Dear Readers,
When I started writing this newsletter, I realised I was risking unleashing a wave of hate in a world that is increasingly - well… sneaker-friendly.
Take a stroll around the city at any time of day, travel abroad and do some sightseeing, or even attend a casual gathering with friends… the chances of seeing sneakers dominate as the footwear of choice are almost guaranteed.
I get it, I get it… they're comfortable, and with the limitless designs available nowadays, why would anyone choose anything else?
For many years, I struggled to find a pair of sneakers I actually liked. Besides my gym trainers - which I wear (you guessed it) only to the gym - anything even vaguely resembling sneakers simply ruined the outfit in my mind.
Times have changed, and the sneaker game has been elevated from a sport shoe to a designer experience, with a hefty price tag to match.
We’ve seen it all - sneakers at red carpet events, sneakers paired with ball gowns, even sneakers worn with suits at business meetings.
I am no fashion designer or trendsetter, but I must admit I miss the elegance and gracious fit that vanished under the avalanche of sneakers we now find ourselves buried in. As one of the few survivors (okay, I’m exaggerating here), I find myself turning to elegant loafers or ballet flats whenever possible, trying to set a new trend. I can assure you, I haven’t been successful so far.
That being said, I’ll soon be leaving for vacation, with a lot of sightseeing planned on uneven terrain (think cobblestones, 16th-century narrow streets, and plenty of hills to climb). So, a couple of months ago, I set myself on a quest to find elegant sneakers - and promised I wouldn’t stop until I found a pair I was happy with.
The filtering process was straightforward:
Nothing too trendy, nothing with big flashy logos or embellishments, and nothing too trainer-looking (otherwise, I could just bring my gym trainers and save the money, huh?) 🙂
A common misconception I encounter when talking about elegant fashion is that it must look glamorous and formal. A Google search confirmed my theory: after typing in "elegant sneakers," I was bombarded with an endless list of sneakers featuring embellishments, rhinestones, studs or - brace yourselves - sneaker heels?
This eye-opening experience made me rethink the entire strategy and apply the same tactics I use when buying any other shoes.
Here is my list of must-haves:
- Good quality material, ideally leather
- Simple, versatile design that’s easy to style
- Monochromatic colour to pair well with all of my clothes (white or beige, in this case)
- A reasonable price that’s not inflated by branding (e.g., designer sneakers)
This approach led me to a new search: “elegant white leather sneakers for women with a simple design.”
I knew I could still trust Uncle Google - this time, the results were far more satisfying.
The first pair I looked at were the Louis Vuitton Frontrow Sneakers. However, they quickly came off my list: the price tag was too high, and the not-so-invisible Monogram Canvas pattern felt a bit too tacky for my taste.
My second option was a pair from a lesser-known Swedish brand called Skolyx. They manufacture their shoes in Spain using artisanal techniques. What really caught my eye was the simplicity - no flashy logos or embellishments. In the end, I didn’t go for this pair, as the brand caters mainly to men, and I wasn’t confident about the sizing.
My third option, and the one I eventually chose, is the Vendôme Sneakers by Isabel Bernard.They ticked all my boxes (I’ve yet to assess their comfort level once I start wearing them), but overall, I’m very pleased with the material, clean design, and fit. Compared to the Skolyx pair, I find the Isabel Bernard model more feminine, with a thinner, less bulky sole and a more refined silhouette.
All this being said, I still wouldn’t call myself a sneaker enthusiast, and I’m already mentally styling elegant outfits around them to maintain the level of grace I aim for (yes, my mind loves playing tricks on me).
But I also know that for the kind of trips I have planned, having a sturdy, reliable shoe that allows me to wander through ancient cities without issue is a much safer bet than twisting an ankle in a beautiful but impractical ballet flat.
How about you? Are you a big fan of sneakers? Have you found a pair that blends elegance with practicality?
Let me know in the comments under my Instagram reel!
Yours sincerely,
Katarina
Photo credits: Louis Vuitton, Skolyx, Isabel Bernard