There is always a guarantee that your sneakers, which you have bought right now, are going to make you regret your purchase in the future by showing up in your Instagram feed. Your favorite color scheme in the shop turned out to be a phasey trend, reminding of your emo phase in high school. We are building here the basis of your wardrobe, not the museum of your silly purchases done in a heat of emotions.
The aim is to find a model of a shoe which will survive at least two economic recessions and not become outdated in this process. Think of Nike Air Force 1 or Adidas Stan Smith. These sneakers were popular for decades already, and there is a reason for that. In case your father wears them and they are still in style, then you are lucky.
Ditch your chunky sneakers, which you name as “dad shoes”. They look like an orthopedic sneakers in some sci-fi movie than like sneakers, which can highlight your feet properly. The trends might change, but the timeless silhouette of Common Projects Achilles Low is going to remain the same. You should buy a pair, which tells you “my life is in order”, not “I lost a bet with a hypebeast”.
Investing in quality leather or suede material is the way to make your sneakers into an investment piece. Those Suede New Balance 990s become even better after they start to get scratched and worn out due to you. The difference between a good-looking and unpleasantly aged shoe. Plastic material is going to crack sooner or later.
It is true that everyone gets excited about color, but try not to fall into that trap and buy sneakers in a neutral tone. White, black, grey and navy should become the tones of your sneakers as this is going to help you to look stylish for many years to come without changing anything in your outfit. It works as a neutral background and simplifies your morning routine greatly.
The fit is a non-negotiable thing, so please do not lie to yourself about a half size difference. Your sneakers, which give you an uncomfortable feeling right now, are not only going to ruin your feet in the future, but also your mood. Try your sneakers in Nordstrom, Bodega or somewhere else that you would like. Walk a little in them and make sure you feel comfortable in them.
Take care of your sneakers as much as you do about your skincare products. Buy a Jason Markk cleaning kit for your sneakers and use it regularly before you see some dirt accumulation on them. Also, you need to buy cedar shoe trees for your sneakers, otherwise they are going to become deformed.
Do not try to follow the fast-paced drop culture anymore. You are not that guy anymore. Now you are a professional, or you pretend to be one on LinkedIn, and you have no excuse to wear stuff, which reminds of your effort in the elevator. I promise you will be grateful in the future not to be embarrassed with old photos.