I'm always taken aback when people are shocked that I'm a sneakerhead. I suppose it's not really in my nature to buy anything mass produced and outsourced to developing countries, but I'm rarely in anything but Nikes or my Doc Martins, and my masc style is pretty outwardly streetwear. As an AFAB with a diverse style, let me tell you my best and worst sneakers to save you the time.
THE BEST
By far the best sneakers I've ever worn are my Nike Reacts. I went to Platypus with a friend once while I was a bit manic and. . . well here we are now. They are hands down the most comfortable shoe of any style I've had the pleasure of wearing around a 5 hour shift in the vintage store. The foam has remained in-tact but soft and bouncy for three years. If you're looking for a shoe with ultimate comfort and a sleek design, I highly recommend the Reacts.
My second pick is the Air Max 95s. I have them in the Glacier Grey colourway and, as far as I'm concerned, it was the perfect choice. I have no idea why my boyfriend at 23 one day came home with a Nike box and affection for me - I wonder if he did something he wanted to make up for. But with the way these shoes have lasted me, I forgive him twice-fold. I happily thanked him, tried them on, and we jetted off to Vietnam with me bringing no other shoes but them. On the plane I worried I had made a mistake, but I never regretted it once. The Air Max 95s have been worn hundreds of times, thrown in suitcases and wardrobes, and for a while marked my signature Spring style of mini dresses and chunky shoes. I probably should have cleaned these once in four years, but I honestly don't think they have gotten dirty enough to warrant it. These shoes are a classic for a reason.
THE WORST
I don't need to consider my least favourite pair of Nikes. It's obviously the platform Air Force 1s. I often wonder if I'm the only one walking around concealing my pain in the air forces, because every zoomer I see seems to have accepted their fate. I don't know if it's the platform aspect, or the modern aspect as my vintage Air Forces don't do this, but the sole on the shoe refuses to move with my foot. The thick, somewhat abrasive synthetic lining rubs up against your toes and heel. Much to my dismay, I now have my mother's worn feet - all thanks to the platform Air Force 1s π
EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN
Most of my sneakers are neither amazing now disappointing. Nike isn't exactly all about innovation and ingenious design - they're about range, versatility, style and function. So here's some more honourable mentions.
The Nike TNs isn't in good or bad because it's both. They're my favourite overall shoe in terms of aesthetic. I'm cooler than you, and now you know it π But much like the Air Force 1s, there is a bit of discomfort on my big toe and inside of my heel. I also bought the children's pair so the glue that attaches the sole to the upper of the shoe has the mildest amount of erosion. Still, this is after 3 years of pretty regular use. I'd rate them a 7.5/10.
The vintage Air Force 1s either lose or gain a point for being high tops with a wrap around velcro strap on the top, depending how you look at it. Aesthetically, these shoes are almost perfect. They're lime green without being fluorescent, they're comfortable, and after more than 20 years have no wear and tear. The only downside is the fact that it's a high top. Have you ever tried to put a pair of those on when you're running late for the tram? Not your best friend. For this reason I only wear them half as much as I'd like, and never, EVER, when clothes shopping as it wastes too much time in change rooms. 9/10.
If you're a fellow sneakerhead you're definitely wondering why theΒ Jordan 11 RetroΒ in Legend Blue aren't in the best list. Honestly, I just don't like wearing Jordans or dunks. I think they look ridiculous on most people my size, including (and especially) me. I'm a 162cm and 44kg so I'm not sure basketball shoes were made for me. Still, I fell in love with them when I saw them at a sneaker buy-swap-sell meet in Preston when I first moved to Naarm. And to think that they only cost me $90 compared to the current resale price means I won't be letting go of these for a while. These are my only shoe grails and they'r my babies until I buy my next. 8/10.
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As well as all these mentioned above, I regularly wear my Tailwinds, Presto Flys for training, and I will always have fond memories of wearing Rosches to work to stay comfy. The Suicoke slides have to receive an honourable mention too.
What are your most and least recommended shoes?