The athleisure trend is still going strong, and that means leggings and slouchy sweatshirts are as at home at the gym as they are on a girls' night out. And chic sportswear extends to shoes, with bright, bold sneakers making their way into the mainstream. That's great news for your feet, as anyone who's ever stepped into a pair of heels knows (see ya, pinched toes). And sneakers are a huge improvement for the rest of your body, too: sky-high heels can throw you off-balance, putting strain not just on your feet, but also your lumbar spine, hips, and knees.
We're not saying you should toss your stilettos for sneaks all the time—athleisurewear may look a little out of place at, say, a formal wedding (though celebs like Kaley Cuoco and Rihanna did recently pair sneakers with gowns on the red carpet). But sporty streetwear may have a place at the bar, or even the office. Here are 10 of our top picks for spring '16.
Keds Women’s Champion Original Canvas Sneaker ($79; amazon.com)
Wear them with jeans, a flouncy skirt, shorts, leggings…they go with anything, especially since they come in 15 colors.
Vans Classic Slip-Ons ($60; zappos.com)
New York-based multimedia artist Baron Von Fancy lent his signature hand-lettered phrases to his collaboration with Vans. This pair is at once eye-catching and versatile enough to go with everything in your wardrobe.
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J. Crew teamed up with New Balance to resurrect one of the iconic shoe brand's classic styles, the 696.
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These tennis shoes have been around since the '70s, but this is the first time adidas has offered them in this gorgeous rose-gold hue.
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This simple lace-up was last year's "it girl" sneaker of choice, and it continues to be hot in 2016. It comes in seven shades, and will be your new go-to for weekend errands and travel.
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adidas collaborated with Limited Edt, a sneaker retailer that's huge in Singapore, to design this funky metallic kick.
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The classic Chucks you've been wearing since junior high have been given a modern revamp with a reflective camouflage print.
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Want sneakers you can sport at the office? These Oxford-inspired kicks can pass for professional while also keeping you comfy through your 9 to 5 and beyond.
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Asics jumps on the florals trend that's so hot this season with this feminine update to its classic sneak.
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Yes, these shoes cost nearly $1,300. No, we can't afford them, either. But we are including them on this roundup to prove a point: If Christian Louboutin—the French footwear designer known for sky-high, red-soled stilettos—is getting in on the sneaker game, then they really are a fashion "do."
christianlouboutin-gondolastrass-3150886_r019_1_1200x1200_1435165826.jpg Photo: barneys.com