Like many of us, you may not have thought you'd embrace the idea of the fashion sneaker. But, thanks to the athleisure revolution, it's become more difficult to deny the stylish comfort so many kicks now offer. Once you're finally ready to start wearing gym shoes to work, however, the hard part is knowing exactly which pairs to invest in.
The sneaker world can be intimidating: These days, shoes no longer need to be just functional, they need to be totally outfit-making, too. Fortunately, the fashion crowd plays favourites, and certain styles have become tried-and-true winners. The 15 options ahead are the It sneakers. They're ones you're guaranteed to see at Fashion Week and all over your Instagram feed, and the ones that are constantly selling out. So, if you needed any assistance in getting your feet into the jogger game, consider this slideshow your fashion-sneaker starter pack. Pick one of these pairs, and you'll look like a total pro.
They're the little black dress of the fashion-sneaker world; you never have to think twice about slipping into a pair of Vans — they make any and every outfit look effortlessly cool, whether a skateboard is actually involved or not.
Vans Old Skool, £52, available at Vans.
Whether you keep it old school with Air Force 1's or pick a more contemporary style, everyone could use a white pair of Nike sneakers in their arsenal.
Nike WMNS Air Pegasus 92/16 - White, £99.99, available at Footlocker.
If you can actually get your hands on a pair of these BadGalRiRi-designed shoes, never let them go.
Puma Rihanna Creeper, £100, when available.
Though Adidas may be best known for its Stan Smith and Superstar styles, these days, it's all about finding the cool, new takes on the classic models. Try a rad collaboration or a new-fabric twist on the original, like these, for something more unexpected.
Adidas SUPER80, $150 (£115), available at Duet Shoes.
First things first: These low-top sneakers do not come cheap. Yet their £££ price tag hasn't stopped minimalists from dishing out...and showing them off on social media. If you're willing to spend, though, these are a sleek, reliable way to embrace the trend.
Woman by Common Projects Achilles Premium Low, £250, available at Net-A-Porter.
Embrace your #TBT dreams with this perfectly-'80s pair of white gum-sole Reeboks. We're placing our bets now: These are about to give crowd-pleasers like the Stan Smith a run for their money.
Reebok Classic Leather Gum Sole Sneaker, £59.95, available at Reebok.
Never was a shoe made more for street style slideshows than these Saint Laurent star-printed sneakers, which dominated Fashion Weeks around the globe. Again, they don't come cheap, but this is a high-fashion pair of kicks, after all.
Saint Laurent Court Classic Sneakers, £345, available at Farfetch.
Shoes are one of our favourite fast-fashion scores, and rightfully so. Stores like Mango and Zara have embraced athleisure, and the results are some seriously solid (and affordable) options.
Mango Contrast Materials Sneakers, £3 9.99 £15.99, available at Mango.
Another athletic brand favourite among the fashion crowd; it's pretty impossible to beat Y-3's innovative silhouettes and unexpected materials. The best part? They're still totally versatile (and can actually be worn to work out, too).
Y-3 Boost QR Neoprene and Leather Trainers, £270, available at Selfridges.
No shoe tackles normcore quite like a New Balance, which has basically become the go-to for errand-running, museum-wandering, and farmers' market-browsing. It's actually comfortable and doesn't try too hard, which is a win in our book.
New Balance 410 70s Running Suede, £55, available at New Balance.
Trends come and go, but there's one shoe that will never go out of style: the classic Converse Chuck Taylor All Star. Ideal for concerts and festivals, this is one of those pairs you can buy and never have to wonder if you'll actually wear them.
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star High Top, £50, available at Converse.
Embroidered, floral shoes from Gucci? #Goals.
Gucci Ace Embroidered Low-top Sneaker, £440, available at Gucci.
Once you have your typical, lace-up sneakers covered, an easy slip-on is a must. Is there any pair of shoes more low-maintenance?
Opening Ceremony Slip-on Platform Sneakers, £160, available at All Sole.
If you ask any fashion-girl what her dream pair of shoes looks like, the answer is likely an ugly-meets-cool creation only a brand like Marni can truly offer. That athletic sole, ankle strap, and contrast seams? Though it certainly isn't your typical sneaker, it's definitely one you can sign us up for.
Marni Cutout Mesh-paneled Neoprene Sneakers, £380 £190, available at Net-A-Porter.
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