Adidas Ozweego / Aug 2019 / In-Image

How To Wear Sneakers & Look Damn Fine At Every Occasion

In case you’ve been living under a rock, your sneakers are meant for more than just the gym these days. Though they got their start as flimsy ‘plimsolls’ meant for working-class holidaymakers and purpose-built footwear designed for athletes, sneakers have become a staple in every man’s (and woman’s, for that matter) wardrobe. From lifestyle to the red carpet to sports, nowadays your sneakers can be an expression of yourself. And today we’re showing you how to wear them perfectly.

No matter what kind of sneakers you settle on, there are a few basic principles for how to wear sneakers.

Always:

• Buy sneakers that suit your current wardrobe: What good does it do to buy the latest ‘hype’ style if it doesn’t suit your style? Don’t hop on the trend train just because it’s passing through. Choose shoes that complement what you already have, not shoes that require you to repurchase your entire wardrobe. We’re looking at you, Yeezy lovers.
• Wear them to the right occasions (don’t go too casual): Sneakers are incredibly versatile, but they’re no substitute for dress shoes. You can get away with wearing sneakers with any off-duty outfit – and perhaps even some casual, unstructured suits – but they’re not meant for every occasion (i.e. weddings). Err on the side of overdressed rather than underdressed.
• Keep them clean: It doesn’t matter how cool your sneakers are, the effect will be lost if they’re not spick-and-span. Proper sneaker maintenance includes washing the laces, eliminating odours, brushing the outsoles, and using shoe trees and sneaker shields.

How To Wear Modern Sport Sneakers

Wearing this style of sneaker can have you looking like Jerry Seinfeld if you’re not careful. On the other hand, you can quite easily look like a ‘houso’ if you pair them with tracksuit pants. As much as possible, stick with sneaker releases that are low profile with a fashionable edge.

Too runnery/sporty and they’ll look bulky and not quite right. Wear these as you would classic sneakers or with gym/running gear on the weekend. Steer clear of denim that’s loose-fitting, as it never seems to work. Instead, choose slim Nudie chinos or elastic cuff variations. On top, keep it sporty and casual with t-shirts only.

• Avoid all white pairs running trainers… eeew!
• Don’t tuck shirts into denim with these sneakers
• Go for a sporty look to complement the shoe