Sneaker Picks Under $150
If there is one fashion-focused thing you should know about me – it is that I am sneaker obsessed. The addiction started gradually when I had to forgo, one summer, my favorite flip flops because of Plantar Fasciitis. I just couldn’t bare the idea of a future of only Birkenstocks when barely into my 40’s. Of course, that is totally ironic as Birkenstocks are main stream fashion now. So, unwilling to switch to geriatric sandals, I started to look for sneakers which would work well with my summer outfits of shorts, boyfriend jeans and dresses and would provide the support my heel needed to heal. See what I did there?
Fast forward to, I’m almost 50 now and my collection of sneakers has almost outgrown my closet. They are my go-to almost every day. I will slip in some boots in winter and sandals in summer but for the most part you will catch me in sneakers all year round. Because they are so integral to my style, I have no problem spending more on designer or specialty sneakers to up my casual fashion game. (Yes, kids. I did just say that.) But, spending more isn’t necessary.
There are a ton of fabulous fashion sneakers at all price points. Sneakers have hit the fashion main stream and now they are everywhere. There are styles for every taste and fits that are comfortable for every foot type. I have rounded up my favorite sneaker finds all $150 and under. I have also included a splurge worthy section for everything over $150 and many of my designer favorites.
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Slip On Kicks
Slip on kicks are my summer go to. They work perfectly with all summer outfits and are a fashion step up from wearing flip flops all the time. My favorites are included in my splurge worthy section are the M.Gemi Cerchio. I have them in about eight colors. They are pricey at $248 but I wear them all the time so the CPW is low. Luckily, the woven style is so popular that many other companies have made similar versions.
Dad Sneakers
Dad style sneakers have become wildly popular. You know, the “ugly” sneakers with the oversized sole, the minimalist design and anything but subtle. If you are on social media there is no way you could have missed it. The trend started with actual dad style shoes like New Balance a couple years ago and now is a full blow phenomena with all the major fashion houses adding versions to the mix like the Balenciaga Triple S and the Louis Vuitton Archlight. I have only dipped my toe in this trend with sneakers with chunkier heels and clunky design. The trend lends well to dresses and dad jeans. If dad sneakers are your jam there are a ton under $150. My daughter has the Fila sneakers and I have honestly contemplated buying them for myself. They are so cute on her.
Spring Style – Best of All The Rest
Some serious sneaker trends emerged when I was researching this article. Trends that mirror fashion such as snake and animal print are definitely represented but I found a ton of fabulous embroidered or hand-painted options, bright colors and retro styles all making a splash. The embroidered/hand-painted styles are perfect for summer with their whimsical florals or rainbows. They harken back to the ’70’s with the time spent all day outdoors in ripped jeans with the colorful knee patches. Of course, these are more demure and meant to quietly steal the show. I see these colorful creations paired with simple summer dresses or your favorite denim.
Retro Styles
Retro styles were also well represented with Nike and Adidas offerings, I swear I wore back in the day. Color is also a big trend. Sneakers now come in every color imaginable. They are meant to be fashion forward and come in a rainbow of color combinations. Honestly, I love these Adidas so much I had to pick them up. I think they are a fresh update to the Superstars which quite honestly are my favorite sneakers for walking and I am never giving them up! The list also includes the Nike Air Force 1 which is almost impossible to find in all white and for which I have been dutifully searching for my daughter. Here are my top sneaker picks of all the rest.
Splurge Worthy Picks
I don’t really let cost drive my purchases. I have sneakers at every price point. Some of my favorites are simple Vans slip ons and the aforementioned Adidas Superstars. However, I also love designer shoes. Because sneakers are my thing, y’all, I like to collect pairs I love from the brands, I love. I am not a stilettos girl so my Jimmy Choo fund is focused on the hottest sneakers. I recently purchased these Fendi sneakers from Nordstrom which I adore. They are slip on and oh! so! cool! I get a ton of compliments on them every time I wear them. Obvious logos are a trend in shoe fashion and there are so many cute styles available now.
Golden Goose
Another trend on the market, is the distressed or all ready “wrecked” sneaker. I didn’t think I would like this trend but Golden Goose Deluxe Brand changed my mind. I fell in love with the juxtaposition between sequins and scuffs. What clinched my devotion is that Golden Goose have a hidden wedge. This is perfect for women who suffer with feet issues who can’t wear flat, flat shoes, like me. They also add height which is not something I really need at 5’9″ but it helps when I stand next to my 6 ft., 13 year old son.
For this article, I focused on sneakers $150 or less. My splurge worthy section includes a ton of sneaker picks that just don’t quite make the dollar cut off including Nike Air Max and the APL sneakers pictured above. You can see the price if you hover over the picture. These are my sneaker picks for everything over the $150. You can find my spring sandal picks here.
