This Summer: Me and My Ugly Low-Profile Sneaks Against the World.
- Chioma M.
- 16 hours ago
- 4 min read
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 hyperfixations are in a complete 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 renaissance all the same.
This year, around February, I took a second 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, we'll get to the recommendations in a moment. I was creating an effortlessly cool, nature sports hobbies, modelling career-having character on it, and needed 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, which—by the way—I initially called a concerning shoe. It took me about one business week for my mind to change, but that initial night for my Sims creation to have them spawn on her feet.
I saw a variation of them in person roughly a month later and said, "Oh, this is happening this summer."
There is also the Taekwondo Lace for my simple sisters if this is too much to stomach. For my identical twins, however? Snag a pair if you're adventurous; the direct link is here: Adidas.com.
Puma Speedcat Go
Rosé and Dua Lipa apparently did their thing selling the Speedcat OG, and good for them. Again, for my fraternal sisters, that's your guy, with great color options and nostalgic vintage suedes.
Now, for my identicals, here's where my idea set in: Sneakers that feel like they were on a journey to become ballet flats, but somehow veered into cleats and hard-stopped? That's our summer sweet spot.
Let's go, girls: Puma.com
Adidas Tokyo
The everyday pair for me, all my identicals and fraternals....I have two.
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. Thank you so much.
Puma NeverWorn KING Indoor Sneaker
Cue intriguing 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.
Miu Miu Plume Suede Sneakers
Everyone who has laughed over dinner (or random Instagram/Twitter scroll) at the tirade of random Miu Miu favorite item posts I made in 2011-2013 is completely unsurprised that they find themselves 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 entire style 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. 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 in the past, but he's moved on—to Gucci, nonetheless, so that 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!).
Go to 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 to a quiet place. These are an easy, approachable Cortez-esque sneaker that I stumbled upon when I was first foraging into the low-profile world. The leather jacket plus lace trim dress/gown nicely tied it all up for me. 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 felt too athletic, too clunky and off-putting, or too uninspired for my typical dress codes. The last being directly addressed to fashion houses that would just slap a bunch of stones or a logo, or both, on a foot-box and call it a day.
I bought two chunky sneakers some years ago, and turned that TV off immediately after.
I think my paying attention to the low-pro movement (outside of Sambas—I just can't with the running into the ground of it all) is the beginning of a wonder for exploration, or it may just be one questionable summer, but that's never stopped me before!
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