It is Christmas week! Unfortunately, the holidays are different this year and may steer some holiday shoppers away from shopping at the mall or stores in general. In this article, I will be examining some of the most popular sneakers that could be bought online. Some may be available in-store, depending on location.
Budget- Nike Air Force 1
The Nike Air Force 1 is one of the most iconic sneakers ever created. Popular around the country (seen everywhere on the east coast), it can be easily matched with every outfit due to its simple silhouette and all white colorway. Its leather upper and rubber midsole makes for a simple look that could be matched with any outfit. With a retail of only $90, it also makes for an affordable sneaker that is available in a full family size run, fitting true to size. The Nike Air Force 1 is easily a top pick overall for any price range because it is valued in a variety of colorways and has a good availability on online retailers (will be listed below).
Budget Choice- Converse Chuck Taylor All Star
The Converse Chuck Taylor All Star is a necessity for any sneaker lover. With a retail starting at only $50, it is a very affordable shoe that bites back with a classic look. The iconic Chuck Taylor has a canvas upper and a rubber mid-sole that is timeless.
This shoe is a bargain because of the good amount of colorways and its ability to match with everything. Unfortunately, it does have its downsides. The Chuck Taylor can be easily worn down due the quality of the rubber. It is also susceptible to scuffs and scratches and natural wear and tear. Additionally, the Chuck Taylor does fit narrow, so if the person you are shopping for has a wide foot like I do, you may want to stick with the Air Force 1 for an extra 30 dollars. However, if you are shopping for a casual person that has a narrow foot, it is a great buy for both men and women (some online retailers will be listed below; they can be bought almost everywhere that shoes are sold).
Moderate- Adidas NMD R1
The Adidas NMD R1 is a casual shoe with a comfortable and snug fit. With a “bouncy” Ultraboost mid sole and a Primeknit upper, it has some of Adidas’ best technology that comes with a great, casual feel. It is priced fairly with its retail of $140 and true to size fit, along with a full family size run.
The NMD R1 will last the person you are shopping for a while, the Ultraboost midsole and a partial-rubber sole protects the shoe from suffering major wear-and-tear quickly. Additionally, the Primeknit upper is also durable and is hard to damage. Going back to the fit, it is a snug sneaker but it isn’t too snug that your foot is uncomfortable. I’d compare it to a nice hug (yes, those are still a thing!) that leaves you feeling nice and warm on the inside. Jokes aside, the Adidas NMD R1 is a great shoe that you cannot go wrong with. I will list sites with availability below.
Moderate Choice- Nike Air Max 97
The Nike Air Max 97 is equipped with a classic, yet timeless look. It has a mesh upper, an airbag as a midsole and a rubber sole. Some even may feature a reflective look, good for running at night while also being photogenic during night time photo shoots. Originally released in 1997 as a running shoe, it has stood against the test of time. The Air Max 97 is now considered a casual shoe that can be matched with any outfit.
Personally, I believe the Air Max 97 looks best with some blue jeans. Joggers and sweatpants also prove to be a “I want to be comfortable” look, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with it (it’s my personal favorite look). The star of the sneaker would be the airbag, proving to be very comfortable and feels as if you are walking on, well, air! The retail starts at $170 for men and women sizes, running true to size in a full family size run.
As an owner of an Air Max 97, I would not mind spending a bit more money on the Air Max 97 because it is so comfortable while having a clean look. If you can get an all-white pair, definitely buy them! Just make sure the person you are shopping for knows how to take care of their shoes! As always, links to online retailers will be listed below.
Premium Choice- Air Jordan 1 High
My favorite sneaker of all time, the Air Jordan 1 High has to come on this somewhere, or else it just wouldn’t be a proper sneaker guide. The Air Jordan 1 released in 1985 as a basketball sneaker for Michael Jordan and has since been deemed legendary. Its simple leather upper and rubber mid sole creates a look that gives Father Time a run for his money.
The Air Jordan 1 High has been through many price changes. It was originally on the market for $64.99 in 1985 and $170 in 2020. What makes this on the premium list is that this sneaker can only be purchased on the secondary market (resell market) for a premium price. You can usually find these sneakers in the mid-$300 mark, but the price will vary based on size, colorway, quality of the material or if it was a collaboration or not. The Air Jordan 1 fits true to size and is usually found in only men’s sizing, but they have been releasing in full size runs as of late. Links to purchase these sneakers are available below.
