Summer Sneakers to Covet — the Shoes That Make Us Swoon

Summer is officially upon us and the desire to be out and about is in the air at the Dallas PaperCity offices. We aren’t the types to flit around town in stilettos. We instead like a sensible, yet chic, option for our many appointments (we are very, very busy).

For this week’s Now Hear This question, I decided to ask my colleagues: What stylish sneakers are you currently wearing, or perhaps coveting?

The women’s sneaker industry has experienced a big boom in recent years, and I wrote a piece on the trends last fall.

Also, this week you get to meet our wonderful new Dallas publisher, Brooke Dowdy. Brooke is a respected veteran in the publishing world, having worked at D Magazine, Texas Monthly and most recently as the VP of sales and marketing for CultureMap. We are so happy that she has joined the PaperCity team.

Christina Geyer, Dallas Editor-in-Chief

When it comes to tennis shoes, I’ll call myself a California Classicist. I have a much-loved pair of slip-on canvas Vans and a pair of white canvas Chuck Taylors that I wore all throughout high school.

Whenever I am on gardening duty — making trips to the nursery or planting on my patio — I typically wear these perfectly weathered sneaks with a pair of denim cut-off Levis. Call it my Farming Outfit.

But, if I was going to splurge, my pick would be a simple pair of white leather sneakers by Common Projects. 

Lisa Collins Shaddock, Senior Editor

Stylish tennies are one area of my wardrobe that has admittedly been lacking, but one I am eager to resolve.

Perhaps seeing one too many unfortunate jeans and sneakers ensembles over the years temporarily ruined this look for me, but I have come around to the fact that the right pair can dress down a feminine frock and add an instant cool factor to jeans and a T-shirt.  

I hadn’t owned shoes with laces that weren’t meant for running since I was a child, but recently purchased a pair of dark green velvet Supergas and can’t wait to get some more summery options. Looking forward to seeing everyone else’s answers to this one.

Billy Fong, Culture and Style Editor

I have dozens of pairs of sporty shoes, even though most would not call me “sports-minded.” However, I like seeming like a boy-on-the-go and sneakers are the best way to accomplish that look. My high-end options include Prada, Gucci and Moncler.

My general go-to, however, are one of my Stan Smith Adidas. If you are all about the details, like me, you might have noticed the abundance of Vogue staff wearing their Stan Smiths in the documentary, First Monday in May.

I have a white and blue version and a white and green version. Both are uber-preppy and scream “wear me with a sweater tied loosely around your shoulders.” I desperately want the brand to re-release their Rod Lavers (I have two pairs that are in really poor shape).

I recently purchased a pair of Fila Distruptor sandals, which I would put in the category of sneakers. They are so on the edge of nerdy that I have gotten both “those are so cool” and “my god, why are you wearing such ugly shoes?”

Well, I think they are super edgy-nifty, so I guess that’s all that matters.

Megan Ziots, Dallas Digital Reporter

I am coveting the new Vans x Harry Potter sneaks. Being a Ravenclaw, I’d have to go with blue and grey checkerboard authentic shoes.

Just like the Ravenclaw persona and in contrast to the other house-themed kicks, they aren’t too flashy and resemble a classic Vans style. They do have the emblem on the top of the shoe tongue though, which is just the right amount of Potterhead dorkiness for me.

Brooke Dowdy, Dallas Publisher

With three little ones under six, fashionable sneakers are my weekend best friend.  My go-to pair is something funky from Golden Goose. For something more classic, I love the Superga Cotu in white. Plus, they have the cutest kicks for kids to match.

Linda Kenney, Account Executive

It wasn’t long ago that the sneaker was anathema to business attire — no longer. And I love that. Designer sneakers are a delight to wear and add a certain “je ne sais quoi” to business fashion. Also appropriate for evening, these gems add flair with comfort.

My favorite this season is a rounded toe, rib-knit Balenciaga topline with black and white laces, such a great affectation. Lined with French terry, this is the sneaker to be seen in.

Samantha Oguin, Sales Account Director and Director of Business Development, Dallas

There is a pair of Gucci sneakers that I am absolutely in love with. My favorite part is the mix of the pearls and the spike — I love the feminine plus edgy vibe all in one. 

I am always a sucker for shoes with spikes so these wouldn’t be my first pair. But beware — sometimes those spikes hurt!

I am really into the trend of a fun dress with sneakers. I just think it’s so cute, and I would be lying if I said I don’t love the comfort level it provides for all-day wear. 

I also know I am the only person on the planet who can’t get her mind around paying $500 for dirty-looking sneakers. With that being said, I simply can’t get on board with the whole Golden Goose phenomenon. 

I am more of a clean and crisp person, so something similar to one of Rag & Bone’s sneakers is what I am rocking most days this summer.

Maggie Wilson, Events and Partnerships Manager

I love sneakers, so this is a difficult question for me — because there are so many I want. However, the pair I’ve been coveting the longest is a pair of Allbirds.

I’ve heard such amazing things about how comfortable these shoes are and for me, comfort is key when it comes to footwear.

I’ve wanted a pair of Allbirds for a while now, but the issue is there are too many cute color combos for me to choose from. I’ve been between the cream and the grey for a while now and think it’s about time for me to make up my mind.

Jade Osseck, Dallas Intern

When I was in Paris I saw a pair of platform Golden Goose Hi Star sneakers and have been obsessed with them since. Also, the Adidas SC Premiere sneakers are great for an everyday shoe. I’ve seen a lot of models like Kendall Jenner and Hailey Baldwin wearing them.

If you ever have something you want our team to address, shoot us your thoughts via social media or email (@papercitydallas on Instagram; facebook.com/papercitymagdallas on Facebook; or yours truly, billy@papercitymag.com). Or, better yet send a message to the office, handwritten on the Smythson stationery of your choice — and feel free to include a bottle of Veuve. Champagne really helps get the ideas flowing.

Look for the next installment of Now Hear This from Billy Fong soon. Also, stay tuned for the new Instagram Stories to be premiering in the very near future.