Gone are the days of chunky dad sneakers [1] and little formfitting minidresses — in 2020, we're confronted with the mom sneaker, which is really only a slight variation of its counterpart. The mom sneaker calls for more of a "lewk," if you will. I still remember my mom coming home from the gym when I was a kid, working a red drawstring hoodie and coordinating sweats in the exact same colour. Her ribbed white socks would be pulled up to the tapering on her joggers, her hair in a ponytail. Maybe she wore her long work coat or blazer over the casual outfit if it was cold out. The mood reminds me of Princess Diana's iconic biker shorts fashion moments [2], which are now being re-created by the likes of Hailey Baldwin and Bella Hadid.
The mom sneaker is most commonly paired with socks, and rather than the shoe featuring splashy logos or embellishments like past designer versions, these come in more muted, neutral tones. The sole is also decidedly less chunky — the trainer itself is more rounded — not meant to stand out on its own but be integrated smoothly into a totally '90s mom look. Of course, you don't necessarily have to wear yours with sweats. You can try a button-front floral midi dress (think: something Rachel Green would wear [3]) or really go all out in mom jeans, too. Keep scrolling to find some inspo for pulling off the vibe, then shop a handful of our favourite footwear that fits the bill.
Emma Chamberlain's Sneakers
Wear your mom sneakers with: Mom jeans! Isn't that a no brainer?
NEW BALANCE 990 V5
NEW BALANCE 990 V5 [5] ($175)
Zara Bejeweled Sneakers
Zara Bejeweled Sneakers [6] ($90)
FILA Ray Tracer Sneaker
FILA Ray Tracer Sneaker [7] ($75)
adidas Originals Nite Jogger sneaker in white and blue
adidas Originals Nite Jogger sneaker in white and blue [8] ($140)
pull&bear Multi Piece Urban Sneakers
pull&bear Multi Piece Urban Sneakers [9] ($60)
Mango Maxi sole sneakers
Mango Maxi sole sneakers [10] ($80)
Karhu Fushion 2.0 Sneaker
Karhu Fushion 2.0 Sneaker [11] ($140)
PUMA RS-X Sci-Fi Sneakers
PUMA RS-X Sci-Fi Sneakers [12] ($110)