It doesn’t take a lot of looking to realize that slip on sneakers are showing up all over the stores, in an appropriately huge range of price points. Some of the more expensive versions are ridiculous – huge prices, with nothing particularly interesting about the style. But, after wading through a few dozen pair, I’ve narrowed the field down to the most unique and fun looks for all budgets.
I can’t quite trace the new luxe skater sneakers trend back to a single label, but I’m thinking Prada and Saint Laurent are each partially to blame. Both labels are offering several versions of the high end slip-on this season. I’m particularly fond of Saint Laurent’s printed canvas version with the cool, truly unique pineapple skull drink print.
→ Buy the Saint Laurent Skull Print Skate Sneaker, $395.00, at nordstrom.com; shipping and returns are free.
Another option in the luxe category is the leather slip-on. This genre has the same silhouette as the classic canvas sneaker, just constructed from leather. There are a lot of options, but I like the stark black and white version from Common Projects the best. It has a high fashion minimalist vibe thanks to super smooth Italian leather stamped with a gold ID number.
→ Buy the Common Projects Leather Sneakers, $455.00, at net-a-porter.com.
Vince’s basket weave sneakers have a more athletic feel than other designer versions, but still vibe upscale. The upper is constructed from a woven mesh with grey elastic inset panels and a bright white rubber sole. Like a multimedia painting at a museum, I can't help but want to reach out and touch them.
→ Buy the Vince Blair Slip-On Sneakers, $195.00, at shopbop.com; 3-day shipping and returns are free.
Despite all of the designer options, I find that I’m closest to buying these Steve Maddens! The juxtaposition of the unconventional leopard-print calf hair and the ultra-casual sneaker shape is ridiculously fun. The fact that they are super affordable also helps.
→ Buy the Steve Madden Ecentric Pony Hair Flat, $99.95, at nordstrom.com; shipping and returns are free.
I couldn’t resist indulging in a little nostalgia by featuring one pair of classic Vans. When I went searching out the perfect pair, I happened upon this fashionista worthy version… metallic Vans! So fun.
→ Buy the Vans Metallic Slip-On Sneaker, $59.95, at nordstrom.com; shipping and returns are free.
