My Favorite Statement Sneakers

When I was young and dumb(er), I was ONLY about a loafer. I would spend my days alternating between Bass Weejuns and Gucci Horsebit loafers in blissful ignorance that any other footwear choices existed in the world. Then I saw this photo of Phoebe Philo, the former Creative Director of Celine, in her Adidas Stan Smiths, and I was never the same:

I wanted - no, needed - sneakers in my life. But I didn’t want boring sneakers (after all, “extra” is in my name - twice!). So I’ve rounded up some of my favorite statement sneakers. These brands are all great on my size 12 wide feet.

Vans Yacht Club Old School - I’m having a real love affair with the “toddler” color blocking. If someone in the throws of a terrible two tantrum would wear them, so would I. (And, parents or guncles - this style does actually come sized for kids, too!).

Clae Bradley - Pink sneakers are actually super versatile and go with a lot. Evidence A: pink and camo! This pair from Clae is made from premium leather so they’re built to last.

Veja V-10 Low-Top Sneakers - Another day, another primary color palette that I can’t get enough of. If you’re not familiar with Veja, it’s a French brand uses organic cotton, wild Amazonian rubber and up-cycled materials for a light footprint on the planet.

Champion 93Eighteen Sneaker - You know I love a metallic sneaker (in fact, I wrote a whole blog post about the metallic Stan Smiths I found). But what you may not know is that I am also impatient and love the fact that these are available via Prime delivery.

Puma Suede Classic - I betcha didn’t know you needed all turquoise sneakers, but now you do. Also I betcha didn’t know these are only $55, but now you do.

New Balance All Coasts - There are lobsters on these shoes. I repeat, there are lobsters on these shoes.

What are your go-to sneaker brands?