The Goods

Totally wearable takes on spring's most fashion-forward sneakers

Jessi Cruickshank shares unexpected designer pairs and how to get the look for less.

Jessi Cruickshank shares unexpected designer pairs and how to get the look for less.

(Source: Instagram, @emiliopucci)

It wasn't too long ago that the sneaker was seen as something you'd just throw on last minute for a day of running errands, hoping you don't bump into anyone you know. But those days are long gone and if the prolonged athleisure trend has taught us anything, it's that sneakers as statements are here to stay, and they're entirely worthy of the fashion limelight.

In fact, sneakers have been dominating the world of high fashion as of late, and they were featured heavily on the Spring Summer 2018 runways of numerous major designers this season. These aren't exactly your everyday trainers though — and fashion houses have certainly put their own spin this classic shoe. Combined with the cover-it-in-plastic trend, Public School's plastic-ensconced sneakers were featured prominently in their SS18 collection.

To be fair, a lot has already been done with the sneaker, so it comes as no surprise that some of the major names in fashion are taking risks with their designs. Case in point: These curved toe sneakers from luxury brand, LOEWE.

If neither of these styles speak to you, fear not. Jessi Cruickshank walked us through some of the more wearable sneaker trends for the season ahead and how to shop the look for less — and the best part is, you might already have some of these in the back of your closet!

The futuristic sneaker

These sneakers shown recently at the Louis Vuitton Spring runway show are the epitome of the cool futuristic vibe that we're seeing this season. They're a bit of a splurge though because they retail for $1,340, so here are some less-pricey options:

Nike Air Huarache City, $190, footlocker.ca

Puma Phenom suede women's training shoes, $100, puma.com

Adidas Arkyn shoes, $180, adidas.ca

The dad sneaker

In rather unexpected fashion news, the dad sneaker is having a real moment right now. And although this SS18 trend has some serious geriatric vibes, Balenciaga put supermodels in them and made them a covetable high-fashion accessory. And while most dads, husbands or grandpas sport a very similar pair, they probably don't run for approximately $850 like these designer sneakers. So instead of splurging, dig out the old pair in your closet or try out something like these.

FILA Disruptor 2 Premium Mono Sneaker, $84, urbanoutfitters.ca

Reebok Club C Vintage Sneaker, $89, urbanoutfitters.ca

And if you are looking for a bit of a splurge, there's this pretty pair from Prada:

Prada Cloudburst Sneaker, $840, prada.com

The feminine sneaker

We're fans of the borrowed-from-the-boys feel that sneakers can sometimes lend, but if you're looking for something a little more feminine, there are plenty of options to play with. PUCCI recently released a super pretty ruffled sneaker collection. They're colourful, oh-so-adorable and add a bit of a ballet influence to any ensemble, but they come with a price tag of almost $700.

Jessi also loves these stunning ballet-inspired sneakers from Danish design brand, ARKK

Here are some additional options that are just as pretty!

Puma Fierce Rope Satin En Pointe sneakers, $115, puma.com

Aldo Jessup sneaker, $44.98, aldo.com

Keds Triple Embroidered Platform sneaker, $70, thebay.com

Outfits provided by Nordstrom and C2 Apparel