Join the race to Spring’s pumped up footwear. Outside the runway shows this season, we saw our favourite fashion elite sporting an unconventional trend, which had fashionista’s changing out of their heels and into, dare I say? Gasp! – Sneakers! From the street to the runway, there was everything including built in wedges to hot high-tops and these sporty chic sneakers were seen in the spring/summer ready-to-wear collections of Marc by Marc Jacobs and Richard Chai Love.

Isabel Marant has become the reigning champion of luxe sportswear, especially most recently with the explosion of her wedged sneakers on the fashion scene. Typically luxe sportswear style is paired with heels to add the chic factor to the lightweight fabrics and on-the-go designs, but this season I found trendsetters dressing down their outfits with a pair of their favourite pumped up kicks.

If you’re a bit on the petite side, avoid wearing high-top sneakers as these shoes are all about leg and height. You don’t want to wear anything on your feet that will cut you off or make you look shorter than you really are. Instead stick to a low-cut running or tennis shoe. Using lively bursts of colour, pretty pastel shades or colour blocking is an effortless way to “sneak” in a few fresh trends that will surely breathe a breath of fresh Spring air into your sneakers. Incorporate the chic sneaker into your ensemble, even if your wardrobe is filled with ultra-feminine pieces. The key to working the sneaker the correct way is to opt for a cool, casual feel with your outfits. Pair them with unfussy minimalistic pieces and simple, sleek silhouettes to give your look those clean lines sportswear is all about.

Remember, no athletic activity required. On your marks, get ready, set, go!

1 & 2. Tommy Ton snaps street wear sneakers and Susie Bubble outside the 2012 Spring/Summer Ready-to-Wear shows, image courtesy of Style.com
3. Giuseppe Zanotti Metallic Leather Studded Sneakers, $805, available at Luisaviaroma

5. New Balance 1400 Sneaker, $90 USD
6. Lanvin Black Canvas Cap Toe High-Top Sneakers, $630 USD, available at Bluefly
7. Nike Zoom Elite Sneaker, $89.99 USD, available at Foot Locker

8. Alexander Wang “Dillion” Sneaker, $385 USD, available at La Garconne

By: Megan Correia, Toronto

You should follow me on Twitter @MeganAlyssaC.

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