SPORTY SOLES
Not surprisingly, outdoor gear is one of few sectors that is actually growing at the moment — social distancing is a little easier when you are out on the water, climbing a mountain or on a long hike. But a sporty esthetic has actually permeated fashion for the past couple of seasons, with or without the added effect of coronavirus, and the easiest way to get in on the trend is through footwear. From Teva-inspired sandals to cool fashion sneakers, Rebecca Tay discovers five pairs that are worth a second look.
LEOPARD KING
Ask us a couple years ago if we would wear traditional sports sandals and we would have likely said no … but then designers like Prada started coming out with them, and we quickly changed our minds. Our latest obsession is this leopard print “Maisie” pair by Loeffler Randall, which feature both sporty Velcro straps and bow ties at the ankle for a hint of sweetness. The Block, theblock.ca | $295
YOUR PLATFORM
With their five-cm platform sole, these leather “Oruga Up” sandals by Spanish brand Camper are designed to quite literally elevate all your summer looks. Their adjustable leather straps are neat, polished and sporty without screaming gym class, while the soles are actually made from an extra light, shock-absorbing material for practicality and comfort. A win-win, no matter where you wear them. Gravity Pope, gravitypope.com | $165
RUNNER UP
It’s no secret that the ’70s and the ’90s have been the prevailing decades inspiring fashion over the last few seasons, and these nylon and suede runners by RE/DONE are about as perfect as modern retro styling gets. Obviously, we love them with jeans and a ringer tee, but they also look pretty cool when worn with sundresses, A-line minis and cropped pants alike. Misch, misch.ca | $645
ANYTIME, ANYWHERE
Shoes for anywhere and everywhere sound a bit too good to be true, but Vessi Footwear swears its sneakers, including the “Cityscape” pair shown here, are totally waterproof, 100-per-cent vegan and made using a more efficient, sustainable process. Plus, with each purchase, you can add a promo code that gets you a discount and/or donates to a fund that helps get community projects off the ground. Vessi Footwear, vessifootwear.ca | $135
LACE UP
Why settle for just one set of laces when you can have a whole fringe made of them? Enter these cool sneakers by Ports 1961, which definitely veer more on the fashion end of things. Wear them with safari-inspired shorts, a breezy shirt-dress or floaty skirt for a look that is pure sports luxe. Secret Location, secretlocation.ca | $765