Wearing sneakers pretty much everywhere you go seems to be pretty common these days. Whether you’re going to work, running errands, or grabbing brunch with friends, you’re probably going to go for your favorite sneakers. Wait, does that mean that sneakers are lifestyle shoes? What are lifestyle shoes anyway?!
We’re pretty sure you’ve encountered lifestyle and performance titles on more than one occasion. When shopping for shoes, you’re typically met with a myriad of styles, depending on what you’re searching for. More often than not, the style’s related to the type of activities the shoe’s appropriate for.
What’s the difference between performance and lifestyle footwear, then? What do you need to keep an eye on when shopping for the right everyday footwear? Lifestyle footwear often comes in the form of lifestyle sneakers which can be super similar to regular running sneakers – but they’re not the same.
Because of that, you need to know the difference before you head to the nearest footwear store. But worry not, we’re bringing you everything you need to know down below!
Lifestyle vs. Performance: What’s there to know?
We brushed over the fact that lifestyle sneakers and performance sneakers oftentimes appear the same.
While you might not wear your favorite espadrilles or slippers to the gym, there’s a chance you might put on your Adidas Sambas thinking you’re set for your workout. Why’s that a bad thing, you might be wondering?
Adidas Samba sneakers weren’t designed for working out – they’re comfortable, but they’re lacking favorable features like shock absorption and arch support. Adidas Samba sneakers are lifestyle sneakers. What does that mean, though?
1. What are lifestyle shoes?
Without beating around the bushes, lifestyle shoes are everyday shoes.
They’re the perfect balance between casual and professional style which means you can wear them when you’re grabbing a cup of coffee with friends or when you’re running late for work. They’re appropriate for pretty much everything you do on a daily basis – but they’re different from performance shoes.
They’re much more simple because they’re not built for physical activity. Therefore, espadrilles, loafers, ballet flats slippers, sandals, and sneakers can be labeled as “lifestyle footwear.” That being said, though, some sneakers are labeled as “performance footwear.” That must mean something, right?
2. What are performance shoes?
Performance shoes are made with performance in mind. Running sneakers are made with features that are meant to provide you with plenty of padding and shock absorption, but weightlifting sneakers are made to offer you support, stability, and protection.
Performance shoes require much more money, research, and development than lifestyle shoes because they’re designed to target a specific problem, rather than make your outfit cuter and get you through the day bruise and blister-free.
Between responsive cushioning, mesh uppers, rubber outsoles, and a myriad of technologies, performance shoes require much more work.
But we do need to mention that certain lifestyle sneaker styles, such as Chuck Taylor All-Star sneakers, can be worn to the gym, too. Before you start shopping, though, you might want to make sure you’re getting the right everyday footwear for your needs.
How to choose the right lifestyle shoes for yourself?
What are lifestyle shoes if not comfy footwear for you to wear on a regular? When you’re choosing the right lifestyle shoes for yourself, you need to keep an eye on your needs.
With performance shoes, you might focus on favorable features such as stability, support, and padding. With lifestyle shoes, though, you need to figure out which style you can get the most wear out of. Here’s a hint, though – most people opt for lifestyle sneakers because they’re both comfortable and wearable.
However, espadrilles, loafers, slippers, sandals, and ballet flats are a common choice, too.
Lifestyle shoes are meant to provide you with comfort, go with everything you own, and be simple to slip on and off when necessary. They’re meant to be practical because you’re going to be wearing them every single day. They’re meant to be stylish because you’re going to be reaching for them wherever you go.
What are the best lifestyle shoes for men and women at the moment, then?
What are the best lifestyle shoes for men and women at the moment?
1. Nike Court Vision Low
Nike Court Vision Low sneakers are the epitome of lifestyle sneakers – they’re simple, sleek, and ready to wear with pretty much everything you own. Whether you’re a fan of crisp, white sneakers, vintage, retro designs, and classic throwbacks to the ’80s, you can’t go wrong with everyone’s favorite Nikes.
Where do we even start?
With a high-quality, durable leather upper, rubber outsoles, and plenty of padding, they’re made to be comfortable. They’re made with recycled materials which means you can throw “the buyer’s guilt” out of the window, too. They’re a great option to consider and that’s everything you need to know about them.
2. New Balance 574 V2 Lace-Up Sneaker
Who doesn’t want to own a pair of New Balance kicks these days?
With the likes of Hailey Bieber and Laura Harrier wearing them on a regular, it’s pretty clear that these lifestyle sneakers are a little less “life” and a little more “style.”
We’re kidding, we’re kidding – they’re as comfortable, wearable, and durable as you might think considering they’re New Balances.
New Balance became one of the most popular brands around the world for a reason, and these sneakers attest to the fact that they’re one of the most well-made, put-together brands, too.
Now, even though the New Balance 550 sneakers might be a little more common among celebs, the 574 V2s are praised for their comfort, range of colors, and cool vintage look. What’s not to adore?
3. Adidas Originals Stan Smith ‘End Plastic Waste’ Shoes
From fashion runways and tennis courts to street styles and Instagram posts, these sneakers are a fashion-forward way of staying comfortable during your everyday events.
Fear not, the Adidas Originals Stan Smith ‘End Plastic Waste’ shoes are made to get you through the day with cushioning for comfort and rubber outsoles for protection. We don’t want you slipping and falling, OK?
On top of that, you can bank on the fact that these sneakers are, like the man they’re named after, the cream of the crop. Other than that, we do need to mention that they’re one of the most affordable alternatives to some of the more expensive white sneakers most people go for.
Balling on a budget, right?
4. Golden Goose Superstar Mixed Leather Sneakers
We can’t forget about everyone’s favorite expensive, over-the-top sneakers, either.
Golden Goose sneakers took the world by storm when the “ugly footwear trend” motivated two young Venetian designers, Francesca Rinaldo and Alessandro Gallo, to create sneakers that looked as though they’d already lived a good life, packed with adventures.
Golden Goose sneakers are a work of art you can wear when you’re running errands or grabbing brunch with friends. Needless to say, they’re a conversation starter. Not to mention that they’re comfortable, wearable, and versatile.
Now, they’re definitely a designer piece which means you’re going to have to break the bank for them – but they’re worth the money and the hype.
5. Converse Chuck 70 High Top
Converse Chuck 70 High Top sneakers are the obvious choice when you’re on the hunt for something a little more simple.
Converse sneakers are the epitome of “everyday sneakers” because you can wear them with everything, everywhere you go. Whether you’re a fan of high-tops or low-tops, you can count on them to complete your grungy ensemble or to make your flowy, floral dress pop.
When you’re shopping for lifestyle footwear, that’s exactly what you’re searching for. We can’t brush over the fact that Converse sneakers are great for walking, working out, and doing pretty much everything you want. What more would you want from a sneaker?
6. Adidas Samba OG Shoes
Sambas have been around for what seems like forever (since 1949 to be exact), but they’re having a moment right now because everyone’s suddenly obsessed with them.
When you start wondering whether you need performance or lifestyle sneakers, we urge you to go for Adidas Samba OG shoes.
Adidas knows what’s up when they’re working on sneakers that are comfortable enough to wear throughout the day without getting tired and attractive enough to create cute ‘fits on the go.
At the end of the day, lifestyle footwear’s meant to be wearable and versatile – and that’s exactly what these sneakers are.
7. Veja Campo Sneakers
Veja Campo sneakers are a celeb favorite, too. Whether that’s something you’re searching for or not, you have to admit that these sneakers are as versatile as you need them to be.
When you put them on, you’re never going to take them off again – they’re cute and comfortable, and they’re great for the environment. When Veja designed them, they put years of research and testing into creating leather sneakers with a lower environmental impact. We love a sustainable brand!
8. Birkenstock Boston Soft Footbed
We’ve arrived at the end of the article with a lifestyle slipper rather than a lifestyle sneaker.
We mentioned beforehand that you can choose between an array of styles when shopping for lifestyle footwear and we couldn’t pass on the opportunity to talk about Birkenstocks.
Whether you go for Birkenstocks or Crocs, you’re guaranteed to make a fashion statement – whether you want to or not. Good luck!
