This Summer: Me and My Ugly Low-Profile Sneaks Against the World.
- Chioma M.
- May 22
- 5 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
And that's on Gen Z.
It's that time of the year again when my spirits play How Low Can You Go. Exciting.
Usually, my fashion hyper-fixations are in a partial lull during this time, and my financial irresponsibility shifts to food and sightseeing. However, this year we've experienced a renaissance! An ugly one—not to me!—but a renaissance all the same.
This year, around February, I directed a pointed glance at a pair of questionable low-profile sneakers. It all began with a night on The Sims—and I promise this is a really short story, and we'll get to the recommendations in a moment.
I was creating an effortlessly cool, nature sports hobbies-having, imaginary modeling career character on it (because The Sims still doesn’t have modeling as a career choice!!!), and needed a pair of everyday sneakers that fit her persona. I began to peruse Google for help when I stumbled upon the Adidas Taekwondo (no laces), and something clicked. As a previous certified sneaker hater, I finally felt spoken to.
That being said, I present to you: The journey of ten.
Adidas Taekwondo
This was my entryway, one I initially called an “ugliful”shoe. It took me about one business week for my mind to change, but that initial night my Sim had them on her feet. She just had the personality for a show like this.
I saw a variation of them in person roughly a month later and said, "Oh, this is happening this summer."
If you’re still developing the aforementioned aura to wear these without question, the Taekwondo Lace is also available. I understand that this may be too much to stomach initially.
For the real soldiers , however? Snag a pair; the direct link is here: Adidas.com.
Puma Speedcat Go
Rosé (of the girl group, Blackpink) and Dua Lipa apparently did their thing selling the Speedcat OG, and good for them. Again, for my shy sisters, that's your guy, with a selection of great colors and nostalgic vintage suedes.
Now, for my adventurers, here's where my comprehension set in: Sneakers that feel like they were on a journey to become ballet flats, but somehow veered off into the cleats/soccer shoes direction and hard-stopped? That's our summer sweet spot.
Let's go, girls: Puma.com
Adidas Tokyo
The everyday pair for me, all my adventurers and the hesitant…I have two…and sticking with two was rough.
Join me: adidas.com
no after no n.n x Puma Speedcat
This is a Public Service Begging: If you find a legitimate way I can get this without having to go to Shanghai in person, please direct me to the source. Beggars can't be choosers, but the black pair with the bold white backdrop on the laces will relieve an itch within me—I just know. Thank you so much.
Puma NeverWorn KING Indoor Sneaker
Cue blaring, distorted techno horns: "This one is for the BOYS."
Don't ever say I hate men. If there's a "This one is for the GIRLS" version in the works, however, Puma, you have an audience. Otherwise, just convert a size and a half down if you have grown women feet and can cry through the lack in men’s shoe arches.
Miu Miu Plume Suede Sneakers
Everyone who has laughed at me over dinner (or random Instagram/Twitter scroll) in regards to the tirade of random Miu Miu favorite item posts I made in 2011-2013 is completely unsurprised to find that that this brand finds itself on this list. Some things never change.
Friends, the instructions are specific: do it, but just like they suggest, with random laces and charms attached to it.
Love yourself: miumiu.com
New Balance X Miu Miu 530 SL Deco Calf Leather Mules
"Guess who's back?"
This is why I stand by Miu Miu; combining my usual summer habits with a temporary(?) fixation. Blessed.
FYI: There's a 🤫more interesting👀 suede version that was made as well. It's more suited to fall, but who cares when the style in itself is polarizing enough anyway.
(You'd just have to look 🤫elsewhere👀 for it)
But yeah, here's this great one! miumiu.com.
Balenciaga Zen Sneakers
Once called "The most horrifyingly disgusting pair of trainers I've ever seen in my entire life" by Cassie Thorpe in 2020, they now sit snugly in my home.
I know. I know. Yet, I don't know what to tell you. I thought, How can I step my game up? Show full commitment?
I, too, have had my issues with Demna (traveling luxury brand creative director) in the past, but he's moved on—to Gucci, nonetheless, so an already complex relationship becomes even more nuanced. I've lost the plot.
What I'm getting at is that, I can appreciate some Demna-era Balenciaga, as it serves a niche need that not a lot of people are able to pull off.
No links.
Very Fine VFSN016 Low-Profile Pink Dance Sneaker
With the risk of sounding completely off the rails, I say: the professional dance community (and East Asia) has this style on lock. There. As in, shop there.
The way I quickly turned my back on Bad Bunny and Adidas Taekwondo Mei (but not completely!) when I saw these should be examined (that cow print is still calling me, Adidas!).
Visit the dance supply sites, but start here for now: bluemoonballroomdancesupply.com.
Vans Super Lowpro Shoe
I fear we may have veered too far out, so let's bring things back home. These are an easy, approachable Nike Cortez-esque sneaker that I stumbled upon when I was first foraging into the low-profile world. The leather jacket plus lace trim dress really did the selling for me. Now, everything but the powder pink intrigued me, but I do not judge.
Also, when I googled "trending Vans" at the time in March, trying to find something else, these came up. There, the delusion began.
Thanks, Vans: vans.com
There lies our entry-level list. I think the options are easy and diverse enough to start.
Like I mentioned, I've never really forged an interest in sneakers, as they often feel too athletic, too clunky and off-putting, or too uninspired—outside of actual athletic situations. For too long, fashion houses would attempt to dress up a sneaker by slapping a bunch of stones or a logo, or both, on a literal “foot-box” and call it design.
I’ve tried being a sneaker girl in the past, when things turned around for a bit. I bought two chunky sneakers some years ago—those FILA disruptor type sneakers, one with a sharper fragments and the other with smooth bubbles on the sole. That journey ended immediately after.
The low-pro movement (outside of Sambas—I just can't with the running-into-the-ground of it all) is some welcomed temporary (and maybe eternal) excitement, or it may just be one questionable summer, but that's never stopped me before!
JW pei.com. You would love the ballet sneakers they have. Ones pink and black with the elastic laces like your puma speedat ones. Highly recommend
Well I should have seen this one coming . Don’t enable her please