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After months of putting your feet through the toil of lugging around heavy, clunky boots, one of the greatest joys spring can offer is the opportunity to at last free yourself from the confines of cumbersome footwear and slip into something a little lighter and a lot more comfortable, like a fresh pair of sneakers.
If there were ever a time to treat yourself to a new pair of kicks or two, it’s spring, a season of new and fresh beginnings and more importantly, a refreshed wardrobe. With that being said, it’s time to take a harsh and critical look at your collection of sneakers and make room for newer and far less battered pairs. And if you don’t know where to begin on this search for new spring sneakers, we’ve scoured the web to bring you the 15 best pairs, from classic silhouettes to white sneakers with a twist and even an entirely pastel pair, for when you’re feeling extra festive.
adidas Samba Vegan Shoes
Recently the adidas Samba has been experiencing a renaissance of sorts, so if you want to join the likes of Jonah Hill and Frank Ocean in wearing the sneaker, pick up this vegan version of the iconic style. The timeless design of the sneaker (there’s a reason it’s been around for some 70 years) lends it well to a range of outfits, and will prove a welcome reprieve from the more ubiquitous Stan Smith and Superstar styles.
Nike Blazer Mid ’77 Vintage
We’re willing to bet you already have a pair of white sneakers or two in your closet, but we’re also willing to bet you have none quite as cool as these Blazers from Nike. What could have been just another pair of plain white sneakers is rescued by the accents made out of woven material along the side and heel, giving the sneakers a slightly earthy aesthetic that’s highly fitting for spring.
Reebok Awake Classic Leather Shoes
Reebok’s collaboration with New York brand Awake takes classic silhouettes from the brand and renders them in luxe materials, including this pair of the Reebok’s Classic sneakers made from a rich (and expensive looking) off-white leather.
Everlane Forever Sneaker
It doesn’t get more basic than Everlane’s Forever sneaker, and we mean that in the best way possible. The uncomplicated and fuss-free design makes for the perfect shoe to throw on when you don’t know what else to wear or slip into last-minute as you’re heading out the door.
New Balance 997H
It’s no secret that pastel colors tend to dominate spring, but that doesn’t mean you should feel prohibited from wearing bolder, primary colors, especially when it comes to this pair of New Balance’s 997H whose vibrant green reminds us of freshly cut grass.
Converse Color Chuck 70
If you’re going to buy a pair of Chucks, we recommend going with the brand’s Chuck 70 version which offers a thicker sole and details like contrast stitching that lends them a more retro feel that’s closer to the original design. This mauve color is still muted enough to work well with your wardrobe without proving to be boring.
Veja V-10 Multicolor Leather Sneakers
Because what says spring better than a sneaker in mutli-colored pastels?
Vans Salt Wash Authentic SF
The washed, slightly faded look of these Vans gives them the appearance of having already been witness to many sun-soaked days, their beachy aesthetic perfect for the transition to summer too. Plus, when you’re really in a crunch you can quite literally slip on the shoes thanks to the collapsible heel.
Common Projects Retro Low Leather Sneakers
If you’re looking to invest in a pair of sneakers that you’ll have not only for this spring but many more to come, go ahead and bite the bullet on this leather pair from Common Projects. The sleek, minimal designs allows the sneakers to be paired with everything from jeans to more formal trousers, meaning you’ll get more than enough wear out of them.
Nike Grey & Red Air Max 1 LV8 Sneakers
Again, don’t be afraid to venture outside of the expected spring shades in favor of something a little different, like this pair of Nike’s Air Max 1 LV8 sneakers in a grey and burnt orange colorway.
Greats The McCarren
Paying homage to Brooklyn, Greats’ McCarren sneaker combines recycled mesh, nubuck and premium leather for the upper, with a custom outsole made from recycled rubber and featuring GREATS tread pattern, making for a sneaker that’s both durable and comfortable, not to mention handsome. Wear them and channel your inner cool Brooklyn dad.
Superga 2750 Cotu Classic
Do as the Italians do and buy a fresh pair of Superga’s best-selling Cotu Classic sneaker. Canvas is a spring staple and Superga’s cotton-canvas upper proves durable enough to endure the copious amounts of wear you put them through, the shoe further reinforced by the natural rubber, crepe-textured outsole.
Sperry Cloud CVO Colorblock Deck Sneakers
Go bold or go home with these colorblocked sneakers from Sperry, featuring vibrant shades of yellow, blue and orange that are nicely balanced out by the beige toe. The CVO was the first shoe to come from the brand founded in 1935, so you can rest assured they’ve stood the test of time, and will continue to do so.
Onitsuka Tiger GSM Sneakers
If you like the look of a classic white sneaker but want just a subtle touch of color, look no further than this pair of GSM Sneakers from Onitsuka Tiger. The ’80s tennis inspired shoe still remains minimal while the design in baby blue suede along the side of the shoe helps it to stand out just enough with detracting from the rest of one’s outfit.
Koio Capri Triple White
And for those who really like to keep it simple, Koio’s Capri Triple White sneakers are about as simple as it gets, crafted from buttery full-grain calf leather. Consider them the only white sneaker you’ll ever need.
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