I'm a Sneaker Hater and a Fashion Editor, But These 10 Pairs Have Shown Me How Wrong I Am

When it comes to footwear, I am convinced I'm a masochist. I love to wear my tall white Maryam Nassir Kiki boots in the sweltering heat. I don't banish my ballet flats after they consistently give me blisters. I'll opt to walk 10,000 steps in a brand new pair of PVC sandals I haven't broken in. One time I went to a workout class in a pair of Margiela tabis, only to realize I left my sneakers at home.

The reason I probably forgot my sneakers is because I am not a sneaker person. As a shopaholic who works in fashion, I obviously own multiple pairs, but they are not what comes to mind when I get dressed. Putting on sneakers doesn't feel natural to me, but suffering in the name of fashion does.

It wasn't until I got a pair of Miu Miu New Balance sneaker mules that I started to change my mind. They were like a gateway drug from weird shoe (my favorite kind) to sneaker (my least worn). They were freaky in that they look like a sneaker that's been in a fight; they lost their entire back half in the battle. But that is what makes them so fun! You can easily slip into them and now I wear them all the time.

The Miu Miu sneaker mule also made me realize that comfort doesn't have to mean boring. I think they did a lot for the sneaker community too by making everyone realize sneakers could be funky and editorial enough for the runway. And so if you're someone like me, a self-proclaimed sneaker hater not turned lover, or if you've always loved sneakers but are looking for something more fun to add to your wardrobe, the 10 below are guaranteed to change your mind—or majorly add to your closet.

1. Miu Miu Suede Trimmed Sneakers

Maybe the Miu Miu sneaker mule is a little too weird for you. I get it! They're not for everyone. But these Miu Miu suede trimmed sneakers are. They're simple and familiar with great texture and a chunky sole that sets them apart. Logos on sneakers can sometimes feel like too much, but they really work here...mostly because who doesn't want to be branded as a Miu Miu girl?

2. The Balenciaga Speedcat

The Puma speedcat has been trending for a while now and the new iteration made with Balenciaga is bound to become an It item for Summer 2025. The shoes come pre-distressed in a way that doesn't feel too try hard. They genuinely look worn in and will only get better with more use and time. Another cool detail is that the size is written on the back of the shoe, displayed like a proud varsity jersey number. These speed cats are meant to be worn forever. It's like a cool mom family heirloom you'll be excited to pass down.

3. Salomon XT-Whisper Mesh Sneakers

Salomon sneakers have slowly risen to the top of It girl sneakers over the past couple of years, thanks to what the stylish girls in Copenhagen have done. The Xt-Whisper are the ones everyone currently wants, with a sporty ombre look that seamlessly adds color to a look you could wear to brunch and then for a hike.

4. Dries Van Noten Suede-Trimmed Leather Sneakers

Every fashion editor I know had these Dries Van Noten suede-trimmed leather sneakers on their wishlist. They have a vintage look to them with scalloped tongues and contrasting leather panels that feels distinctively '70s. And best of all they're currently on sale right now.

5. Adidas Tokyo Sneakers

It felt like there was a time where Adidas Sambas would just rule forever...and then the Adidas Tokyo sneakers came around. The sleek low-profile silhouette means the shoes look perfectly wrapped around your feet and are a nice contrast to the chunky soles that have taken over fashion season after season. And while they're inspired by '70s running shoes, they'll look just as cute on a leisurely walk.

6. Proenza Track Sneaker

But if you are in fact very much still into chunky soles and exaggerated details, there's the Proenza track sneaker, with large white swirls and a rubber gum sole that make it truly stand out.

7. Ralph Lauren Suede Pony Ballerina Sneaker

What's the best kept secret in fashion right now? Probably the fact that Ralph Lauren's shoes are SO good right now. Seriously, why is no one talking about this? As a ballerina flat obsessive, I can't stop thinking about this ballerina sneaker, which feels like the perfect cross of the two shoes. It's more dainty than most sneakers which really draws me to it, and feels like the perfect piece to pack and wear on vacation without fear of looking like a total tourist. They feel uniquely positioned for a European summer wardrobe.

8. Margiela Sprinter

Jacob Elordi and Harry Styles have both been seen in Margiela sprinter sneakers, and they're honestly just as much style icons as anyone else right now. These sneakers are another example of a retro looking find that'll have people assume you thrifted them.

9. Puma Speedcat Ballerina Sneakers

No matter what city you live in, you've likely spotted at least two individuals sporting Puma's Speedcat sneakers or maybe one of its many famous fans like like Dua Lipa, Emrata, and Jennifer Lawrence. Originally designed as driving shoes, they provide excellent traction and are lightweight. Somehow the latest take on the style, the Speedcat Ballerina sneaker, is even better. There's a reason the shoe won't stop going viral. They're cute and under $100—what more could you want?

10. Adidas Taekwondo Sneakers

Taekwondo sneakers don't get enough hype but they're weird looking in the best way. This Adidas style is still fairly under-the-radar with great quilt detailing and puffed signature stripes and perforation at sides.