Jul 10, 2018

I'm 5'2", and This Is What I Look for in Sneakers

by Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour

Welcome to the third official installment of my latest series: I’m 5’2”, and… I say official because I feel like I’ve been writing for my fellow petite girls my entire career, but I guess it was about time we made it legit. A few weeks ago, I shared my favorite tops, and before that it was my favorite jeans, so I thought the natural next step would be the best sneakers.

When it comes to sneaker shopping, my guidelines are actually pretty simple. At 5”2’, there are two main things I consider. One is that they are low-top and not too bulky around the ankles, and the other is that they give me a little extra height. However, this is not a story about wedge sneakers or flatforms. Instead, I prefer pairs in which the extra inch or two are organically included into the design so that one wouldn’t even consider the height when looking at them.

Think: pairs like Nike’s classic Air Max, the trendy Filas this little lady is modeling above, or even summer-ready espadrille sneakers. While you don’t think of them as platforms, per se, and they likely weren’t designed with strictly small girls in mind, they happen to do wonders anyway. Anyway, now that you know my tricks, simply continue on to shop my picks.

Fila Fila Disruptor II Premium Metallic ($75)

These give me around two inches and are so comfortable.

Available in sizes 5.5 to 11.

Classic Leather Sneaker

Reebok Classic Leather Sneaker ($75)

If Gigi Hadid wears Reeboks, we all should.

Available in sizes 5 to 11.

Air Max 95 Premium Sneaker

Nike Air Max 95 Premium Sneaker ($160)

A favorite recent purchase.

Available in sizes 5 to 12.

woven espadrille sneakers

Manebi Woven Espadrille Sneakers ($134)

Perfect for summer.

Available in size IT41.

Women's Women's Synchron Classic Sneakers

Karhu Synchron Classic Sneakers ($135)

These feel unique.

Available in sizes 6 to 11.

Golden Goose Deluxe Brand Starland Sneakers ($373)

I’m obsessed with this unexpected color combo.

Available in sizes 35 to 40.

X90 Sneaker in Grey

New Balance X90 Sneakers ($132)

Can’t go wrong with a classic.

Available in sizes 6.5 to 10.

Addict Trainers

Ash Addict Trainers ($275)

Subtle yet statement making.

Available in sizes 35 to 41.

Nike Air Max 97 Ultra ’17 SE ($160)

I’ve gotten so much use out of my own Air Max 97s!

Available in sizes 5.5 to 10.

Zara Chunky Sole Sneakers ($70)

Of course, Zara makes a pair of cool and flattering sneakers.

Available in sizes 6 to 10.

Triple S Mesh And Nubuck Sneakers

Balenciaga Triple S Mesh and Nubuck Sneakers ($895)

A girl can dream, right?

Available in sizes IT35 to IT42.

Manhattan Sneakers

Acne Studios Manhattan Sneakers ($470)

Black sneakers are always a safe choice.

Available in sizes 36 to 40.

Glyn Leather Espadrille Sneakers

See by Chloé Glyn Leather Espadrille Sneakers ($250)

Another sweet option for summery sneakers.

Available in sizes 5 to 11.

Superstar Distressed Leopard-print Calf Hair

Golden Goose Deluxe Brand Superstar Distressed Leopard-Print Calf Hair ($550)

I love animal print because it seriously goes with everything.

Available in sizes IT35 to IT42.

Sonnie Suede And Leather-trimmed Canvas And Mesh Sneakers

Chloé Sonnie Suede and Leather-Trimmed Canvas and Mesh Sneakers ($620)

Not your average sneakers, but I’m into them.

Available in sizes IT35 to IT41.

platform low-top sneakers

Hogan Platform Low-Top Sneakers ~~( $495)~~ $297

My mom wears these, but she’s a cool mom, so I might just copy her.

Available in size 39.5.

James Espadrille Sneakers

Kendall + Kylie James Espadrille Sneakers ($98)

Simple yet effective.

Available in sizes 6 to 10.

New Balance 5v2 Sneaker ($70)

I love the color of these burgundy sneakers.

Available in sizes 5.5 to 11.

Disruptor II Premium Sneakers

Fila Disruptor II Premium Sneakers ($65)

If the silver Filas aren’t for you, these might be.

Available in sizes 10.

Women's Women's Iniki Runner Sneakers

Adidas Originals Iniki Runner Sneakers ($120)

Mint green perfection.

Available in sizes 5 to 10.

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