Sneakers: A Small Anecdote

Because We All Deserve a Day Off: A Practical Defense of the Sneaker

As the days advance through my week, often too quickly, the only part of my body that reminds me of the progress I have made is my feet. Even with arch support insoles in my loafers and boots, I still feel the pain at the end of the evening, especially when Friday grants its gift of rest.

Every week I give myself a day to relax and enjoy a more casual shoe and outfit, a liberty (or “Libahty” as our 35th President would say) afforded to me by recent fashion waves shifting away from formality. While at first these days were my least favorite in terms of my sartorial interest, it was not long after that my feet thanked me.

I found my feet at the end of the day feeling more rejuvenated and this allowed me to continue wearing my other shoes without discomfort or pain. I wondered: could sneakers actually become a staple of my wardrobe?

This realization has brought me to crossroads about how I can mix my comfort with my style. As with any new piece of clothing there is always a learning phase, some trying on, and some discovering what looks right.

Now when speaking to the TNBC audience, I am aware of the stigma against sneakers but I must preface this by saying that the sneakers I own are not Nike or Adidas running shoes. I was a big proponent of Allbirds when they started growing in the mid 2010’s and I continue to keep a pair of their shoes around for casual days, even as my style has changed.

The shoes are simple and their Wool Runners are incredibly comfortable for me to wear for days on end (even if I don’t). When on vacation these shoes often guide me through cobblestone streets and European promenades as my large step count and love for public transportation leads me on some great adventures.

The sleek look of the Allbirds shoes with a simple color pattern and weather-resistant coating make it easy to pair with existing outfits. Although too casual for trousers, they look fitting with nice denim or chinos. The wool is comfortable and provides good resistance to smell and sweat. On cold and windy days the material does a good enough job staving off the thermal indignity of a Vermont winter while preventing the ever-uncomfortable pins and needles.

The quality of Allbirds does vary and was often cited as the downfall of the company; some of my pairs have lasted quite a while if worn only occasionally and taken care of. A simple wipe down with water and the occasional airing out has left my pair looking brand new for over 2 years. I would like to add that even if they do get soaked or muddy, they are easy to clean and can even be put in the washing machine.

While I would not run in the shoes, they do feel more ‘active’ than your regular dress shoes and don’t make me flinch when walking through a small puddle or unpaved surface. The tread also prevents me from discountenancing myself on the secret ice that hides on the walkways and slippery steps of Vermont from November to April.

I do not believe that sneakers are here to replace any part of our wardrobe but an argument can be made for their usefulness as a supplement. The sneaker has been dismissed as a modern detriment to men’s fashion although I see it in a different light.

The way I wear my clogs in the kitchen is the same way I view my sneakers in everyday life. They can be used to make us more comfortable when we need to be standing or walking for long periods of time. While it may not be every day, it comes about on some occasions that we need some extra support at the expense of our looks. That break can look different for everyone, but there is still a time and place for the shoe that cannot be defenestrated.

To answer my question posed earlier, I must say that the answer is, yes. Sneakers can become a small part of my wardrobe and, just maybe, part of yours as well. Because whether we like to admit it or not, we all still deserve a day off.

-Theo