9 Pairs Of Sneakers Every Girl Should Own
We need balance in all areas of our lives and that includes the shoe department. Although a lot of us love the allure and the appeal of a great heel, sneakers have made a stylish comeback over the years and can be dressed up or dressed down. Plus, the physical benefits they give to your body can't be beat. Sneakers cause less pressure for your legs and also give your feet so much comfort.
And I honestly think that they are functional in ways that appeal to me more now that I am not in my early 20s. I have also found a way to elevate whatever pair of kicks I choose to throw on. I can turn a pair of Air Jordan 1 Retros into high fashion in a hot minute. Want to get more into creating a sneaker collection but don't know where to start? We have assembled a list of versatile sneakers that we believe all women should cop. Scroll through for some fire kicks to add to your closet!
*This list is specially curated by the xoNecole team and some links are affiliate links. If you purchase an item from an affiliate link, xoNecole might earn a small commission.
Air Jordan 1s
Nike
Air Jordan 1 High Zip Premium
The Air Jordan 1s are one of the most classic sneakers in the game. It's highly coveted as an elite design that can be worn at any age with almost any outfit.
Women's Nike Presto React Sneaker
eBay
You gotta have some dope kicks when you're doing Kanye's Workout Plan. Prestos provide a comfort and stability that make them an ideal candidate.
New Balance Women's 009 Athletic Sneakers
A pair of New Balances are what sporty chic dreams are made of. I have no doubt you can pull this look off too once you add these to your cart.
Women's Nike Air Max 97 Sneaker
Nike
This may be one of our faves on the list. Air Max of all years are fire but the 97s hold a special place in our hearts. We don't know if it's the style or the array of colors but we can't get enough.
FILA Women's Disruptor II Premium Casual Athletic Sneakers
DSW
The fashion industry somehow morphed FILAs into an ugly sneaker and still managed to make it work. This brand was in the center of the 90s resurgence last year and it has made for some jaw-dropping looks, from runways to sidewalks.
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Chuck 70 High Top Sneaker
Chuck Taylors are the epitome of nostalgia. They can be basic but they can also be over the top. You can opt for high tops or low tops and still look fly.
Nike Air Force 1 '07
Nike
A wise man once said, "Give me two pairs. I need two pairs. So I can get to stomping in my Air Force 1s!" Air Force 1s may seem "trendy" as you notice celebs like Bella Hadid and Kylie Jenner wearing them, but they have been a staple in our community for decades. Whether you're donning a mini dress or boyfriend jeans, AF1s will always be the move.
Vans Ward Low Top Suede Sneaker
DSW
Vans provide somewhat of a vintage vibe but in the most fresh and fun way. The best thing about this shoe is its thick sole. Back in the 60s, the creator, Steve Van Doren, wanted to double the size of the sole of all of his competitors. That small delineation created a truly evergreen sneaker.
Adidas Originals Superstar Shoes
Adidas
Adidas Originals Superstar in Cloud White/Core Black
Even I know that the Superstar Adidas are essential. When it comes to styling, I typically pair them with a high slit maxi dress for a perfectly balanced look. No matter the occasion, you can rock this style with ease by adding your own sauce to the mix.
Featured image by Getty Images
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Joce Blake is a womanist who loves fashion, Beyonce and Hot Cheetos. The sophistiratchet enthusiast is based in Brooklyn, NY but has southern belle roots as she was born and raised in Memphis, TN. Keep up with her on Instagram @joce_blake and on Twitter @SaraJessicaBee.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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How A Stay At Switzerland's Luxurious 7132 Hotel Reminded Me To Live The Life I Deserve
Sometimes, as women—especially as single Black women—we simply need to be reminded that we are deserving of living a life we dream of. Even if that means creating it for ourselves. I recently set out on a weeklong trip to Switzerland, a trip I’ve been wanting to take for years, and near the end of my visit, I had an epiphany.
“DeAnna, this is the life you deserve,” I thought to myself as I took in the gorgeous bathroom in my suite at the famous 7132 Hotel and Thermal Spa. It was one of the most luxurious hotels (and bathrooms) I had ever stayed in—and that’s saying a lot for someone who often travels for work.
To help you better understand why this was such a mental awakening for me, I first need to give a bit of my backstory. I’m in my late thirties. I’m an attorneyand a journalist. I own a home and have traveled the world extensively. Essentially, I’ve done everything in life I set out to do. However, when it comes to dating, I struggle. Not because there is anything wrong with me per se, but because my career and “lifestyle” often create problems in my romantic relationships.
View from my hotel room
Courtesy
I’ve been told everything from, ‘I can’t continue to date you because you seem to choose your career over wanting to settle down and have kids’ by a man after only the second date to ‘Maybe if you just sat down somewhere for a while, I’d actually wife you’ by someone who has honestly never proven themselves to be the settle down type. And these are only a handful of the things I’ve been told over the years.
It’s been frustrating, to say the least, and there have even been seasons where I purposely dimmed my light in hopes that my career wouldn’t push away potential suitors. I know what you’re thinking, “Girl, why would you even consider that? If they’re for you, it won’t matter what you do.” Hey, don’t judge me, but also, I one hundred percent agree.
My hotel bathroom
Courtesy
That’s why this recent moment in Switzerland was right on time. When I first walked into the hotel to check in, I was blown away by the surrounding beauty. It was a five-star property with one of the world’s most famous thermal bathhouses. Yet, it was something about seeing that 90% of the hotel’s guests were couples, that forced me to sit back for a bit of introspection—while soaking in the thermal spa, of course.
As I went through the mental conversation, there was a battle of sorts. On one hand, I knew that being able to partake in experiences like the one I was having at that moment was important to me. I knew that, at times I actually love being able to dabble in the finer things—after all, I’ve worked hard to be able to afford them. On the other hand, and sadly, I knew that sometimes being a single Black woman that publicly showcases her “luxurious” habits can intimidate men and even scare them off from pursuing you under the guise of them feeling like they “can’t do anything for you, because you have everything.”
My hotel room
Courtesy
So, what is a girl to do?
Do I minimize/hide the life and experiences that I have? Do I play down the hard work I’ve put in to get where I am professionally? Or, do I risk being single in exchange for being able to have said life, without backlash?
Luckily, the joy that I felt while being at this property won. There was something about taking a full day to simply pamper myself at the bathhouse and in my in-room steam shower and soaker tub, indulging in cuisine from a 2-star Michelin restaurant and doing all of this while surrounded by an amazing group of Black women that reminded me—this is certainly the life I was meant to live and that I deserve. Even if it means that right now, I’ll just have to provide it for myself until the right partner comes along. And honestly, I’m okay with that.
Restaurant at 7132 hotel
Courtesy
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