Shoe Week: The Perfect Vintage Sneaker
Apr 21, 2023
For most of my childhood, I wore white Keds. My Mother dutifully cleaned and sun-dried them every week to keep them whiter than a celebrity’s smile. But in my later years, I’ve struggled to find a white sneaker that was cool enough to wear with casual dresses and jeans, but didn’t look like I was headed to a Jazzercise class after.
The first sneaker I tried, the Veja Esplar, is a great shoe. But they took so long to break in, and recently, I stepped off of a curb and the sole tore open. Not the quality I’m looking for in a shoe that should have lasted a bit longer.
As a replacement, I bought these Reebok Vintage Sneakers, and I love them. They have a great ’80s vibe. They have a low-profile look. They’re not too white. And they go with everything.
So even if my husband shudders every time he sees them (he’s a loyal Nike customer), I’m going to wear them all summer long.
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My problem is my 20-year-old son already has these. LOL But I do think they are a good choice,
I love this look. I recently bought these from Madewell with a similar vibe. Comfortable and cute!
https://www.madewell.com/sidewalk-low-top-sneakers-ND989.html
I have heard that the Vejas take some time to break in. I’m wondering if anyone has tried the white Rothy’s sneakers? Machine washable sounds nice …
I have! They’re pretty great so long as you have a narrow to average width foot. They have a much more supportive insole than all the other Rothy’s styles and wash up great. And they are very low profile and look great with dresses and skirts.
I bought a pair of the first generation white Rothy’s sneakers when they brought them out for a Black Friday surprise this past Christmas (I think they were around $100 on sale.) They are basically the same, except they don’t have the navy stripe down the back of them. They are MUCH more supportive than other Rothy’s and much more comfortable. I have to make sure the tongue is completely flat/straight before tying, and other than that, they are wonderful! So comfy and the look amazing with just about everything. I find they even look a little more polished than some of my other white sneakers. Knowing what I know now, I would purchase them at full price. I also bought a pair of the driving loafers at the same time, and they are definitely not as comfy as the sneakers. I found the sneakers to be true to size, and I also have a pair of Rothy’s pointed flats that I bought in my normal size 7, but they are kinda tight. My foot is medium width, and I never wear a wide width shoe.I would size up in the sneakers if you do have a wide foot.Hope that helps!
I’m wearing my white rothys slip ons right now! They are so comfortable and definitely stay bright white if you pre-treat stains appropriately. I would wear them every single day if I could get away with it.
My only complaint about the Rothy sneaker is that they rub a bit in the back so wearing low profile socks is critical.
leaving a vote for Tretorns, they come in a variety of colors and styles, cute, retro, come in extended widths and arent too clunky!
Fun post. I wore Keds, too. Also K-Swiss. I have a pair of white leather Adidas that aren’t very comfortable. Maybe I need to return to my old favorite. https://www.journeys.com/product/womens-k-swiss-classic-vn-heritage-athletic-shoe-white-376072
So you’re on team “white leather” for summer. What are your thoughts on switching from leather to canvas in the summer? I have awesome Nike’s that are leather which just feels “cold weather” to me, while canvas seems more “summer.” As with anything….I’m probably over thinking this….
This is exactly my thought! I’m on the hunt for something cool like this, but in canvas. I’m worried that leather would be too hot (also probably over-thinking…).
Superga is what you’re going to want to do. And they always have sales, got some awesome $25 canvas sneakers from them.
Can you do a post on how to style these? Thanks!
I like m Vejas 🙂 I haven’t had any issues breaking them in and mine seem to be holding up well! But these look cute too