Our Editors on the 3 Sneaker Styles That Are Officially Over
The topic of sneakers recently came up at the Who What Wear offices, and it turns out our editors have many opinions on them. When it came to the topic of the wardrobe staple, our editors shared their thoughts about the styles that look dated and the ones they suggest adding to anyone’s closet.
When I asked Who What Wear’s managing editor, Michelle Scanga, about the styles she’s not seeing anymore, she explained: “I haven't seen many flatform/platform sneakers lately.” On the other hand, she noted one style she’s seeing more and more: “Brands are leaning more toward an updated dad sneaker with chunky soles.”
Assistant Editor Anna LaPlaca echoed Scanga’s thoughts on dad sneakers, but instead of flatforms has another style she’s cutting out: “The one sneaker trend that doesn’t translate from a workout look to street style is, in my opinion, straight running shoes. Either opt for a sleek flat-soled pair or go full-on clunky dad sneakers—skip the in-between look.”
I similarly agree with the team about the resiliency of dad sneakers and don’t see them going anywhere soon. In fact, I think they’re getting a new life with New Age styles that put a futuristic spin on the chunky sneaker trend. A style I wouldn’t put my money behind? Wedge shapes, which I haven’t seen anywhere lately.
If you’re similarly skipping sneakers of the flatform, wedge, or running shoe variety, scroll down to shop the pairs our editors recommend wearing instead.
Skip: Flatform/Platform Sneakers
Instead Try: Chunky "Dad" Sneakers
The popular "dad" sneakers have been around for years now and are showing no signs of slowing down.
Skip: Wedge Sneakers
Instead Try: Futuristic "New Age" Sneakers
The ever-popular chunky sneaker has a few updates this season. If you're ready for the next version, try New Age styles with futuristic lines, velcro straps, and bold colors. It's a trend Net-a-Porter's buying director, Elizabeth von der Goltz, told us to watch out for this season.
Skip: Straight Running Shoes
Instead Try: Flat-Soled Sneakers
If you're less trend-inclined, you also can't go wrong with a classic pair of flat-soled sneakers. These will never go out of style.
Next: fall's best shoe trends, rated by a buying director.
Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.
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