The Search for the Perfect Sneaker
As a college student on a walkable campus, a good sneaker is essential to your daily routine. If you’re looking to spice up your shoe collection, or see a mixture of popular and unique shoe options, you’ve come to the right place.
1. New Balance 550s
We feel like we couldn’t start this list out any other way than with the iconic New Balance 550s. They’re everywhere, in all sorts of color combinations. But beware: these shoes are out of stock as quickly as they come in. Stock X, GOAT, and the Real Real love hiking up their prices to astronomical numbers. In my darkest hour, I was deeply considering paying hundreds of dollars for that little green N (no I wasn’t, but a girl can dream).
So my life-hack to securing these bad boys was by constantly searching every corner of the internet until I happened upon Hibbett Sports’ site. They consistently have a wide selection at the lowest price. You didn’t hear it from us though, because this site is our personal not-so-hidden gem. As we mentioned in our Back 2 Basics issue, New Balance has made a huge comeback– the CT302s, MR530, and 608 V5 trainers are also on the rise. New Balances tend to run very narrow, so I sized a half-size up for more room.
2. Madewell Kickoff Trainers
After double-stacking a seasonal sale code with my student discount, I was able to get these shoes for almost 50% off. And since then, I haven’t looked back. The Madewell Kickoff Trainers are one of the most comfortable pairs of sneakers I own. With so many variations, they can be a solid basic or make a statement. The chunky bottoms allow for a cloudy, cushioned insole, perfect for walking around campus. Though there is minimal creasing, the resourced nylon material has helped these shoes hold up for 3 years.
3. Chuck Taylor All Star Classic High Tops
This list could not exist without one of the most classic sneakers out there: the Chuck Taylor All Star Classic High Tops. The stigma of liking something “basic” needs to stop, because there’s a reason why these shoes rule the school.
Converse in general seem to be the shoe that will never go out of style; the kind that fit every stage of life. Whether you are a die-hard white sneaker person, or someone constantly reinventing their shoe taste, there is a look for you on the Converse website. It is fascinating to see how Converse remains a classic, yet is constantly releasing new collaborations and unique designs. Keep an eye out for the glitchy-looking Chuck 70 plus, and the recent Comme Des Garçons line restock.
4. Sustainable Sneakers https://cariuma.com/?utm_source=pepperjam&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=21181&clickId=4205313021
It is undeniable that the fashion industry– particularly the shoe industry– is in the midst of a big push for sustainability. Whether you are loyal to your Vejas or looking at the sustainable lines of your go-to brands, sustainable shoes are the “here and now” of sneaker fashion. I am constantly receiving compliments on my Cariumas, a brand that funds a reforestation program in Brazil by planting a pair of trees with every purchase. From production to disposal, when you purchase these shoes, not only are you doing good for your wardrobe, but for the environment at large. Not to mention that this Pantone collection has the perfect Elon colors for game day. Anyone else have an unhealthy amount of maroon and gold in their closet?
5. Hoka Mach 5
https://www.hoka.com/en/us/womens-race-shoes/mach-5/1127894.html
Okay, okay. When writing an article about sneakers, it would be impossible not to include our current favorite running shoe. Everyone has a very particular preference for exercise sneakers. Maybe it’s your Nike Blazers for lifting, Adidas for dunking, or no shoes at all (shoutout yoga baddies). So what is the hype around Hokas? The stiff and bouncy nature of these shoes is unlike anything I’ve run in before. They make you feel strapped in, ready to pounce. The soles are designed to absorb impact and assist the foot in pushing off the ground. That little extra boost goes a long way throughout your workout. And hey, the aesthetic look of them is a nice attribute, too.
At the end of the day, it's important to find the shoe that works the best for you. After all, walking in uncomfortable shoes can lead to injuries later down the line. So while these shoes have done wonders for me, everyone is different, and shouldn’t stop until you find the perfect look and fit.