Why I'm One of Those People Intentionally Wearing Dirty White Sneakers
My mother never let me wear white shoes growing up. She refused to pay for a pair that would inevitably lose its luster (and rather quickly, too). She also said that people who wore white sneakers looked as though they were walking around in potatoes.
I hate to break it to you, Mom, but if you saw what I wear to the office every day, you'd gasp. Each morning, I stick to the same uniform: a minimal graphic T-shirt tucked into black tailored jogger-like trousers with a stretchy waistband and finished with a pair of dirty white shoes. Anyone in my office building who isn't a fashion editor likely wonders why I look so unpolished when they see me step inside the elevator. Of course, what they don't realize is that it's intentional.
Keep reading to learn more about the questionable, yet undeniably popular, dirty shoes trend.
The Dirty Shoe Trendsetters
Pietro D'aprano / Getty Images
So why do I elect to wear dirt? Well, fashion houses like Balenciaga and Gucci — who, in my mind, can do no wrong — showed ugly, scratched-up kicks that'll cost you upwards of $800. That's a lot of money, especially for something that's purposely designed to make you look unkempt.
Regardless, I want Balenciaga's Triple S Trainer so badly. They're chic. They're capital-F fashion, and to put it plainly: I just think they're damn cool. Still, I'm not in a position to make that kind of investment this season. So, for now, I'm thanking the gods of fashion (hello, Demna Gvasalia and Alessandro Michele) for this trend.
Related: 8 Effortless White Sneaker Outfits You Already Have in Your Closet
My Favorite Dirty Shoes
Adidas Stan Smiths ($100)
Several years-old tattered and torn Adidas' Stan Smiths are one of my go-to pairs of dirty white shoes. After buying a pair, don't worry about keeping these clean. You want them to look worn, as if they were the footwear counterpart to destroyed denim.
Adidas Superstars ($100)
I've been wearing these dirty shoes regularly — before "ugly" shoes were a thing. At $100, they're way more affordable than Balenciaga's Paris High Top Graffiti Sneaker ($950). When one pair really reaches the end of its lifespan, they can be easily replaced. To me, they match my uniform perfectly.
Final Thoughts
I'm very aware of the fact that choosing to not wear clean clothes isn't the most neat decision you can make. Your accessories tell a powerful story. Showing up to an important meeting with grime on your feet can, unfortunately, send the wrong, not-so-professional message.
However, I'm choosing to rely on what fashion says we can do. For that reason, I'm keeping an eye on guys and gals with a little grit on their shoes, too. Be it Balenciaga, Gucci, Vetements, or Adidas, I'm crossing my fingers in the hope that soon, I won't be the only one who's opted to take the more relaxed, easier sartorial route.
After all, isn't the point of adopting and crafting a personal style to break some rules and step away from the norm? Go ahead and tell me I should buy a new pair or try a little harder ... I don't care. I'll continue wearing my washed-up shoes — until clean is the new dirty.
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