THE SNEAKER SURRENDER

Why, Oh Why Must We Do It?

Michael Kors

High heels have long been symbols of power, professionalism and sexiness. Many women love them, even though wearing them is pure agony much of the time. Heels have survived decades of fashion trends and remain the ultimate in haute couture for your feet.

But as we age our feet rebel, forcing us to get out of our stilettos and into something more...sensible. Something that won’t enrage our bunions or blister our toes from being cramped together all day. It’s what I grudgingly call, “the sneaker surrender.” Where comfort becomes the only option left.

Traditional sneakers don’t look great with a dress

Kizik’s Sydney sneaker

I for one, don’t want to surrender to the sneaker, that peculiar brand of cushion and frumpiness. They don’t go with anything in my closet - nor, I bet, with anything in yours – except those yoga pants or jeans. I love my black and white HOKAs, yes, but they look ridiculous with skirts and smart pants, and a host of other clothing items, including dresses. Sure, they’re comfortable. Sure, they help prevent foot conditions and promote stability and balance. But can you wear them to that fancy dinner party?

Sneakers are practical, of course, for almost everyone in everyday life. They provide roomy toe boxes, low-heeled stability, slip-resistant soles, cushioning for joint pain like arthritis, proper arch support and balance improvement, reducing the risk of a fall. I know I must wear them. But I don’t have to like them. They’re just plain ugly.

I mean who wants to wear footwear made with an overwhelming combination of materials (mesh, canvas, synthetics like recycled polyester), bulky rubber soles, innumerable lines and logos, and horrendous clashing colors?

The good news is that companies have gotten the message and now make much more stylish sneakers. Made of regular or woven leather, they’re sleek and clean lined, come in a range of colors, and give you all the cushiony comfort and arch support of a sneaker with enough style to wear them out in public without you being ordered to fashion hell. And they’re easy to take care of.

Vionic’s slip-on sneaker

Ecco’s black lace up sneaker

Ecco, Kizik, the Thursday Boot Company, FitFlop and Vionic are brands that have these kinds of sneakers, and if you search you will find more. They actually look good with pants and skirts and most dresses.

Just don’t expect to wear them on the red carpet.

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