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Picture this: Janet is a successful woman who works in an office for a profitable company. She loves everything about her job, except the strict dress code—she needs to wear a pair of high heels all day, every day. At the end of every work day, Janet heads out the door and slips into a comfortable pair of ballerina flats that she’s got stashed her your bag whilst breathing a sigh of relief. Sound familiar?
We can all identify with Janet (Whitney Houston's I'm Every Woman, anyone?) in one way or another—we dress up to look presentable which aren't always the most comfortable garb. Which is why we say hang up your stilettos when it comes to the weekends. Our go-to footwear for brunch with girls (or anywhere, really) are good ol’ sneakers—they are fun, edgy, cool and feminine even, if you know where to look.
Here, our 12 favourite sneakers that'll take you everywhere from errands at the post office to sangrias at the bar:
Splurge:
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Adidas Alphaedge 4D Parley for the Oceans shoes, S$450
This pair has quite a few interesting details. It comes in a cool pale green shade. Its lattice weave midsole is made with 3D printing that incorporates an added fourth element to give its “4D” name; that is, athlete and consumer data to ensure that each stride is optimised and energy loss is minimised. Its Primeknit upper is made with 85 per cent upcycled ocean plastic waste collected from beaches and coastal communities as part of the collaboration with Parley for the Oceans, an environmental advocacy company. A great companion, whether it is for an errand run or a go on the treadmill.
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Miu Miu Miu Run sneakers with crystals, S$1,720
Weekends are made for fun. Show just how much by wearing these Miu Miu bejewelled sneakers, that are a perfect demonstration why dress down weekends do not mean you have to go drab when it comes to your footwear options. These pair will make a shirt dress ensemble all the more lively.
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Stella McCartney White Sneak Elyse, US$511 (S$698.45)
Spice Girls made a comeback (sans Posh Spice) so it’s time for us to break out a ’90s favourite: platform sneakers. Complete with the colours of the Union Jack, tell us what more can you really really want, when this pair is so cute it hurts.
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Versace Fluo Barocco print achilles trainers, price available in store
Versace should be on your list of go-to brands if you’re obsessed with colour. And this pair screams rainbow. These summery floral patterned sneakers will add a pop of colour to a simple t-shirt and jeans combo. Finish with a matching scarf knotted round your head.
Related article: 16 Trendiest Sneakers To Kick Up Your Shoe Game This Summer
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Off-White is a staple label if you’re looking to up your street wear cred. This neutral coloured chunky pair is accented with blue arrow patches and red tabs, so those who love a simple vibe and those who prefer something more statement-making will both find something to love in this pair.
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MM6 Maison Margiela safety sneakers, €475 (S$733.67)
Bored of the silhouettes that are commonly found in the market? Head to Maison Margiela and you’ll find unique and avant-garde designs, such as this pair of chunky orange/grey trainers complete with buckles you’d normally find on a backpack. You say strange? We say genius.
Steal:
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Onitsuka Tiger OK Basketbell LO, S$169
You might pass this Onitsuka Tiger pair off as another patterned sneaker design. But behind the colourful detail lies a rich history of Japanese craftsmanship called sakiori by the Sansa Sakiori Koubo of Saccora Japan. The sakiori woven technique applied here uses old synthetic leather strips that are sewed together to create a new material using a traditional loom. Great for those who want to support environmentally-conscious products or heritage techniques passed down through generations, or if you simply want something vibrant to inject some colour into your shoe collection. BTW, this design also comes in a pink, high top silhouette.
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Clarks Tri Spark light pink, S$199
For those who live by the “less is more” ethos, this pair of sleek, blush pink sneakers from Clarks is created for you. Dress with a lightweight, ruffled cotton dress for an effortless date look or with your sports bra and leggings for a weekend hike.
Related article: Givenchy X Onitsuka Tiger Turn Heads With Their New Sneaker Collaboration
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New Balance Pride sneakers, S$149
With a rainbow colourway, this New Balance pair was created specifically to celebrate Pride month. We love that the neutral black colour is its base shade, as it makes the pair wearable with your everyday outfits without being too OTT. We see this as the perfect finish to a white top and pink pleated skirt combo. This is a limited edition design, which means catch them before they are gone. You can get them at New Balance Paragon, Bugis Junction and Jewel Changi Airport outlets.
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Puma x Sue Tsai Nova Cherry Bombs women’s trainers, S$189
Raise your hand if you went “oooh” the moment you caught sight of this pair. Intricately designed, with floral motifs, neon coral elements and a statement chunky sole, this beautiful pair was born as a result of a collaboration between Puma and New York fine artist Sue Tsai. Comfortable yes, but also, a great addition to a sneakerhead’s collection, especially if you’re into art.
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Nike Air Force 1’07 LV8 Women’s, S$149 from JD Sports
Yellows and pastels are a favourite of spring and summer but if the cheery, sunshine shade scares you, start small with something that has just a dash of that shade, such as with this pair of Nike Air Force. This pair is also great for a vacation when worn with a loose-fitted linen dress.
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Veja Wata White Pekin, €80 (S$123.61)
Like a great pair of jeans, a pair of white sneakers is a wardrobe staple that everyone needs in their wardrobe. We prefer ours to come with just a touch of colour but with minimal risk, like this Veja pair. The red V logo adds just enough colour to jazz up the pair without distracting from its minimalist aesthetics.
Related article: The Highly Anticipated JW Anderson X Converse Collab Is Here