Emerging Trend: Designer Sneakers

A few years back, there were only two kinds of people who were wearing designer sneakers - douchebags and plain crazy rich folk. But now, if you follow those blogs that follow what shoes athletes and celebrities are stepping out in, you're bound to see a few designer names mixed in with the Nikes and Jordans of the world. 

Today's designer sneakers are so far removed from the gaudy, tacky, and overly branded monstrosities of years past. Now, it's all about minimalism. Things are sleek, clean, and mighty understated, sometimes to the point where virtually no traces of branding can be found on the outer parts of a designer shoe at all!

It's crazy to think how a field like sneakers which is so dependent on function and technological innovation can be turned on its head by a field that upholds form and aesthetic over practical application. What this means is that while designer sneakers may look great, they're not exactly bringing anything new to the table in terms of performance. Nobody buys Gucci Tennis Sneakers to play actual tennis in, or picks up a pair of Balenciaga Arenas to go hiking. They've got the aesthetic side of things down pat, but how they fare in terms of other sneaker standards such as comfort, breathability, and durability are pretty debatable. 

That hasn't been stopping regular sneakerheads from adding a pair or two of luxe joints to their rotation, though. Going back to the Balenciaga Arena, Alexander Wang's first sneaker under the famed fashion house has already cemented its status as one of those designer sneakers to enjoy true mass appeal. The same thing goes for Lanvin, Rick Owens, and Saint Laurent. The luxury level prices hardly deter sneakerheads from copping them. After all, they're a class of people that seems to find ways to cop a pair no matter what the cost.

So to guide anybody looking to snatch up a pair of designer sneakers, keep it minimal. High top or low cut, the price points are no joke, so it's always wise to invest in a pair in a color that almost seamlessly works its way into your wardrobe. If you're still afraid to go all in, scope out a designer collab with an established sneaker brand. Adidas x Mark McNairy, Nike x Riccardo Tisci, Converse x PLAY Comme Des Garcons, there's a lot out there! Pair them up with some professional grade nonchalance and who knows, maybe you'll end up on those celebrity #WDYWT posts.