With the meteoric rise of activewear infused fashion affecting everything from moisture-wicking dress shirts to walking-on-a-cloud comfortable shoes, it’s no surprise track shoes are big these days. We’re simply not as willing to sacrifice comfort for fashion, especially when spending more time at home, and these shoes show it. But what exactly are track shoes and how have they become so popular?
Track shoes: the hottest trend this year
Track shoes are hot, so here’s everything you need to know to get on the trend.
What are track shoes?
When you hear “track shoes” you may think of spiked cleats used by athletes like sprinters, but you should think more about your mom telling you not to track mud in the house. Whether they’re chunky sneakers or combat boots, they lift you out of the dirt, water, and mud of the street without worrying about getting damaged.
Fashion-wise the heavy soles of women's track shoes make them ideal for anchoring a look and creating some strong contrast.
How did they come to the scene?
That mid 2010s hype explosion around duck boots aside, most of the sought-after footwear doesn’t work well when you need to trudge through rain and snow. Track shoes fit into that space perfectly, with heavy-duty but comfortable shoes which can be fashionable, durable, and practical at once. So whether you’re traveling or just running errands, if you want to look good and be ready for whatever the weather has to throw at you, track shoes are ideal.
How to choose the right track shoes for you
With so much variety within the category, how can you choose which type is best for your needs (fashion and practical)?
Pick your style
Here you’ve got three categories to start you off: sneakers, boots, and sneakerboots. Sneakers are ideal if you love the recent chunky sneaker trend and are more into street style. On the other hand, if you love the power and attitude that come with a strong pair of combat boots, you’ll want to choose that style.
Sneakerboots are somewhere in between. Taking stylistic elements from both. Personally, I think they’re fantastic for their ability to work well with more street-style oriented outfits and not look out of place when you’re just suiting up to walk through snow to get to the grocery store.
Find a designer you identify with
Track shoes are big and they tend to make a statement, so choosing a designer you love is extra important. You might want to eschew the heavy branding and buy from a company like NO NAME, go for classic streetwear from someone like Bronx, or take a blend of inspirations with a Scandanavian twist from LÄST.
Plan your outfits
The single best piece of advice for any shopper is to plan your outfits. You can be absolutely in love with a pair of track shoes but if they don’t work with any of your existing outfits, when are you going to wear them? Consider what you typically wear in rain or snow (if you’re going for track shoes for more practical reasons) as well as outfits that would work for regular occasions. Pay attention to colors, materials, and style.
Just remember, track shoes often do best when they contrast with something. So try thinking about a big chunky coat, skinny jeans or leggings, and then some combat boots of big sneakers. Or, you can even got for a more traditional dress.
H3: Stay sustainable
The next most important piece of advice when buying some track shoes is to think about quality, durability, and sustainability. Track shoes for women are designed to survive a bit of punishment, so if they don’t hold up then you’re simply not getting your money’s worth. So check out reviews, look at the designers, and pay close attention to the materials to make sure your track shoes can handle anything you throw at them.
The best models this season
Taste is always subjective, but we’ve got a few favorite track shoes we thought worth checking out. The first addresses one of the bigger challenges of the recent bold chunk sneaker trend: where to draw the line. These high tops from Bronx are a bit fun and funky without being too over-the-top.
On the other hand, if you want to just fully embrace the boldest and funkiest sneakers you can find, LÄST has the perfect track shoes for you. With that undulating sole made iconic by Nike and a fun color palette, these sneakers are guaranteed to turn some heads
If you’re all about comfort with some nice practicality on the side, LÄST has some sock sneakers that you’ll love. Ever since Balenciaga kicked off the “ones that look like socks” hype train, these have been much sought-after.
Lastly, if you just want some badass boots that are ready for anything, NO NAME has some no-frills options that live up to their title. With a camel color that pairs with just about anything and suede that feels luxurious while also being tough, these boots are ideal for the jungle, urban or otherwise.
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