A Sneak(er)y Obsession.

Friday 22 February 2013


The weather has warmed up a fraction and I have recently become reacquainted with my Converse. As a result I have become sneaker obsessed. I'm not prepared to suffer (very) cold feet in the name of fashion so sneakers seem like a good option for the time being as sock wearing is allowed.

So having experienced a little dye transfer from my jeans to my Converse, this sparked the sudden desire for a pair of dark sneakers which would disguise this happening in the future.

I already have two pairs of Converse so I thought it was time to give some love to another brand and besides a change is as good as a rest. I started off initially looking at the Adidas Gazelles in a lovely navy. But then I thought no - I want some forest green ones. They only do them in this shade of green for men, not women. I find it rather unfair that the men have oodles of colours and the very few women's colours that they have can be counted on one hand. Pah! I also admit it would not normally bother my small brain but if I'm in the market for sneakers - I want a good selection.



Definitely old school aren't they? Hence they come up under the banner of Adidas Originals. By chance, the babysitter (a nice young man) came in wearing some black Adidas Gazelles and I said to him "Are those Gola?". I like to wind the young 'uns up sometimes and I scored big time here because the nice young man looked seriously unimpressed. Thinking about it now, it was probably not a very wise thing to do seeing as how I was leaving my children in his care after having just insulted him. It also confirmed my suspicions that Gola doesn't rank in the under twenties stratosphere of coolness. Which is a shame because I rather like the Gola trainers I've seen on my travels. Something in my head says they are actually quite cool as these are a blast from the past. And I love the colours.



My favourites are the grey ones with that lovely blue detail. However the practical head says the navy ones would end all my woes with the dye transfer problem. 

Talking of traditional style sneakers - the Nike Blazers started preying on my mind. I was particularly drawn to the yellow ones for some reason but these are as practical as a chocolate fireguard with my two boys jumping on my feet and the likelihood of jean dye turning the yellow suede green around the edges. I even stalked a cherry red pair on Ebay for a few days and then suddenly awoke from the fog because I knew that if I were to have cherry red sneakers on the end of my feet, I would spend all day looking at my feet. Which means I wouldn't get anything done. So I decided not to go there.



Golden Goose trainers seeped in to my consciousness and seeped out just as fast again when I clocked the prices ....




.... and isn't it rather strange why we have to pay more for things which look knackered for want of a better word? I also looked at Ash, Onitsuka Tigers, Leather Crown and many more.

Yesterday, I did have a day out in Leeds all by myself with the Grumps blessing and I had time to go and peruse trainers till I could peruse trainers no more. I found some maroon coloured Puma's, not dissimilar to the Nike Blazers and yes - just as I thought - I couldn't stop looking at my feet. I had to leave them - I was too mesmerised by the colour. I eventually came across a dark grey pair of Blazers in Schuh which seemed to fit the bill and didn't look too alien on my feet. The idea is that they wouldn't look out of place in my wardrobe and don't make people think "they're a bit strange for Sue".



I took them home with me because they came with a 365 day returns policy which is beyond reasonable and because the nice girl who was helping me was complimentary about my age when I said they might they be a bit young for me. We played the guess my age game (she started it) and I came away good. Yay!

So I'm all in a quandary. I quite like them but I'm not sure if I suit my Converse more or maybe I'm so used to seeing them, it's hard to see yourself in something different. So I'm going to put it out there and ask what you think? Too young, too retro? Do you like them but wouldn't wear them? Like them but not the colour? Hate them - full stop. All opinions welcome.

Oh yes - and what sneakers do you wear? If you wear them?

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Last Note :

  • I chose to use the more Americanised term "sneakers" as to me they are a more casual everyday type of leisure footwear.
  • Trainers sound more "hard core". Like I'm going to do the London marathon and I need some new trainers. You know what I mean - proper gym shoes!
  • The Schuh stores return policy is much better than the Office Shoes one as they will give you a refund even after 365 days. Office shoes will only allow a store credit or exchange which is very bad for people who can't make their minds up (like me). Just so you know.


50 comments

  1. I really like these, great alternative to converse.I haven't got any myself but I love the pink ones and I love the collaborations Nike have done with Liberty - gorgeous. They really suit you, keep em x

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    1. I've seen the Liberty ones and they are very pretty. I thought I would like them more because I love Liberty prints but they scare me a little when there are that many flowers on my feet. Not giving in to my inner pretty there.

      I'm going to hang fire with them for a little longer - sometimes, some things you just know ... this one I have a few reservations and when you have reservations - you need to hang back till your head gets screwed back on properly. But I could totally see you in the deep pink Adidas ones. Or the navy or any of them in truth :o)

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  2. I like all of them. And I also like Superga....the Italian chic has always been big chez moi

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    1. Superga. I tried a pair on but they didn't look right on me. My friend has a couple of pairs in the most lovely colours but somehow they look funny on my feet and manage to make my legs look short(er) than they already are. And like you know - that's a big no no for us small(ish) girls.

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  3. Ha! Thanks for speaking American for me ;) Joking aside, I love them. I do kind of think your heart is still with the red ones and that you staring at your feet all day in pleasure is actually a good thing, but if you think that's really too dangerous, this is a great option. I think they look great on you, and even though I hardy know you, can easily accept them as "you". It's funny you bring this up because I've actually been totally sneaker obsessed lately, convinced that if I had a new pair my life would be 1000 times better. I've been stalking New Balance pairs left and right, they look so cool and retro on everyone I see, but then I tried them on and was left feeling sad and uninspired. On me I think they just looked silly. And lame. That's the official term for it I believe. So then I decided neutral was not the way to go, and just today I went out and picked up the most insane pair I have seen in ages, came home to Husband saying I looked like 80s eurotrash. I still love them though. I'll post them later this week so you can see. Until today I had these two pairs:

    http://www.nomadicd.com/2011/12/sneakers.html

    but they've both seen better days and desperately need replacing. And now I'm the proud owner of the most nutty sneakers ever.

    Excuse my long-winded comments, for some reason your posts make me want to ramble in response, I apologize wholeheartedly ;)

    www.nomadicd.com

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    1. I love anybody who rambles in response - then it gives me licence to ramble back on yours without you thinking I'm a total loony. So no apologies needed. Ramble away.

      I think I love the colour of the plummy red sneakers but ultimately, they are quite eye catching (I'm such a timid creature) and until they've been worn in and had a bit of battering to tone down the colour, I would be a little uncomfortable in them but there's the Nike part of me that just wants to say "Just do it". But I'm chicken. I looked at the New Balance ones but decided they were a little too gym like for the clothes that I wanted to wear them with. Where I live, if I wear something like those, I would look like I had found a pair of trainers and bunged them on my feet with no fashion forethought - there's a fine line with that style. You have to be so cool to carry them off or you could die the most awful fashion death. I know what fate would befall me if I tried those. I like the ones in your post - they look super modern in the black and silver but not dull and boring like some black trainers do (like my Ben's school shoes). And you have a thing for black trainers don't you? I've been through some of your previous posts - should have got those Adidas for Oysho ones I think!. But now you say you have 80's Eurotrash ones - bring it on - love to see. Should I be scared?

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    2. Well I don't think they're 80s eurotrash at all, I think they're wonderful. But I also think this crazy haircut's gone to my head and now I may be getting ahead of myself on the adventurousity meter. But it was like a light flipped on in my head, these make me smile, why shouldn't I wear things that make me smile? Why shouldn't fashion be occasionall silly and fun as well as elegant and thoughtful? By all this I think you can infer that yes, you should be scared. Oh and yeah, I probably should have snagged those adidas ones. Too late now! There will always be black sneakers out there for me to covet, I'm not worried about that. The silver ones I have are very cool, but I don't think I had my feet with me when I bought them because they are a touch too small. the great things about Munich is that you can goon their website and customize the color down to every last detail. I haven't done it because being faced with too many options is paralyzing, but I love that it's possible.

      There you go, more rambling! Ha!

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    3. ps - I still think your heart's in the red ones. "Just do it"

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    4. You're just bad. You just want to see me sat there looking hopelessly at a pair of red trainers adorning my feet don't you.? I know what you mean about too many options - I went on the Nike site once and went through to their customisation part and backed out quickly - I had absolutely no idea what I wanted at all. You have to give things to me on a plate sometimes and just say "that's your lot".

      Are you doing a post on your hair? Is it sexy hair? Is it crazy sexy hair?

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    5. I think being entranced by your feet is a good thing ;) I know I can't stop staring at my crazy new sneakers that's for sure. As for my hair, I will do a post once I get a bit more used to it and get in front of the camera, but for now you can see a sneak peek here:

      https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=211722598970631&set=a.204410783035146.51492.203910833085141&type=1&theater

      I don't know if I'd say it was sexy, but it is crazy and definitely out of my comfort zone, which I think is a great thing. I feel braver already ;)

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  4. Honestly - not really loving the Nike Blaze. My least fav of all the ones you mentioned. They look OK on you, but they just remind me of teenage boys on skateboards. This may be due to the fact I have an 11 year old boyand teenage nephews. I do however, like the addiddas ones, they just seem more retro cool - like converse or Toms. BUT, yes, it is a big but, you have seriously better taste and style putting things together than me and you will wear them with style anyway:))

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    1. Dizzy, you definitely have a point about teenage boys. Apart from teenagers, the only other person I have seen in a pair of Nike Blazers is Rihanna and I'm not sure she's an ideal role model for me.

      I think we shall have to wait and see what happens. Thank goodness I check return policies before I buy!

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  5. I loke the Golden Goose best (esp red and silver). Why is it though that all of these types of shoe have to have a white sole? It's a major gripe of mine as (to me) it looks at odds with a darker coloured upper. This could just be a 'thing' of mine however. Besides, at risk of showing my age and sounding like my mother, darker is more practical (and needs cleaning less frequently ;-) If I could find some like any you have listed but with a darker sole, I would be a happy bunny.

    PS agree so much on the cold feet thing. Definite 'no no'. Made the mistake of wearing some 'pumps' (no socks) yesterday and spent the rest of the day cursing my choice and shivering around the ankles.

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    1. Do you know - I didn't notice about the white soles but now that you've mentioned it, I see. My favourites are the Golden Goose ones too. I've scoured the internet looking for affordable pairs but they do not come cheap. I'd have any in a flash if anyone wanted to gift me a pair.

      And I had socks and Converse yesterday and I couldn't feel my feet at all. So even these don't hold up to the British temperatures we are having at the moment. Brrr.

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  7. I was secretly hoping you would go for a bright pair of blazers if I'm honest Sue, but those will slot into your wardrobe nicely.
    I bought a pair of Nike high tops today, black though, so I can't really speak about u buying grey! Lol

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    1. I do slotting in to the wardrobe quite well don't I? Kind of a bit of a nod to the trend but not the whole bright red trainer in your face kind of thing do I? I never said I was daring. And besides "pot calling kettle black" springs to mind so there ;o) hee hee.

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  8. My eldest boy had the same size feet as me for about 6 months. During that time I got him a lovely pair of vibrant blue converse... he grew out of them before he had a chance to wear them much. Shame really ( not) - They are in my wardrobe now : )
    I like the grey of the Nike, but I am a grey fan as you know!! xx

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    1. I thought it was your legs attached to the end of those Converse on your instagram :o) Bonus! I have a couple of boys jumpers waiting for Ben which were mine but will become his in a couple of years time. He's growing fast.

      I like the grey of the Nike but I shall have to see. Some people get excited at the prospect of lovely high heels - I get happy seeing flat shoes which I can walk in.

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  9. I have dark brown converse but I really like those grey Nikes (am also drawn to the yellow ones but would never be able to keep them clean). Why is Gola so unfashionable with the youngsters (you know that when you use the word 'youngster' you're getting on!)- I really like some of the Gola stuff and would feel like wearing it just to be totally 'unfashionable' but don't care - does that make sense? I can't quit my boots at the moment though for any sneakers/trainers - it's still far too cold up here!

    Jen x

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    1. Hi Jen and thanks for popping past! You're a bit of a beauty expert aren't you? You probably know that I'm not given my slightly demented replies on Claire's (Another New Day) blog whenever she does a beauty recommendation.

      I've not seen dark brown Converse before unless they're leather ones. I'm like you with the Gola - I do actually really like them which is why I've featured them - they're a little more under the radar. And you're a girl after my own heart - it's the devilment in us that makes me want to go against the grain and get something like the Golas.

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  10. I love them so much Susie! the colour is amazing - never seen the blazers in this grey before. I'm so jealous :D I live in sneakers - usually Converse but sometimes Superga and occasionally a pair of floral ones from Jack Wills.

    Urgh, I can't stand Office's returns policy, it really puts me off shopping there. x

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    1. Well grey is one of your favourite colours Fen! You would look fabulous in a pair of these with your boyfriend jeans in the summer. You're the right age for them too - more so than me.

      I have to say, I'm none too fond of Office returns policy even if they are legally within their rights to refuse returns but it does stick a bit in the old throat so I prefer to do business with another store if they have the same goods but better practices. If I have to buy from Office, I think I would do it online so I can actually do a return - it's only if you purchase in store that you can't. All the same ... I can grumble if I want to :o)

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  11. They do look great! Not out of place or strange at all. Though I admit I might be biased because I love sneakers. I have a pair of grey New Balance U420's and they are just the comfiest thing ever and go with almost everything.

    Golden goose was a completely new brand for me but I'm really liking those ones too and I think the Gola ones look really soft and comfortable.

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    1. Hi Emmikoo. I just discovered your blog and am working through. Yours look great - they're quite streamlined and subtle with the N blending in seamlessly. They almost look an anthracite grey which is a colour I prefer to wear on my feet rather than black. I find black just dies on my feet for some reason. Everyone else can wear it - just not me.

      The Gola ones do look comfy don't they? Like they've already been round the block once or twice. But which colour?

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  12. I love them Sue! The nod to old school styles really is a winner for me and that suit you perefectly! I have to say though, 365 days return period... did I read that right? That's insane!

    - Mandi

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    1. You read that right! 3 6 5 whole days return. How fabulous is that? I always remember that when I'm looking for anything that I might want and check to see if Schuh are stocking and price is comparable.

      And yes - there's something old school about them all which is quite appealing. Told you I was a bit of a 70's child.

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  13. I wore a lot of Onizukas when I was in university and my last two pairs are on their last legs now...I like their streamlined look, the infinite colour combinations, and the fact that they're really lightweight compared to many models. They're comfortable and durable too - been wearing mine for about 6 years now.

    I had a pair of Golas too! I didn't know they're considered unhip now - when it comes to sneakers I think they're all pretty classic.

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    1. The ones in the shops when I was browsing were a little too colourful. I remember a few years back when I saw them and they had them in white with contrast detail and that was just perfect to me but I wasn't a big sneaker girl then - I needed work shoes. Now that I'm looking for them, I can't find the perfect pair - not in the shops at least. I'm keeping my options open for the time being (loving the 365 day return policy) as I'm not in a hurry. I go off on a whim sometimes. All it took was one day of sunshine and I'm there declaring the need for sneakers.

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    2. Forgot to say - I didn't know they were unhip - they just don't get the same love as the Nikes and the Adidas out there but to be honest - I really love the styling on the pairs that I've featured. And besides, the trainers are only as hip as the person wearing them right?

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  14. Great post......funnily enough I've had an obsession with getting a pair of red puma gazelles this spring. Why? I really can't explain.....must be age! None about but I will keep looking.

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    1. Must be age for me too that I've suddenly gone a bit mad on the old sneakers front. So you're looking for some red Gazelles? I'll keep an eye out for you.

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  15. If I didn't see the Golas and Adidas, I'd say the Nikes are ok though the logo seems big. The Golas get my vote out of your selection for the stripe detail and how the white sole is broken up a bit with the added colour. It depends how you want to wear the sneakers as to which colour to choose, a colour would be more memorable but a navy or grey would tone in with most/all your jeans?

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    1. I know, I know. I love the coloured ones but there's a part of me that says - have you gone mad? And then there's the other part that says - do you really care? Just get what you like. The jury's out at the moment. I'll let you know the verdict in a future post (and no I haven't made my mind up yet).

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  16. Love the trainers but prefer your converse....
    J
    http://lifelovesand.blogspot.ie/

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    1. There's a part of me that wants to stick with the devil you know as well.

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  17. I love the trainers, so many converse about I love that these are edgy but then you know me.... I am in love with the NIkes and still yet to decide myself! x

    www.tryingyummymummy.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. There's just too much choice and I'm worried about making the wrong one. Not that it's the end of the world but I don't think I could do a round 2 of a sneaker snooparound again. We shall see.

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  18. I like the final choice, the Golden Goose do look good as well... Pounds/ wear wouldn't they be allowed!?!?!

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    1. My favourites are the Golden Goose but I'm just wondering if I could get a pair of the White Converse with the star motif and tell George to jump on my feet a few times to get the desired effect? Would be cheaper :o)

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  19. I like Vans for a change from Converse, they are very comfortable and have a huge range of colours. They are less like sports wear for me

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    1. The bootie Vans did catch my eye actually but not the sneaker ones. I've always previously associated Vans with the slip on plimsoll type footwear but they've moved on a bit now. Do you know what? I should just stick with the Converse and be done. It would be much easier..

      Have you tried customising any sneakers actually? I can see that totally as one of the projects that you would pull off exceedingly well.

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  20. i keep toying with the idea of getting a second pair of sneakers but i can't seem to get past my black chuck taylors. which ones did you end up with?

    steph / absolutely-fuzzy.com

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    1. I still haven't decided :o(

      The more I try on, the more I want to go back to my Converse. Better the devil you know!

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  21. I agree trainers isn't the right word for shoes like this is it? Perhaps sneakers in the way to go.
    I think if I Converse wasn't my obsession the Adidas Gazelles definitely would be. In fact I'm falling slightly in love with that dark pink pair you posted.
    Oh and the shoes you bought... I love them. It's the sort of everyday shoe I get loads of wear from. I say keep them!

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    1. They're all nice - it's a bit of a minefield out there. I'm just going to take my time I think. I've resigned myself to the fact that one pair of my Converse are to be worn with the dark jeans and they can get dye all over them rather than get stressed about it. Besides, people pay good money to buy Converse which look like that as I discovered whilst doing my sneaker investigations.

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  22. They do look fab on you, I love the look in the last picture. I have thought about Converse on many occasions but still haven't bought any, I think it's an age thing but I do have my daughters to borrow if need be. If I fancy wearing pumps, I have an old jigsaw pair.

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    1. Oh Sharron - me and my indecisive nature has meant that my pair of Nike Blazers has made their way back to Schuh. I'm kicking back in my Converse still.

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  23. I LOVE my Gola's, they are sooo comfy.

    The Boy has just got his first pair of converse. The Husband was a bit of a raver in the 90's, while I was grungey, and he didnt get the joy and pride I felt as The Boy pointed out a pair of bright green converse and said "I'd like those ones please!". That's my boy.

    1-0 to me!

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    1. Aah - someone who has Golas. I'm still kicking myself for not getting the grey and blue Golas I featured as they've sold out now. Isn't that just my luck?

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Susie So So