POPSUGAR UK

5 Essential Pairs of Sneakers We Promise You Need in Your Closet

11/01/2021 - 04:03 PM

Sneakers [1] are like jeans [2] — you can easily think of an excuse to buy another pair, but you do always go back to your favourites. Even if you swear you wear all 42 of those styles sitting at the bottom of your closet, from your most prized designer collab [3] ever purchased to the standard, everyday Vans [4], you really don't need them all — we promise. In fact, we were able to narrow down the essential sneakers to just five key silhouettes/colorways (yup, five): white sneakers, high-tops [5], slip-ons, trainers, and personality-infused kicks.

If you're a sneakerhead, you probably fear this list is a bit short (and we hear you — there are definitely some great shoes out there!), but with the flexibility to shop the brands you love most, you're not going to feel like something's missing when it comes to the footwear section of your wardrobe. Ahead, we're breaking down the must haves and providing you with at least three options at a range of price points for every single category. Keep reading to see them all, and also get a few styling tips while you're at it.

Vintage High-Tops

Invest in a cool pair of Jordans, Chucks, or any other high-tops you may covet (perhaps from a collaboration you really loved), and wear them until you can't wear them anymore. These will be your go-to when it's a simple tee and jeans type of day.

Jordan Air Jordan 1 High Retro Sneakers

Jordan Air Jordan 1 High Retro Sneakers [7] ($365)

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star [8] ($67)

Vintage Chanel High-Top Bicolor "CC" Sneakers

Vintage Chanel High-Top Bicolor "CC" Sneakers [9] ($709)

. . . Or Low-Tops

It's totally cool if you're not a high-tops kind of person, but keeping an eye-catching hero sneaker with an OG logo and retro twist will come in handy.

Vans Old Skool Leather Low-Top Sneakers

Vans Old Skool Leather Low-Top Sneakers [10] ($89)

Converse 70 Chuck Low-Top Sneakers

Converse 70 Chuck Low-Top Sneakers [11] ($62, originally $124)

Golden Goose Superstar Gold Leather Low-Top Sneakers

Golden Goose Superstar Gold Leather Low-Top Sneakers [12] ($495)

Sporty Trainers

Even though you might style them with sweats from time to time, you should also be able to hit the gym in these sneaks, so make sure they're supportive and functional.

New Balance 827 Trainers in White

New Balance 827 Trainers in White [13] ($110)

Mango Contrast Sole Leather Sport Shoes

Mango Contrast Sole Leather Sport Shoes [14] ($80)

New Balance 990v5 Sneaker

New Balance 990v5 Sneaker [15] ($175)

Slip-On Sneakers

When we were kids, sneakers with laces were the sophisticated option, but these days, slip-ons offer an elevated appeal to our most simplistic outfits. Go for a black-and-white pair and you'll be surprised how often you turn to these luxe-looking shoes.

Vince Warren Platform Sneakers

Vince Warren Platform Sneakers [16] ($195)

UGG Cahlvan Slip-On Sneaker

UGG Cahlvan Slip-On Sneaker [17] ($100)

The Row Navy Marie H Canvas Slip-On Sneakers

The Row Navy Marie H Canvas Slip-On Sneakers [18] ($760)

White Sneakers

Whether you prefer a chunky style or something more streamlined with a bit of a platform, an all-white iteration will definitely be worth your while, especially when the rest of your outfit has pops of colour.

Nike Air Force 1 Sage Low Sneakers

Nike Air Force 1 Sage Low Sneakers [19] ($175)

Veja V-10 Vegan White Sneakers

Veja V-10 Vegan White Sneakers [20] ($150)

Mandeaux Marcus White Patent Sneaker

Mandeaux Marcus White Patent Sneaker [21] ($245)

Greats The Waverly Women's Blanco

Greats The Waverly Women's Blanco [22] ($149)

Personality Kicks

OK, you also need that one sneaker that almost becomes synonymous with your style, just because the shoe is so you. Maybe it's the colorway that aligns with the rest of your wardrobe or the material (you're such a suede person!), but these should be the sneakers that really put a pep in your step because you love them more than anything.

Nike Air Force 1 07 LV8 Sneakers

Nike Air Force 1 07 LV8 Sneakers [23] ($259)

Off-White Arrow 2.0 Canvas Sneakers

Off-White Arrow 2.0 Canvas Sneakers [24] ($255)

Marc Jacobs Women's Empire Colour Sole Sneaker Shoes

Marc Jacobs Women's Empire Colour Sole Sneaker Shoes [25] ($44-$186)


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https://www.popsugar.co.uk/fashion/sneakers-all-women-should-own-48100684