Cop or Drop: Accessories Editor's Take on the Athletic Heel
Controversial shoes are everywhere—from faux fur boots to sky-high platforms and even loungewear turned street, like the Balenciaga X Crocs collaboration that made heads turn. Another controversial shoe that was super hot back in 2012, is the sneaker heel. However, nowadays the sneaker heel is being done differently—in a way less tacky than the old sneaker wedges with the velcro straps. Now I was definitely on the fence about whether or not this is a shoe I will be purchasing, but with some of these options, I might be convinced.
SOURCE: HYPEBAE
Miu MIU Nappa leather mid-heel sneakers - $995
For their S/S’21 collection, Miu Miu debuted a trainer-inspired kitten heel that comes in black, white, and silver. I first saw the shoe while doing a project for my styling class. I immediately questioned myself—and my style, because I actually really loved them. They are super cute and an easy way to dig into the trend without it being too obvious that they’re a sneaker heel.
SOURCE: VOGUE RUNWAY
The shoes are a fashionable dupe for football cleats, plus the heel is small so it is perfect for those of you who really cannot walk in heels to save your life (myself included). They are also on-trend for this S/S season, since chic athletic wear is popping up everywhere. I would give these sneaker heels a 10/10 on a level of attractiveness, so these are definitely on my wishlist—once they are back in stock that is.
SOURCE: MIU MIU
BALENCIAGA WOMEN'S X-PANDER 80MM HEEL - $1,290
Balenciaga also debuted a new shoe for their S/S’21 Pre-Collection show. It was the X-Pander Trainers that slowly, but surely, started to become the new fan favorite. Upon their release, they even succeeded the ever-so-popular Triple S sneaker. Along with the sneaker, they also created a sneaker heel for women that is equally as streetwear-approved as the sneaker version. The shoe comes in cream, black, and more.
Balenciaga X-pander sneakers From Their S/S’21 Collection
Source: VOGUE RUNWAY
The Balenciaga sneaker heels have a larger heel than the Miu Miu pair, but they are still adorable and definitely more on the streetwear/hype-beast side of fashion. These honestly do not look like heels I would be comfortable in, just because of the size of the heel itself, but I would give these shoes an 8/10 on a level of attractiveness. So it’s a drop for me. But, if I learned how to walk in heels and not break my face in the process, I might consider copping.
SOURCE: Balenciaga
Comme Des Garçons x Nike Premier heeled sneakers - $680
COMME des GARÇONS is a brand that is known for its unconventional designs, and one of them just happens to be from their F/W’21 collection in collaboration with Nike that is—you guessed it—a sneaker heel. The heels come in black and white. I first saw the shoe styled by Fiffany Luu, a TikTok influencer who wears everything from Vivienne Westwood to Rick Owens. I was instantly drawn to them right after watching how she styled them.
SOURCE: @FiffanyLuu on instagram
The Comme des Garçons heeled sneakers debuted at the f/w’21 collection
SOURCE: VOGUE RUNWAY
These are a more chunky heel than the Balenciaga and Miu Miu sneaker heels, which are perfect for those who are not heel-wearing people but still want to try out something a little different. These heeled sneakers are perfect for an everyday look, whether that be with a staple pair of baggy jeans or even sweatpants. Based on the way that these look and how short the heel is, they would also be a 10/10—and a definite cop for me.
SOURCE: Hypebeast
All in all, the athletic heel trend is one that I can see myself diving into in the very near future. With these designer options, it might take me a little longer—but they’re definitely worth the wait. So take it from me, an accessories fiend–sneaker heels are a big check on the cop or drop list.
What’s your take on the sneaker-heel trend? Leave a comment below.