Where Stylists Shop: Cool and Comfy Sneakers You Can Live In

The best shoes are the shoes you actually want to wear. In other words, sneakers. Runners, trainers, plimsolls – whatever you call them, there’s probably a pair in your possession. Sneakers come in various shapes and styles, so whether your preferences lean towards daggy dad or sneakerhead sophistication, there’s a (narrow-fit, wide-fit, arch-supported, high-top or low-top) pair to suit your taste.

Seven Australian stylists tell us about their favourite sneaker styles, shops and brands to shop this season and beyond.

Peter Simon Phillips, Sydney stylist and creative director

“I love trainers – there’s nothing better than being comfortable all day, no matter what’s in store. I’ve got a big collection of Raf Simons Ozweegos that are getting harder and harder to track down since he closed his label and moved to Prada. If I’m not in those, I’m usually kicking about in Asics. They’ve got some of the best colourways and are comfy as. Their new collab with one of my favourite [environmentally] conscious brands, Story MFG, is totally upping the fashion ante for this performance brand.

Song for the Mute ’s latest Adidas drop might just have the trainer of the season – the perfect blend of style and comfort that’ll be seen all over the streets this winter. And if you’re after something a little more under-the-radar, Gully Lab from India is doing a brilliant range of classic sneakers with a twist. With a growing line-up of silhouettes, offbeat colourways and a wild collab with designer Sagal Singh, they’re the kind of kicks people will stop and ask about.”

Liv Brown, Melbourne personal stylist

“I am a Nike girlie. I love my chunky, sporty sneakers. I live in my Nike Shox. For clients, sneakers are so personal. I usually ask if they prefer a chunky sneaker or a slim fit and go from there. Incu always has a great selection.”

Stuart Walford, Melbourne stylist and creative producer

“I’m a big fan of New Balance sneakers, particularly the 1906 and 1906A styles. There’s a New Balance outlet on Melbourne’s Smith Street that a lot of people seem to overlook. If you head upstairs and to the back of the store, there are hundreds of pairs reduced [in price]. There are some daggy styles you have to sift through, but like any fashion hunt, patience will be rewarded. They still offer full refunds, which is the true joy, as marked-to-clear items are often final sale. A stylist always needs flexibility! Other sneaker destinations I visit frequently are Incu, Subtype and [Up There].”

Rochelle Renwick, Perth stylist and creative director

“ Up There always seems to have a selection of sneakers I’ve never seen and they get great limited-edition pieces. Highs and Lows is a Perth institution for streetwear. I can guarantee you’ll find something different and cool here; they also have a great womenswear clothing department. I’m constantly chasing sneakers that are out of the ordinary and can always count on these two to have some gems. I’m also really loving the metallic Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 SD. Green or red would be my pick.”

Sally MacKinnon, Melbourne personal stylist

“I’ve been introducing clients to Onitsuka Tiger. I love that its styles are so lightweight, comfortable, colourful and a little bit different to many of the mainstream brands. For myself, I’m not really a sneaker gal! But my most worn pairs are probably my good old classic Converse high tops, which I have in a few colours.”

Lana Wilkinson, Melbourne celebrity stylist and shoe designer

“I don’t wear sneakers a lot, being a glam shoe designer, but I am a sucker for the Adidas Handball Spezial sneakers in earth strata or the Loewe Flow Runner sneakers in beige. I think these styles add an element of fashion to an outfit but are still very functional.

When sourcing the perfect sneaker for my clients, I want them to have an incredible experience. I’m lucky to have acquired so many connections through my styling work. Sneakermode in Melbourne curates only the best-hyped and exclusive sneakers. The team create seamless personal shopping experiences for their customers that are truly second to none. They can also source a style if they don’t have it available in store.”

Jana Pokorny, Melbourne stylist and creative consultant

“My favourite bricks-and-mortar sneaker shop is Incu. They have a great selection of sneakers; it’s always fun to go in-store to see what new styles they have. If you don’t mind a little online shopping, Mytheresa or Net-a-Porter have an incredible selection. I’m loving something in brown suede at the moment, like these Toteme leather sneakers or these tan ones by Dries Van Noten.”

For more shopping advice from some of Australia’s top stylists, read the rest of our Where Stylists Shop series.