We are in the middle of a shoe renaissance. People care immensely what is on your feet - but more that you put effort into choosing a trendy shoe as opposed to the brand itself. There was once a time when you would be the punchline of a joke if you wore New Balances or Crocs out...but this is 2023, anything is possible.
After climbing their way back to the top of the rubber shoe pyramid, Crocs has had the strongest rebrand of any shoe I've seen. No longer do you see the Jibbitz-ladened shoe and think ew or associate them with the nurse who helped take your tonsils out...No, Crocs are now the shoe of the summer alongside the once-labeled "prehistoric Birkenstock". It's 2010 all over again.
With a fire Barbie collab featuring a pink chunky heeled Croc, we've learned that any shoe is admissible in this day and age. It's not about how ugly it is, if you can argue that it's peak fashion. But that was just the beginning of relevant collaborations pertaining to Crocs this summer.
Starting with their collaboration with fashion house, MCM, Crocs debuted the Mega Crush Croc alongside photos of our favorite Y2K movie star- Lindsay Lohan. The black and gold platform Croc is chunky, emblazoned with gold from the siding to the Jibbitz themselves. And suddenly everyone forgot that Crocs were ever once mocked.
It's far from the only news-worthy collab from Crocs this summer, as they just announced their version of controversy-seeking MSCHF's Big Red Boots: The Big Yellow Boot.
Big Yellow Boot Crocs x MSCHF collab
MSCHF
Dropping on August 9, the shoe will retail for $450 and looks like a mixture of Spongebob and your favorite piece of cheese. However, there is no doubt that high fashion icons will be sporting the boot, as it was debuted at Paris Fashion Week. They even had the Paris Hilton model them, which can only indicate a sold-out line.
Every summer, I’m faced with the same, annoying issue: what is going to be my go-to shoe? What’s the shoe that is being shoved on my foot as I run hastily out the door, already late to my prior commitments? For the daytime, I need something functional, able to be dressed up or down…for the night, a trendy platform that won’t kill my ankles and toes.
And no, the daytime option shouldn’t always be a pair of flip-flops. While I would love to traipse around in my Rainbows all day, fashion icons would scoff at my choice of thong sandal if I wore them out too much. Lisa Vanderpump believes everyone should wear heels all the time, but even I can’t commit to that.
And since I always wear my summer shoes down to their soles, I will be getting my money’s worth out of them…so they have to be good. And they have to match with almost everything - biker shorts, denim shorts, maybe a sundress if I want. Normally, the go-to option would be a stark white sneaker like the Air Force 1 or perhaps a New Balance 550 if I wish.
But this year, something has changed.
Summer’s hottest sneaker isn’t new by any means…in fact, it’s a classic in both the soccer (or should I say football?) world and the fashion world since I’ve been alive. That’s right, everyone is obsessed with the adidas Samba sneaker again.
The Samba is a flat-style shoe so iconic that I can perfectly picture in my head as I write this. Created for indoor soccer stars, the classic model was predominantly black with the white stripes on the sides. And while Sambas weren’t always the public’s favorite streetwear sneaker, they most certainly are now.
Everyone famous you know is wearing the shoes. Don’t believe me? See Harry Styles, Jacob Elordi, Kaia Gerber, Emily Ratajkowski, and Bella Hadid. Or maybe check out
the shoes Katie Holmes, Rihanna and A$AP Rocky all wear. The list could go on if I had the time, but I don’t. Go to any trendy neighborhood, trendy bar, or trendy influencer’s feed — you’ll see them.
The Samba has been around since 1950, and has been featured on the feet of iconic figures in pop culture. So much so, that they have cycled as a staple in the closets of the rich and the famous. The best part? They’re accessible to the not-so-rich-and-famous.
The original
adidas Samba sneakers skyrocketed into a streetwear staple, making any outfit instantly cooler…but it was the collabs with high fashion brands like Gucci that solidified their place in the fashion world. Gucci x adidas highlights both of the brands classic looks: for adidas, the Gazelle style, for Gucci, pops of color with hints of suede in the shoe.
Similarly, adidas collabed with German-based luxury brand Kith, where they shared their take on the Stan Smith and the sister of
the Samba, the Gazelle. With more affordable pricing than the Gucci collaboration, Kith is one of the trendier brands on the market right now.
GQ has called it the sneaker of the summer for the past three summers, a fan favorite of influencers and trend followers alike. However, the high fashion connoisseurs hate them. Calling them overdone, others lamenting that they wouldn’t be “caught dead” in the fan-favorite shoe.
So, if you want a shoe that’s insanely trendy…and truly will never go out of style…then the
adidas Samba is for you. And if you’re a fan of Quiet Luxury or Stealth Wealth, the Gucci collection might be for you.
When you were growing up, did you ever think there'd be a time when you’d emulate your dad’s style? Well. In 2022, anything goes. In fact, The Cut recently declared that “everyone is dressing like a dad now.”
Men and women alike have taken to dressimg as paternal as possible. Think mid-length cutoff jean-shorts, puffer vests, sweater vests, basketball shorts, polos. Super high-waisted wide-leg pants that are borderline grandpa-chic are all the rage right now.
The “Adam Sandler” has been popularized: Bermuda shorts, oversized polo t-shirt – comfy, shapeless, casual. Socks with sandals and baseball caps. Looking like you just rolled out of bed to take out the trash is in.
Dad fashion has slowly seeped into our everyday look. We’ve even seen the revival of the “Dad Shoe,” with New Balance heavily campaigning with the slogan. Not far behind is the return of Asics, Crocs, and other father favorites.
New Balance
You once mocked your dad for his favorite pair of cargo shorts, but the rise of both Dad Style and Y2K fashion have proven cargo pants are hot on the market. It turns out your father and your grandfather’s closet is the trendiest place to shop right now.
Dad fashion is effortless. It’s about wearing an oversized zip-up hoodie and, as any dad would say, “not giving a hoot.” Hike your socks up to mid-calf and the world is your runway.
It can be seen in Emily Ratajkowski’s favorite puffer jacket and Harry Styles’ suspenders. Surely the likes of Bella Hadid can make anything look cool while rocking the more extreme version of Dad Fash, but that doesn’t mean we can’t incorporate a more subtle approach into our everyday style.
Verizon Hosts Red Carpet at Madison Square Garden for Knicks Home Opening Game, New York, USA - 21 Oct 2022
Erik Pendzich/Shutterstock
There’s nothing more refreshing than not having to actively fight your clothes all night long. Your jeans can’t squeeze you to death if they barely touch your body, and your shirt won’t come apart if it’s an oversized tee. How can your feet be sore if you’re in a pair of sturdy New Balances?
If there’s anything that we must do, it's keep the paternal influence in our style moving into 2023. Here are some pieces that are reminiscent of off-duty golf dads and little league coaches, but equally stylish.
Nothing says “dad’s night out” quite like the fleece vest. I love wearing this over a sweatshirt in the colder months or with a plain turtleneck. It’s versatile and all genders will love it.
What I love about bermuda shorts is the mitigation of chub rub. They don’t ride up whatsoever, and my inner thighs rejoice at the comfort these shorts bring me.
One of the first things to pop up when you Google “Dad Jeans” are these Levi’s. To achieve the dad look, no part of the denim can cling to your body. Your waistband holds you up and that’s it.
The ultimate Adam Sandler look is a hoodie that’s a few sizes too big. This Carhartt one will get you through the winter. Throw this on top of literally any outfit and you’re good to go.
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Fall isn’t really the time for pops of bright neons and bold statement colors. It could be because our tans are fading and hot pinks will wash us out, or because the weather is colder and we want to blend in as much as possible. Either way, I’m convinced it’s something about our moods and the weather that affects what color we wear.
It’s not that any color necessarily ever falls out of style — unless you’re Meryl Streep in The Devil Wears Prada… in which case, cerulean blue is heinous — but every change of seasons brings a new wave of fashion.
The Kardashians are normally the arbiters of fashion trends. Whether you like them or despise them, they’re one of the most famous families in the world and they routinely debut the newest styles from fashion houses like Balenciaga and Dolce & Gabbana. No surprises that shoppers claw at fast fashion websites to replicate the Kardashian look.
Kim is known for her neutral obsession: black, white, taupe and cocoa all are staples on both the Skims website and in Kim’s entire life. Her home is a monochromatic heaven of neutrals. Her Beats by Dre collection follows suit.
And yes, neutrals are probably the most prevalent of the fall fashion colors this year. We are sticking to the idea of building a “capsule closet” with only the necessary basics and not wasting our time, money, and energy on new trendy clothes that will cycle out of style in three months.
The emphasis on tan, beige, and brown continues to thrive, partially thanks to the Kardashian family uniform. But beyond their influence, there’s something about neutrals that make me feel sophisticated and sexy without trying too hard. It’s classic and refined and guaranteed to stay a staple in your wardrobe.
2022 is showing us the emergence of a new contender for fall’s hottest color: forest green. Pops of green are already considered a neutral in home decor. C’mon — having plants is essential, no matter your home decor style. Finally, fashion is catching up.
This season, we are reaching for forest green as a more muted pop of color that won’t clash with your neutral vibe. It’s a balance that spices up your outfits by straying from the same old black and white.
We Can Thank Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish is a trend visionary. Her Vogue-approved fashion sense earned her a spot as a Met Gala co-chair in 2021. So she knows what she’s doing.
Her baggy, oversized look was once hailed “ridiculous” and no one would dare leave the house in a shapeless fit that showed no curve whatsoever…until about six months ago when that became the biggest trend of the season.
The public owes Miss Billie a huge apology for deeming her chunky sporty sneakers, t-shirt, and baggy cargos a fashion crime. Now we know she was insanely comfortable and ahead of her time. Queen.
Billie’s collaboration with Nike and their Jordan brand first launched in 2021, where she debuted a neutral high top. For this year’s epic collab, she’s gone green. Her 2022 collection is in the shade Sequoia, a deep forest green perfect for fall.
Eilish must be in a tree mood this fall because her fragrance, Eilish, is coming out with a new scent that is reminiscent of that woodsy vibe.
Her four piece Nike collection features the Nike Air Force 1 High in Sequoia, as well as a sweatsuit set for your complete look á la Eilish. A tracksuit is thefall uniform, combining all of our favorite trends: streetwear and loungewear. Wearing sweats out of the house is now a statement look instead of an “I just rolled out of bed” look.
Nike
While there’s been no word on how much the sweatshirt, t-shirt, or sweatpants will cost, the shoes will retail for $180. If you can’t afford Billie’s new collection, here are some of my favorite forest green pieces for the fall.
Hanes sweatshirts are some of the best on the market. They’re durable and cost effective at the low price of $12.50. This Deep Forest color is on trend and will save you money.
A onesie is a fall fashion staple, especially this long-sleeved forest green one from Free People. For fashion and for workouts, you can wear this anywhere.
Forest green is a good balance between neutral and a pop of color so you won’t easily tire of it. We can expect this color to become a staple in everyone’s closets soon enough.
It’s 2010 and your mom brings home a pair ofNew Balance sneakers. You internally, maybe even externally, cringe. Not the dad shoe. You can see your friends mocking you even now once they see you in those Dad Force 1’s.
Fast forward to present day and we are looking at the hottest sneaker on the market. Today, you’ll most likely find
New Balances being resold at a 300% uptick from their market price. Or, if you’re the luckiest person on the planet, you can find them when they sell out in seconds flat during one of their drops.
All Hail The Creative Director
We are witnessing something truly miraculous right now…The rebrand of the century - something many big name brands have tried - and failed - to do for so long. Think Abercrombie or Banana Republic becoming trendy and acceptable to wear in public again.
The success in these re-brands is not by luck or chance, it’s thanks to the change in creative directors. In 2021, New Balance named Teddy Santis their new creative director.
Santis founded
Aimé Leon Dore, a successful fashion and lifestyle brand, that was vital in helping re-release the New Balance 550. AKA, the sneaker you see on your Pinterest board everyday. The “it girl” of New Balance, if you will.
New Balance was in the gutter literally up until 2019 when they began to do the impossible: embark on a rebrand mission so large and insurmountable that many companies went bankrupt trying to do. Yet…somehow, they did it.
Without further ado, let’s do a little dive on how
New Balance started as the “Dad shoe” and became the “it” sneaker of street fashion.
Shooting Their Shot With Kawhi Leonard
In 2019, the Toronto Raptors were soaring through the NBA season with Kawhi Leonard leading the way. Leonard is a five-time All-Star and a figure that the public often gets a kick out of, so you can imagine a shoe deal with him would be pretty valuable.
Leonard went viral for a media day interview he did with the Raptors, giving indirect answers with a straight face and a monotone voice, saying he was a “fun guy.”
What stole the public’s hearts wasn’t really the answers he gave with no real emotion, but the laugh that he followed up with. It was genuinely such an absurd laugh that the video clip has 10 million views on YouTube. From that point on, the public absolutely ate him up.
The “fun guy” slogan was slapped onto t-shirts and merch. Kawhi’s little quips would always sell out on any piece of clothing in seconds.
Brands like Under Armour and Nike all have deals with the greats: Steph Curry, Michael Jordan, LeBron James. Kawhi is no exception, so you’d think he’d be the next face of a major player like Nike or Adidas…But no.
Leonard signed on with New Balancewith his slogan, “Board Man Gets Paid.” In the move of the century for New Balance, Leonard and the Raptors went on to win the NBA championship that year. Suddenly, there’s respect for their name as more than just a sneaker, but now a top athletic brand.
With a viral personality like Leonard’s and his insane ability to play basketball (in his NB shoes of course), New Balance capitalized: they started pushing out products and ads with the King of the North and his championship team. Any product involving Kawhi resulted in minute-sellouts and doubled resale costs.
New Balanceofficially became a contender in the athletic industry alongside Nike and Under Armour. While Nike still controls the market thanks to their Jordans and LeBrons, New Balance can finally hold their own. A true competitor now.
From Dad’s Closet To Your Cart…How Did We End Up Here?
Lately, trends like early-2000s Y2K and streetwear have really taken off. People are reviving chunky sneakers and bright colors, and retro designs are all the rage. New Balance leaned into the current styles and tweaked their design but kept the same idea: classic and cool.
Everyone wants a pair of NB’s and your street cred instantly skyrockets if you can get your hands on a pair. Their sneakers do not disappoint – they’re chic and trendy with new upgrades, and while they shed the ‘dad-shoe’ mantra, they still give a subtle hint of nostalgia.
This rise to stardom happened relatively fast for the brand. Over the past three years, with the help of their new creative director and Kawhi Leonard, New Balance has completely transformed into the hottest shoe on the market. Writing this article literally made me want a pair…if only I had the funds or energy to fight people on the internet. Sigh.
Jack Harlow’s First Class Deal
Along with the millions of people watching the NBA Finals, New Balance aired a commercial with none other than Kawhi Leonard and Jack Harlow playing basketball. I started laughing to myself because, honestly, it makes perfect sense.
One of the most viral rappers, Jack Harlow, is starring in the remake of basketball film, White Men Can’t Jump. The Grammy-nominated rapper alongside NBA Champ Kawhi Leonard is the perfect mix of sports and pop-culture that will lead people to an instant NB checkout.
With big names in every industry signing with New Balance, we can expect to see several more coming down the pipeline. And with NB’s newfound success, celebrities and athletes alike are going to be knocking down their door to get a brand deal with them.
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