I love a good sneaker. They’re what I reach for when I’m traveling, walking around a city, running errands or simply want to make an outfit feel a little less serious.
And while I have nothing against the Adidas Samba, there are so many good alternatives right now. For fall, I’m especially drawn to sneakers with a little more personality: red, burgundy, chocolate brown, deep green, navy and unexpected color combinations, along with the slimmer, retro-inspired silhouettes that are everywhere right now.
Some of these are already in my closet and getting plenty of wear. Others are currently sitting firmly on my wish list. You can find all of my favorite pairs on my Fall Sneaker Edit.
In My Closet
Onitsuka Tiger GYMNARINA
I bought my Onitsuka Tiger GYMNARINAs in Thailand, and they’ve quickly become one of those pairs I reach for all the time. Luckily, they’re also available in Europe.
They sit somewhere between a sneaker and a ballet shoe, which makes them feel completely different from the Sambas and other retro sneakers we’ve been seeing everywhere. They’re cool without trying too hard, incredibly comfortable and surprisingly versatile.
I’ve worn mine with everything from jeans and trousers to skirts and dresses. They’re exactly the kind of thing I love finding when I travel: something a little different that ends up becoming a regular part of my wardrobe once I get home.
Adidas Paris
I LOVE my red Adidas Paris sneakers which I actually bought in Paris when they first came out. However, you can get them everywhere now.
They’re comfortable and easy enough to wear all day, but the red completely changes an outfit. They’ve also convinced me that a colorful sneaker can be just as versatile as a neutral one. I wear mine with denim, navy, camel, grey and even chocolate brown, usually letting the shoes provide the color in an otherwise fairly simple outfit.
They’re also a good reminder that Adidas has so many great alternatives to the Samba. If you like that retro Adidas aesthetic, it’s worth looking beyond the styles everyone else is wearing.
Adidas x Billie Jean King
My newest addition is a pair from the Adidas Billie Jean King collaboration.
I love the story behind these. Billie Jean King famously wore blue suede Adidas shoes during the 1973 “Battle of the Sexes,” and Adidas has revisited that history with its Billie Jean King collections.
I just got mine, so I’m still figuring out exactly how I’ll wear them, but I can already see them with denim, tailored trousers, a trench or an oversized blazer.
I also love that they aren’t simply another trendy sneaker. There’s a story behind them, which always makes something more interesting to me.
What I’m Eyeing Next
This is where things get dangerous. There are far too many good sneakers around right now, and these are the pairs currently tempting me.
Adidas Tokyo
As you’ve probably guessed by now, I love Adidas shoes. At the moment, I’m looking for the same comfort in a style that is a bit different. The Adidas Tokyo line is high on my list.
They’re sleek, low to the ground and have that retro track-shoe shape that works beautifully with both denim and more tailored pieces.
I’ve got my eye on a cream pair with gorgeous blue laces. They drop on mid-September and they’re likely to land in my cart.
Adidas SL 72
As I’m writing this I’m realizing that clearly, I have an Adidas problem. The SL 72 has a slightly sportier feel than the Tokyo or Samba, with more texture and contrasting panels. It’s still an easy everyday sneaker but feels different enough to justify adding another Adidas pair to the closet. At least that’s what I’m telling myself.
For these I’m after the silver and green pair which are really gorgeous and fun.
Gola
Gola is another brand I’ve been watching, particularly its retro-inspired styles.
The Elan and Tornado have that low-profile vintage feel I love, but they aren’t quite as ubiquitous as Sambas. The suede versions in deeper colors are especially good for fall.
This might be the direction I go if I can convince myself that my next sneaker purchase should not be Adidas.
Puma Speedcat
The Puma Speedcat is another slim sneaker that’s caught my attention.
Originally inspired by motorsport footwear, it has a completely different shape from a traditional sneaker and looks especially good with wide-leg trousers or relaxed denim.
Here I’m eyeing the chocolate brown pair.
ALOHAS
Last but definitely not least, ALOHAS are on the top of my list. I’m obsessed with the TB490 Club Patent Leather Sneaker in deep burgandy. It’s a little less sporty and a little more fashion-led which I like. This pair, I’d wear with something incredibly simple: jeans, a great sweater and a coat, letting the shoes do the work.
The Fall Sneaker Colors I’m Loving
I’m still wearing white and cream sneakers, but fall makes me want more color.
Red is probably my favorite right now. My Adidas Paris have convinced me that a bright red sneaker is surprisingly easy to wear.
Burgundy gives you a similar effect but feels a little quieter and looks beautiful with camel, navy, grey and denim.
Chocolate brown is a great alternative to black, especially in suede.
Forest green and olive practically function as neutrals in a fall wardrobe and pair beautifully with denim, cream and other autumn colors.
