What Does Trendy Footwear Look Like in 2018?

In my eyes I see an excessive number of shoes that have become popular just recently but when I looked into it a bit more the pairs of shoes have actually been popular for a long time.

Vans have been around for ages, but the Old Skool and Classic Slip on styles have recently blown up again. Those two styles of the shoe were originally created in 1977. Both styles coming in several different colorways and patterns have caused the shoe to become a huge staple in most people's collection.

Another shoe that has been growing in popularity but has been around for years are the Adidas Superstars, it was originally created for the use of basketball in 1969. The classic Adidas shoe also comes in several styles. The leather sneaker comes in different variations of color and pattern.

The Vans and Adidas have been a staple for many teens and young adults for decades but there is one shoe that most people used to stay away from, unless you were a middle-aged male. Now this shoe has become one of the biggest trends of 2018. The shoe might be talked about a lot more frequently because of the overall look are the style of ‘dad’ shoes. If you’re thinking about the chunky, normally all white, Sketchers or New Balance shoes your dad, grandpa, or uncle wears you’ve nailed it. Now dad like figures have been wearing these shoes for decades and normally the term is used as a joke but recently in 2018 they became a huge fashion trend. Prestigious brands like Gucci, Balenciaga, and more have made their own version of the chunky dad shoes. They’ve created the shoes with the same format, a chunky sole. However, they’ve put a small twist adding different colors and matching them to each brand as their own. If you aren’t interested in spending a ton of money to achieve the popular ‘dad’ look, thrifting to find the shoes is another option!

   

Via Neiman Marcus    Via Neiman Marcus

Even though I’ve noticed these trends I don’t partake in all of them. I personally think the ‘dad’ shoe is quite atrocious. I decided to reach out to my sister who is an 18-year-old college student. She avidly supports all three styles of shoe and reaches for the Vans a minimum of three times a week.  I chose to interview her and ask her a few questions on these popular shoe trends.

Q: Why do you like the styles of these shoes?

A: “They each have their own style, I can make a look or a certain outfit out of each different [shoe]. Having each of them provides me with versatility in my clothing.”

Q; Do you believe the ‘dad’ shoe will become a timeless piece in fashion just like the Vans and Adidas?

A: “I’m not sure… You can’t particularly predict what will become famous or popular. But I think since the dad shoe is so hyped up right now and is getting so much hype it probably will be.  It’s a popular shoe just like a Van or Adidas Superstar. If it does go away it will probably come back.”

Q: How do you think the Vans and Adidas have stayed relevant?

A: “I think everyone loves that shoe that you can just throw on [with] any outfit. The Adidas and Vans both do that. Yeah, I think you can dress up an outfit with the shoe, either the Superstar or a Van but you can also dress it down and still look trendy.”

Q: Do you wear these three styles of shoes frequently?

A: “I think I wear my Vans the most, it’s a classic. I like the style and it matches a lot. I love the ‘dad’ shoe but it’s a bit harder to match with things. The Adidas I always love those, I wear them once a week. I have considered buying the shoes in all different colors and patterns. I’ve even considered purchasing a pair of the Fila ‘dad’ shoes even though the price is a bit high for how ugly the shoe looks, but they can really finish off an outfit.”

 As I reflected on her answers to all these questions, I saw that she genuinely enjoys all three styles of shoes even though they are very trendy. It doesn’t keep her from expressing her love of the shoes. I think that’s a great thing, fashion is really just another outlet for creativity and I think that’s why so many trends come in and out.