Love it or hate it.
Athleisure has long played a part in fashion — if you don’t believe me, just look at the velour tracksuit craze of the early 2000s. While styles have evolved, our love of comfort and trendy pieces has stayed relatively the same, and Kim Kardashian’s laid-back ensemble serves as proof.
Over the weekend, Kardashian was spotted in Los Angeles wearing a lowkey ‘fit, but don’t be fooled by its casual allure — it was full of Balenciaga spearates. The look included a black cap, retro silver shades, and an oversized bag. Slouchy sweatpants and a skin-tight tee grounded the ensemble (similar to this Hailey Bieber-worn option), while designer kicks poked out beneath her bottoms.
Golden Goose Dad-Star Low-Top Sneaker
Buy on Nordstrom $625
New Balance 9060 Sneaker
Buy on Anthropologie $150
A closer look at the reality star’s Balenciaga 3XL Mesh Sneakers revealed an intentional “dirty” design, complete with smudged soles, soiled laces, streaked uppers, and blotchy pull tabs. The $1,150 dad sneakers also nodded to similar footwear worn by Taylor Swift, Jennifer Lopez, Selena Gomez, and Reese Witherspoon, proving that the grubby shoe trend is on the move.
You may be confused (or straight up frustrated!) as to why anyone would purposefully buy “worn-in” shoes — it comes down to the cool factor. Splotchy kicks are essentially the ripped jeans of footwear, offering an edgy look that instantly boosts your fashion game. Plus, you don’t have to worry about messing them up since scuffs and stains only elevate their appearance.
The only problem? Pre-dirtied kicks can cost a pretty penny; these $625 Golden Goose sneakers are one of the more affordable options I found. For a cost-effective alternative, secure a regular pair of chunky sneakers, like these New Balance 9060 ones or Puma Velophasis shoes in a lighter color. Wear them out and about nonstop with zero regard for their destruction. I’m aware of how crazy that sounds, but you gotta do what you gotta do — and we at InStyle have done it before.
This relaxed, almost careless trend is a bit jarring at first, but fashion is about breaking rules and stepping away from predictability. TBH, I’m applauding Kardashian’s footwear choice — but if it’s still an absolute no-no for you, just wear the below clean kicks the old fashioned way… I won’t tell.
Get the Look:
Steve Madden Possession Sneaker
Shop now: $80 (Originally $100); amazon.com
Puma Velophasis Phased Sneaker
Shop now: $114 (Originally $120); zappos.com
Golden Goose Running Sole Sneaker
Shop now: $595; nordstrom.com
Stuart Weitzman Chunky Sole Sneaker
Shop now: $295; nordstrom.com
Asics Gt-2160 Sneaker
Shop now: $120; freepeople.com
Response CL Sneaker
Shop now: $130; nordstrom.com
New Balance 530 Low-Top Sneaker
Shop now: $100; bloomingdales.com