Sneaker Fashion of Northwestern

Graphic by Angela Cheng

Being at Northwestern has shaped and transformed my style in ways that I could never have imagined a year ago. When I attended an all-girls high school in Washington, D.C., the typical everyday footwear consisted of rider boots, Stan Smith’s, or the classic Steve Madden fashion sneakers.

During my first couple months at Northwestern, I naturally felt out of place when I was exposed to a distinct array of shoewear styles. I was in awe of how students knew how to dress with their own unique and personal touches from head-to-toe. Northwestern is full of unimaginable shoe trends that I instantly fell in love with – I have personally been inspired to expand my shoe collection. We at STITCH love the stylish sneakers on campus so much we even occasionally showcase the best kicks on our Instagram stories (Shoes of NU)!

Our walkable campus makes sneakers a necessity. Over the last eight months, I have discovered that sneakers can really make an outfit stand out. In such a casual environment like Northwestern, sneakers are especially key to a chill, yet distinguishable outfit.

This past week, I did what I have been basically doing all year – taking a closer look at students’ sneakers. Here are some of my favorite styles:

1. The sleek white sneaker: The classic white sneaker is probably the most common trend in casual shoewear right now. However, if you find the right shoe, the style doesn’t have to be “normal”.

Medill first-year Isaac Sultan sports his white Tretorn Nylite 29 Plus’s in the Kresge-Crowe courtyard. I particularly love the silver metallic touch to the sneaker – it brings energy to the style.

Medill first-year Ethan Shanfeld shamelessly wears his ultra white leather Dr. Martens sneakers on a rainy, muddy day.

I particularly love how both Sultan and Shanfeld pair their white sneakers with socks that both add character to their style and make the shoes stand out even more.

2. Don’t stray from color: Now that we are finally getting some warmer weather, colorful, pastel sneakers are essential.

Weinberg first-year Natalia Novoa wears an adorable and comfortable pair of baby pink strap sneakers.

Weinberg first-year Ananya Gupta sports a multi-colored leisure sneaker. I particularly love how unconventionally matched colors – white, emerald, pink, orange, and red – are matched together for the design of these shoes.

3. The platform sneaker: The platform sneaker has been a such a popular trend this past year. Literally almost everyone I know has a pair – I have two pairs! However, there are an array of designs and styles of platform sneakers so that you don’t have to look identical to everyone else.

Medill first-year Amy Coval wears a pair of one of the biggest shoe trends of the past year – Filas. However, the silver design makes the sneaker distinct.

Why not have a graphic on your sneaker? Communications junior Adria Alexander sports a fire (sorry, I had to) pair of platform sneakers. The sharp toe detail of the sneaker also adds to the shoe’s character.

4. The uncommon, yet common sneaker:

Weinberg sophomore Anna Weeks rocks a pair of black velvet, zip-up Converse – a distinct style that I haven’t seen a lot.

Medill first-year Grace Lougheed wears a unique pair of Nike’s extremely popular Air Force 1’s. The colors of Lougheed’s sneakers draw endless attention.

With this sneaker inspo in mind, as you look to expand your shoe collection this summer, challenge yourself and don’t be afraid to buy a pair of sneakers that go against the norm – or simply just have some extra character!