Our top ten picks for the skate shoe — this summer's IT sneaker
This season's fashion-forward sneaker is actually retro-inspire: the skater shoe. I wore skate shoes in elementary school, and love the fact that 12-year-old me would be envious of my current footwear choices. In recent years, sneaker design has trended towards streamlined, futuristic shapes with speed and athletic performance as the main focus. In the last couple of seasons there's been a shift to wider and "chunkier" silhouettes, with the skate shoe becoming the most popular. Where once you had to visit your local surf or skater shop to scoop a pair, now many mainstream shops stock skate shoes, proof of how ubiquitous such sneakers have become. Speaking of the rise of street style in fashion, luxury brands such as Saint Laurent and Gucci have all added skateboard-inspired shoes to their collections.Check out some of the best skateboard-inspired sneakers available now.
These are my "go-tos". I've had my current pair of Vans checkerboards for almost 10 years now, and have a newfound appreciation for their durability and timelessness. These are the pair I wore as kid, the ones I wear now and the ones I will put my kids in (when and if I have kids that is!). I love the ease of slipping these on and I think the iconic "checkerboard' pattern will always work.
Vans Slip-on Checkerboard, $60, gravitypope.com
This is the "it" shoe of the season. The Adidas Stan Smith sneaker was everywhere the last two summers, but this summer the Vans Old Skool will take it's place as the omnipresent sneaker, adored by stylish men and women, both. These have already been spotted on the likes of ASAP Rocky, Rihanna and the Hadid sisters.
Vans Old Skool (Suede/Canvas), $80, gravitypope.com
I love these Chuck Taylor All-Star 1970's Sneakers. The rubberized trim rises higher on these than on traditional Chucks, and they are actually more durable too. The off-white 'parchment' colour is the one to scoop.
Converse Off-White Chuck Taylor All-Star 1970's Sneakers, $85, ssense.com
If hightops are more your speed, these hi-cut Chuck Taylor 70s might be worth checking out. They are made from heavy grade canvas and feature a beautiful red stripe down the back. The great thing about Chucks is they go with EVERYTHING. #fact
Converse CTAS 70 HI, $100, capsuletoronto.com
This Nike SB Zoom Bruin Premium is straight from Nike's Skateboard line so you know they have asphalt-tested durability, and Nike's patent zoom technology spells comfort for your feet. They are available in a bunch of colours but this "Prism Pink" is the one to get.
Nike SB Zoom Bruin Premium SE, $100, store.nike.com
Our first designer offering is from New York designer Alexander Wang who teams up with Adidas Originals to create these luxury skate shoes. These unisex sneaks feature a beautiful leather upper, and unique trim-colour detail on the rubber outsole.
Adidas Originals by Alexander Wang Skate Sneaker, $258.16, alexanderwang.com
British Designer Neil Barrett is known for his graphic sensibility when it comes to his streetwear, and this Thunderbolt slip-on is a perfect example. These canvas slip-on sneakers feature a thunderbolt pattern design with white tonal stitching.
Neil Barrett Thunderbolt Slip-on, $595, ssense.com
Common Projects is a New York based sneaker brand known for modern minimalist design mixed with classic Italian craftsmanship. Thumbs up on the tan suede colour, plus these are the perfect pair for sockless summer walks.
Common Projects Tan Suede Retro Slip-on Sneakers, $615, ssense.com
Parisian fashion house Yves Saint Laurent's leather court classics feature a slick suede heel tab with a leopard print. Think surfer-skater with a hint of rock star. Expect Harry Styles to rock these come tour time.
Saint Laurent SL/37 Surf, $710, ssense.com
Founded in Tokyo in 2010, Hender Scheme pays "homage" to iconic sneaker designs by remaking them in handcrafted, premium leather. Here we have Manual Industrial Products 04 which is pretty much a Vans Authentic on fashion steroids. The beauty of Hender Scheme footwear is they actually do get better with age — the vegetable-tanned leathers take on a beautiful "patina" unique to each wearer.
Hender Scheme Manual Industrial Products 04 Natural, $995, havenshop.ca