Before running or sports shoes became a fashion statement, they were created for athletic purposes, focusing on innovative functionality more than their aesthetic appearance. But times have most certainly changed.
Who said you had to be an NBA superstar to look like an MVP in basketball sneakers? Basketball sneakers are naturally cool, as are you, and they go well with any casual outfit. In fact, many of the most famous and iconic shoe types seen on the street today were initially designed for the basketball court.
However, incorporating basketball shoes with a casual outfit requires more than style and talent. Rocking those basketball sneakers with your everyday outfits will need fashion-taking risks, a unique sense of style, and some trusted fashionista advice.
Let Your Feet Do The Talking
Your basketball shoes can be your outfit's statement piece. If you genuinely want your style to stand out, invest in a vibrant pair of sneakers that will steal the show no matter what you're wearing. Neon, bright reflective stripes, raised heels, wide tongues, animal prints, and faux fur ‒ basketball shoes aren't known for subtlety; there is plenty of room for bold creativity. Go bold with the crimson black Adidas Originals Streetball 2, tie-dye Fila Grant Hill 2, black GIDT Fila MB Sneaker or black, red and white Fila MB Sneaker.
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Kicking it Old School
You can never go wrong with a pair of old-school classic-inspired sneakers. If you're unsure if you'll be able to pull off some of the more daring patterns on the market, stick to tried-and-true classics. These often feature simpler shapes and fewer embellishments, allowing you to maintain a low profile while elevating your shoe game. Our favourites include the white navy Nike Air Flight Lite Mid Olympic, Adidas Originals Forum Mid White Royal Blue, Adidas Performance OwnTheGame 2.0 Core Black, and Adidas Performance OwnTheGame White Black Gold Metallic.
The Perfect Complementary Pair
If you want a versatile pair that could compliment any outfit, try selecting something a bit more basic. Simplifying your shoes' design and colour palette is the best approach to make them feel like an integrated element of your outfit rather than the showpiece. Black, white, grey, and navy blue complement almost anything. Red, brown and military green are also perfect complementary shades. Check out the Nike Air Max Impact 3 Basketball Black Grey White, Fila Grant Hill 2 Dream White Blue, Nike Air Max Impact 3 Basketball Grey Silver, and Adidas Originals Forum Mid White Ambient Sky Black.
The Side Step Style Guide
Due to their height, basketball sneakers are some of the most difficult to style with a pair of jeans, causing jeans to bunch at the bottom.
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A baggy pair of pants can have an untidy appearance from the ankle down, and skinny jeans have the potential to make your shoes look bulky and imbalanced.
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Here are some of our styling tips:
- Pants that taper through the ankle will draw attention to your shoes. You may also pull up the cuff on your jeans to accentuate your kicks, although this will not work with hightops.
- Choose a denim wash that complements the colour of your sneakers. Contrast is your best decision, with a lighter wash for a darker shoe and a darker wash for a brighter shoe.
- If your shoes are extravagant, consider muting your main outfit and making your kicks the focal point instead.
- When in doubt, you can never go wrong with a pair of shorts. After all, they are meant for basketball courts.
Basketball sneakers are a staple in any sneakerhead's shoe rack. Side Step knows that nothing brings your outfit together like the perfect pair of kicks. We have curated some of the most iconic, innovative, fashion-forward and old-school basketball kicks from the world's leading brands.
Be sure to check out our range online or in-store today!
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