Last summer while traveling in Japan, I saw metallic sneakers everywhere. From Tokyo to Hiroshima, my daughter and son dragged me into more shoe stores than I can count. Each one had at least a few metallic sneakers on their shelves, from light pink with stripes to white with streaks of silver and bold, jewel-toned purples and greens. I admired them and noticed with awe how many people pulled them off. Nevertheless, I couldn’t imagine trading in my tried-and-true white kicks for something so shiny. Fast forward a year, and I regret not being a trailblazer.
As a harried mom of four, I thought my days of trendy sneakers were over. When it comes to footwear, I prioritize comfort and simplicity over the latest style. I learned long ago that flashy fashion trends tend to fade long before my shoes or clothing wear out, and I just can’t justify the expense. Plus, I need a reliable pair of shoes that go with just about everything so I can get dressed quickly.
Yet, I couldn’t stop thinking about the metallic footwear I saw in Japan, especially as they became more popular in the United States. Finally, I took the plunge on the Adidas Barreda silver sneakers with off-white stripes — and I couldn’t be happier. (Another option is the Adidas Breaknet, available in silver with a crinkle finish)
I asked stylist Amanda Perna, a two-time “Project Runway” alum who has worked at Calvin Klein and Oscar de la Renta, why metallic sneakers work so well. “For me, the best fashion pieces are the ones you can add to spice up an outfit that make it less boring but are so comfortable you never want to take them off. Metallic sneakers are exactly that,” Perna said. They also come in a variety of price points and profiles, with colors ranging from subtle to bright. That means everyone can find a metallic sneaker that works for them, she explained.
“Metallic sneakers really function as an elevated neutral. They can be a dressier option that you can wear with a dress or jeans, and feel a bit more exciting and fashion-forward than a basic color,” Perna said.
As someone who likes to get dressed quickly without overthinking my outfit of the day, I appreciate that metallic sneakers help me keep things simple and help me look put together. Perna’s explanation helped me understand why, giving me more confidence to venture out in my shiny shoes.
“Choosing a metallic over a white or black sneaker brings a lot more personality,” Perna says. “These shoes automatically let people know that you are willing to have fun with your wardrobe,” and aren’t too stuffy, she explains. Plus, they make even jeans and T-shirts look purposeful. “Throw on a metallic sneaker, and your look goes from basic to feeling deliberately styled,” Perna explains.
If you still aren’t sure about taking the plunge on a pair of sneakers in the $70 range, Lucky Step metallic sneakers start at $36. “Extremely comfortable, stylish, and great quality. I am really impressed with these sneakers. The retro design looks even better in person, and they match easily with casual outfits. They are lightweight, fit true to size, and provide great cushioning for walking all day without any foot fatigue. The materials feel durable and well-finished. Highly recommended!,” Daniel Masaquiza said.
I now reach for my Adidas sneakers almost every day. Because I tend to live in jeans and T-shirts throughout the fall and winter, I always worry about looking frumpy. I love that my metallic sneakers help me instantly look put together as soon as I lace up and add a little interest to my otherwise drab outfits.
