan, Marshalls. Hat, H&M. Blouse, Vera Moda. Sunnies, Polette.
Kira Paran, 29
Edmonton | Northern Style Exposure
I can't stop buying sneakers! But they all have one thing in common: they are they same brand and type! I love Nike Free running shoes, I easily own
6 pairs right now. Ultimately, I love them aesthetically and structurally. They are so lightweight, it feels like you don't have sneakers on. Plus, they are cute with athletic gear or just with jeans while running errands!
Lara Cardoso, 21
Toronto | Lara Cardoso
Currently, my favourite sneaker trend is the slip-on! I think I wore my coveted pair just about every weekend this summer. I like to think they were the shoe of the season, even though I plan to wear mine way into fall. I pair these sneakers with all outfits, casual and dressy. This slip-on style is versatile, and designers are re-creating the classic Vans shoe in all textures and colours. The more options, the better, right? For me, the best trends are ones that can be worn whenever, wherever. This year, the slip-on sneaker will continue to top my list as number one.
Jacket: Topshop. Dress: BB Dakota. Sneakers: Kenzo x Vans.
Lyndsey Forest, 23
Edmonton | Over My Styled Body
Sneakers have been spotted everywhere lately and in a plethora of colours and styles. Athletic shoes have been my go to shoe this summer and I can't wait to transition them into fall. Nike's in particular have been some of my favorites because of the variety of colours they come in. From bright neon's to colour blocking, they have it all. And the best part about sneakers is not only are they fashionable, but they are so comfortable! Say goodbye to blisters, and hello to comfortable chic.
Sneakers: Nike Free 5.0, Shorts: Zara, Top: Aritzia, Backpack: Zara
Mo Handahu, 29
Halifax | Lion Hunter
I'm officially part of the #taylorgang! I can't believe that it's taken me this long to have my first pair of chucks. I'm obsessed with how they go with absolutely everything in my closet. It's safe to say that these are my current favorite sneakers and I will be wearing them till they are filled with holes and the heel is worn away!
Mo's wearing: Skirt and Tee, H&M. Glasses, Le Chateau. Chucks, Little Burgundy. Jewellery, Thrifted.){kind=link}