6 Australian fashion people share the sneakers that will always have a place in their closet
WORDS BY ZEMIRA WHITEHEAD
“These shoes are such a part of my legacy.”
While a sneaker trending on social media doesn’t take away from its quality or value (the Adidas Samba, for instance, is a well-designed sneaker with a relatively accessible price point) the quick rise of these styles often means there’ll be a drastic fall.
Suddenly, they start appearing in TikTok videos like ‘Fashions items I hate’ or ‘Items I would never buy as a stylist’ and within a couple of months, what was once cute, is now considered cringe.
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This is particularly problematic due to the environmental impact – once a trend is deemed ‘over’, people are left with an item they no longer feel confident wearing out of the house, so off it goes to an op shop or worse, into the trash.
That’s why there’s a lot to be said for knowing what you like and what styles you’re drawn to regardless of the trend cycle. With this in mind, we asked six Australian fashion people to share the sneakers that will always have a place in their closet, and why. Below they’ve shared their ride or dies and forever go-tos.
Soul Mckenzie, he/him, artist
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The sneaker that will always have a place in my wardrobe is the Nike TN. I know they are a bit of an eyesore to some but I have worn them ever since I can remember and will always wear them. They’re my everyday go-to, be it casual or to the gym and they are the most comfortable shoe in my opinion.
I think the TN has now built up somewhat of a cult following for a shoe; it is being worn more and more by the ‘everyday person’ whereas throughout the late ’90s and 2000s, you’d have to be pretty staunch to hold your pair down (and not get rolled for them). They’ve gone beyond being a trend in my eyes to being the identity of a whole subculture of Aussies and people from all over the world now.
Kostantina Vlahos, she/her, model
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My go-to sneaker staple in my closet will always be the Nike Air Force One in various alterations. They go with everything, are super comfy, have that classic silhouette and are super easy to kick on and off when I’m on set. I got my first pair in 2007 but have strictly been wearing Air Force Ones since 2018, averaging buying a new pair once every two years. Once I wear a pair of Air Force Ones I thrash them until I have no choice but to buy a new pair. I’m currently rocking Air Force One Shadows, my second purchase of this shoe variation in the last few years.
Laura Mae Will, she/her, DJ and Co-Owner of Lucky Tooth Gems
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The sneakers that will always have a special place in my closet are my Martine Rose Shox Mules. I searched far and wide to find a pair and eventually found some on Depop. They are the perfect statement shoes with the square toe, red detailing and slip-on mule design. I get so many compliments on them and they elevate any outfit to a 10 out of 10.
Michael Sun, he/him, writer and critic
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I live and die by the motto ‘beauty is pain’, which means I would rather step in front of a train than wear a comfortable shoe. God gives his hardest battles to his chicest soldiers! But after spending the first 26 years of my life averring that I would never wear a sneaker, I finally caved and found the ideal middle ground: the Wales Bonner Jewel Sneaker. It is a sneaker as space age fantasy: all curved stitching and retro-futurism; a silver upper so reflective you can practically fly yourself to the moon.
It comes with a Velcro strap for a perfect whiff of athleticism. It’s giving courtside, it’s giving Challengers, it’s giving Billie Jean King meets Battlestar Galactica. It’s giving everything. The shoes scuff at the slightest movement and leave creases if you dare use them for their intended purpose (walking). They are, like me, a princess. I’m enamoured.
Cindy Chen, she/her, model
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Nike Shox will always have a place in my heart as they are incredibly versatile. I have a black and white pair and they effortlessly complement a wide range of outfits. I wore them walking for hours every day in Europe and they are extremely durable and comfortable, perfect for people who are on their feet all day.
Syd, they/them, tattoo artist and photographer
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To be honest, for much of my life, I was never a sneaker person. I’ve always been a boot and loafer wearer and saw sneakers as only for comfort, but in the last few years, I’ve begun to embrace sneakers as a part of my style.
The first sneakers I owned that felt cool and comfortable were a pair of already-worn black Nike Air Max 95s. I wore these every day, and they were the only shoes I could wear to work when I was bartending that kept me going all night. These shoes are such a part of my legacy and my evolution as a person and have been with me through so much. They will always have a place in my closet and in my heart.
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