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.
These give me around two inches and are so comfortable. Available in sizes 5.5 to 11.
If Gigi Hadid wears Reeboks, we all should.Available in sizes 5 to 11.
A favorite recent purchase.Available in sizes 5 to 12.
Perfect for summer.Available in size IT41.
These feel unique.Available in sizes 6 to 11.
I’m obsessed with this unexpected color combo.Available in sizes 35 to 40.
Can’t go wrong with a classic.Available in sizes 6.5 to 10.
Subtle yet statement making.Available in sizes 35 to 41.
I’ve gotten so much use out of my own Air Max 97s!Available in sizes 5.5 to 10.
Of course, Zara makes a pair of cool and flattering sneakers.Available in sizes 6 to 10.
A girl can dream, right?Available in sizes IT35 to IT42.
Black sneakers are always a safe choice.Available in sizes 36 to 40.
Another sweet option for summery sneakers.Available in sizes 5 to 11.
I love animal print because it seriously goes with everything.Available in sizes IT35 to IT42.
Not your average sneakers, but I’m into them. Available in sizes IT35 to IT41.
My mom wears these, but she’s a cool mom, so I might just copy her.Available in size 39.5.
Simple yet effective.Available in sizes 6 to 10.
I love the color of these burgundy sneakers.Available in sizes 5.5 to 11.
If the silver Filas aren’t for you, these might be.Available in sizes 10.
Mint green perfection.Available in sizes 5 to 10.
In case you missed the last posts, shop my favorite jeans here and my favorite tops here.
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Experienced Sneaker Shoppers Know: These 5 Trends Are Officially Dated (And These 5 Are In)Required reading before shopping.
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I'm a 5'0" Fashion Editor—These Are the Pants and Jeans I Never Have to HemPetite shopper approved.
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Low-Rise Jeans and Ballet Flats Look Dated Compared to This Trending Jeans-and-Sneaker ComboConfirmed by Dakota Johnson and Natalie Portman.
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Sneakers Are the Real MVP of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale—These 29 Cool Styles Are ProofNew Balance, Asics, Converse, and more.
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It's Now or Never—54 Last-Minute Amazon Prime Day Deals You'll Regret SkippingElevated basics, celeb dupes, luxe-like styles, and more on sale.
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I'm 5'2" and Hate Baggy Jeans on Me—28 Pants, Skirts, and Shorts I'd Wear InsteadPetite women, listen up.
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Stop It Right Now—These 39 Under-$100 Nordstrom Finds Are Incredibly GorgeousKitten heels, lacy skirts, and new It sneakers.
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Aboard a Yacht in Sicily, There's Only One Sneaker Color to Wear With a White SundressLearn from the best, aka Naomi Campbell.
