Workout Shoes: Not Just for the Gym?
It’s official, sneakers are everywhere. For the past several years, the sports shoe has had dominion not only over tennis and basketball courts, but also everyday style, offering a comfortable approach to casual-cool. Sneakers are the must-have shoe in every wardrobe, an essential that can be worn with almost anything. And now, more than ever, they are being bought and sold second-hand.
Not only does their style stand the test of time, but workout sneakers are especially durable, making them the perfect contender for shopping pre-loved. Here at Vestiaire Collective, we’ve rounded up the best workout shoes every wardrobe needs and, in this guide, we’ll show you why buying second-hand is the best way to make these styles your own.
Streetwear is a style
Running sneakers are the only pair you need for the transition from the gym to the street. One of our sportswear favourites, the running silhouette is perfect for any season. Light and cushiony on the feet, these shoes are extremely versatile and can now be worn for more occasions than ever before. Sneakers are launched season after season in new and exciting interpretations. Stylish and comfortable running shoes remain the must-have shoes that we’ll continue to love for seasons to come.
At the top of our wishlist is the trendy Dad-style running sneaker. You can wear the '90s inspired style just like the iconic Princess Diana was known to sport hers, combined with an oversized sweatshirt and simple bike shorts. This sporty-chic look pairs best with a luxury bag on your arm. Athleisure fashion is everywhere we look, and the number of collaborations between athletic companies and celebrities is endless. Brands are teaming up with the most influential personalities of the moment, like Gigi Hadid for Reebok to Kendall Jenner and Pharrell Williams for Adidas, to create sportswear and sneakers that fans are clamouring to get their hands on.
Sneakers are now welcome in almost any setting and they showcase their boldness especially when worn on chic evenings out or even for work meetings. Many of the most recent sneaker styles feature synthetic materials and reflective stripes, creating a futuristic look that begs to be seen. The bolder, the better. If you're an advocate of eco-friendly fashion and want to minimize your carbon footprint, find your next pair of sneakers on Vestiaire Collective. Second-hand shopping eliminates the use of new natural resources necessary for production, thereby preserving our planet’s ecosystems for future generations. Take a big step forward for the environment in pre-loved running sneakers.
Designer gym shoes
Even though sneakers were originally created for optimal athletic performance, they can now be found in ultra-luxurious designs. The biggest names in fashion are now making sportswear an important part of their collections and countless designers have commandeered the workout shoe to create an object of absolute desire.
Among the brands that are causing a stir is Balenciaga, the creator of the trendy Speed Trainer. The French fashion house has inspired an unprecedented craze for this shoe that resembles an elastic sock with a thick sole. The Speed Trainer offers ideal support in a stretch performance fabric and promises an original look that is easy to recognise. Both men and women return each season to check out the newest colours and materials of this much-loved style.
Athletic brand Asics and the legendary Vivienne Westwood have launched a second high-performance collection in 2021. The star of the collection, the Gel- KAYANO™ 27 DE model, is crafted from a Ripstop fabric, traditionally used by the military for its durability and strength.
The collaboration between Adidas and Kanye West has been an enormous success since the Yeezy 700 V3 Kyanite launch featuring its glow-in-the-dark blue colour. Designer gym shoes are a key favourite among our community of Fashion Activists and hundreds of new pairs are listed every single day on the Vestiaire app. By buying second-hand, you can make a sustainable investment and support the circular fashion economy while making your sneaker budget go even further. It’s a win-win.
The statement gym shoe
Now that major athletic companies face competition from fashion designers, they are rethinking the designs of their core gym shoes to make them stand out. The newest styles are now more sophisticated and mix technical performance with cutting-edge silhouettes. With unbeatable expertise and a history of performance on their side, these sports giants have no problem creating functional sneakers that are stylish as well.
Fashion collaborations are a key strategy at Nike, with a number of new collections slated for 2021. The much-anticipated Air Carnivore from their partnership with Comme des Garçons revisits a strappy design mixing mesh leather with neoprene. The Japanese label has applied its CDG signature to a monochrome black or white silhouette. The Nike Air Max 96 is back, but with a new look courtesy of Supreme (yet another great reason to search for the originals pre-loved on Vestiaire). The new versions feature futuristic cutouts and the famous red and white logo, leaving no doubt that fans of both brands will love this new collection.
Adidas has teamed up with superstar Beyoncé to present the Adidas x Ivy Park collection, the brand created by Queen B. The collection features the Super Sleek platform model and a neon-coloured Nite Joggers. It's hard not to fall for both of these perfect shoes.
Puma is betting on the French touch by working with the artist Boku, whose colourful universe is inspired by comics and graffiti. This urban and pop style perfectly fits alongside Puma's essential creations. Then there’s the Tokyo Design Studio collective, who is bringing a luxurious touch to the classic New Balance 574. The sneakers have been completely redesigned in a stylish taupe colour, and the thick, notched sole has an even more modern look.
Find all these iconic brands and more second-hand on the Vestiaire Collective and build a sneaker collection full of iconic styles without creating an unnecessary drain on the planet’s natural resources. Every single purchasing decision makes a difference for the future, and your Fashion Activism is truly the way forward for a just and healthy planet.
The vintage gym shoe
Sneakers with a retro look bring a touch of charm and authenticity to your favourite looks. If you’re into the old-school classics, you're in luck because many of the greats are now making a comeback. Sneaker history offers several timeless models that we still love in 2021: the Adidas’ Stan Smith, Vans’ Old Skool, the Nike Air Max, the Reebok Club C, and New Balance U420. These are all nostalgic looks that regularly return to the forefront of fashion, just like the vintage vibes of the Forum 84 from Adidas which was originally designed in 1984 for basketball players but is trending on the streets today.
Who isn’t a fan of the legendary Converse canvas shoe? Born in the ‘70s, this classic lace-up has recently been reimagined by the designer Kim Jones, artistic director of Dior Men. He twists the ‘70s inspired Chuck Taylor 70 design with a translucent upper and a wave-shaped platform sole. World-famous supermodel Gigi Hadid created a collection with Reebok in 2019, drawing inspiration from the brand’s archives. The easy-to-wear designs touch on the brand's heritage, but have been updated with a modern zipper closure and neon accents.
Whether you’re looking for actual vintage sneakers or a retro look, you can find it on the Vestiaire app. The benefits of shopping second-hand are evident the minute you discover the selection of looks offered by our community of over 10 million Fashion Activists. From the latest launches to hard-to-find styles of past seasons, all the looks you love are just a few clicks away.
The runway gym shoe
We said it before and we’ll say it again, sneakers are everywhere… and that includes walking the red carpet on the feet of the world’s most beloved celebrities. Kristen Stewart, long known for shaking up the rules, wore Nike Cortez with a long feminine dress for the London premiere of Charlie’s Angels in 2019. Other celebrity appearances include Joaquin Phoenix in Converse, Toni Colette in Stan Smiths and Louis Garrel in Nike, proving that sneakers and elegance are totally compatible.
Fashion houses are going to great lengths, and with a lot of imagination, to elevate the sneaker to new heights. The most seductive pair out there? The Cactus Plant Flea Market x Nike Dunk Low sneakers are adorned with all-over Swarovski crystals and sell for upwards of 3,000 GBP. Dolce & Gabbana embellished the clean white sneaker with pearls, rhinestones and gold studs. Valentino covered the white sneaker with a bold floral embellishment, creating a romantic work of art.
The prize for the most audacious sneakers undoubtedly goes to Versace with the Chain Reaction, featuring an oversized platform that gives the impression of floating on a cloud. Then, there’s the Balmain B-Bold style, which almost seems like it was beamed down from another planet. This futuristic style features metallic inserts and an avant-garde XXL sole. Available in high or low cuts, lace-up or sock-style, and in a multitude of colours, they're a look you can adopt in many different variations.
Runway gym shoes bring an eye-catching finish that truly has no limits. The Vesitaire community is constantly updating our selection of these wardrobe gems on the app. Shop your next pair pre-loved and make them yours in an environmentally friendly and affordable way.
Sneakers have become the fashion collector’s item that we never tire of. Ultra versatile and perfect for any season, they’re one of the top essentials to have in your wardrobe. Production of new sneakers, however, creates a major drain on the earth’s natural resources, even if they are made using sustainable methods. That's why buying your workout shoes second-hand is the most eco-friendly way to shop. By consuming more responsibly, you will be taking a small step towards respecting our planet's limited resources. Follow the Fashion Activists' golden rule: buy less, but better.
At Vestiaire Collective, we participate in a circular fashion economy by connecting over 10 million Fashion Activists worldwide. Thanks to our members, buying and selling second-hand pieces has never been easier. Our goal is simple: to reduce the environmental harm of the fashion industry by facilitating a new way of consuming shoes, clothing and accessories. We believe that together we can change the way the industry operates and create a more sustainable economy for future generations. Now that you know where to find the sneakers of your dreams, all that's left to do is choose your next pair!