But 2017 wasn't just about athletic performance; it was the year of the "dad trainer." The had just stomped onto the scene, its oversized, chunky sole dividing opinions but ultimately defining the chunky sneaker trend. Nearby, fans of a sleeker look were sliding into Balenciaga Speed Trainers —those iconic sock-style sneakers that made it look like you were wearing nothing but high-tech knit and a rubber sole.
If you were a sneakerhead, your "holy grail" was likely something from . The deconstructed Off-White x Nike Air Jordan 1 was the undisputed king of the year, its red zip-tie and "AIR" text making it a status symbol. For those who missed the drop, the Nike Air Max 97 "Silver Bullet" was the next best thing, celebrating its 20th anniversary by appearing on every fashion editor’s Instagram.
As the day ended, the most popular "casual" choice wasn't even a shoe. and pool sandals were the top-searched footwear of the year, proving that in 2017, luxury was as much about comfort as it was about the "flex". The Wildest, Weirdest, Most Wonderful Shoes of 2017 - Vogue
The year was 2017, and the streets felt like a high-fashion runway where the "ugly-chic" aesthetic had finally won. Walking through the city, you couldn't miss the dramatic shift in silhouettes; it was the year of being "extra".
For a night out, the trends were equally bold. You might have spotted someone braving the crowd in , which shimmered under city lights like a disco ball. If those were too flashy, red thigh-high boots from brands like Fendi were flying off the shelves at retailers like Farfetch. On the more practical side, velvet booties and embroidered mules added a touch of texture to everyday outfits.
