Home » Fashion Vs. Function: What Are the Best Sneakers on the Market?
Getting around is something most people take for granted -- just put on your shoes and go walking, right? But you want more than comfy shoes--a touch of fashion never hurts anyone. Sneaker sales are $34 billion a year, so the shoe must be doing something right.
How can you find sneakers that look great, go with everything, and are fully functional?
Check out what you need to know about finding the best sneakers to meet your needs while looking great at the same time.
Match Your Clothes to Your Shoes?
Before you get excited to go shoe shopping, consider what your needs are. Do you want sneakers that are known for lasting a long time? Excellent for running in?
While most people are on the hunt for stylish athletic shoes, it's helpful to know what you want to get out of them. Sneakers that you plan to use for jogging every day and all throughout your daily routine are going to get worn down pretty quickly.
If they're only for running, it's worth doing the research and investing in a shoe that gives you all the support you need. This way you can achieve your athletic goals without worrying about injury. Read more here about picking the right sneakers for your lifestyle, so you know what you're getting.
If you want an everyday shoe, consider what your life is like. Do you live in the city or out in the country, where things can get dirty and muddy fast?
Do you mostly stay at home, or does life take you out, including a job that keeps you on your feet all the time? Will you only wear your shoes after you've come home from the office and changed into something comfortable?
Knowing how often you plan to wear the shoes, the climate you live in, and where you're going makes a difference in the types of shoes you should invest in. For those that plan to wear them to work, more than one pair is usually helpful, especially if an issue occurs with the normal work pair.
Make sure you know how to pick the right shoes, so you're comfortable no matter what you're doing. Always try them on first and walk around to ensure a proper fit before purchase.
Some folks consider it an old-fashioned belief that clothing needs to match shoes. While this isn't necessary, knowing your dressing habits can make it simple when picking new sneakers out.
If you have several colorful outfits you plan on wearing with them, it's helpful to invest in more than one pair. Choose colors that dominate your wardrobe, so you're not dealing with shoes that look out of place.
If you'd rather keep things simple, select sneakers that look neutral. Black, white, or even tan or a dark blue goes with just about anything. Keep in mind if you choose darker colors, dirt and other contaminants won't show up as easily.
This makes it easier to keep the sneakers clean, or at least avoid washing them more than you'd like.
If you'd like to have more than one pair, start off with a basic color, and then add more as time and money permit. You'll find this is a simple way to always look put together and have a closet full of winning choices, no matter what sneakers you've decided on for the day.
Figure out what your lifestyle entails and what the average day is for you. Maybe you're trying to strike and work-life balance, and you'd like your footwear to do the same and need to switch off. Or perhaps you're only wearing the sneakers while you're out jogging in the woods.
Once you know what a typical day looks like, you can decide if you need to get a specific sneaker for what you're trying to do. Are you typically at home cleaning, out shopping, or do you do a lot of fun, casual dates? Consider where your sneakers are going to go.
Outdoor activities call for investing in a shoe cleaner, so you can keep them looking their best. Being indoors more often means they'll last longer, but should be comfortable and supportive for the amount of time you're in them.
Choosing different brands is a great way to enjoy fashionable sneakers without feeling constrained to only one specific company. Wearing one brand while working or doing chores can help you feel comfortable, while you might find something slightly more colorful and fashionable to wear on the town.
While looking great and feeling relaxed is something you want no matter what sneaker you're in, trying different types is a great way to grow your wardrobe and see what each brand has to offer.
Shopping for the best sneakers on the market doesn't need to feel difficult when you know what to look for. Think about your lifestyle, the colors you wear, and how often you'll wear them.
This can help you in deciding not only how many and what colors to get, but which brands work best for you and your life.
Don't limit your fashion to shoes only when you're trying to dress up a whole outfit. Check out our blog post on how to accessorize like a pro and look great no matter where you go.