Are these designer women's sneakers worth the splurge?

With the demand for stylish footwear on the rise, designer sneakers are making waves

The sneaker wear market has been showing promising growth globally, and designers aren't far behind. From athleisure to customised sneakers, the demand for unique and stylish footwear is on the rise, with consumers seeking both comfort and individuality in their sneaker choices.

According to the 2023 Bain & Company Worldwide Luxury Goods Market Report, the luxury footwear market is booming, with a projected growth of 7.6 per cent from 2022 to 2023. This surge is attributed, in part, to the use of materials like Italian leather and hand-crafted construction. A well-maintained pair of designer sneakers can last for years.

Owning a pair of women’s casual designer sneakers that are instantly recognisable—like a limited-edition collaboration between a luxury brand and a popular streetwear label—can be a powerful statement. A study published inthe Journal of Consumer Psychology in 2021 suggests that owning luxury items can boost feelings of confidence and social status. 

As brand recognition continues to hold significant sway, designer sneakers can make one feel part of a particular fashion tribe or even a cultural movement. However, it's important to consider the counter argument too—about whether the extra cost really translates to a proportionally better experience. 

While high-quality materials are non-negotiable, some argue that the performance difference between designer and high-quality non-designer sneakers for women might be negligible for everyday wear.

Are Designer Kicks Worth the Splurge?

Prada Downtown Sneakers

Crafted from premium Italian calf leather, the Prada Downtown sneakers for women bridge the gap between luxury and streetwear. Drawing inspiration from the chunky silhouettes that dominated the 90s, the Downtown features clean lines and a versatile design. From the tongue to the enamelled Prada logo adorning the sides, this sneaker celebrates Prada's heritage with a modern twist. The Downtown comes in a variety of colourways to suit your style—from classic black-and-white sneakers to a bolder pair featuring contrasting logo accents.

Gucci Ace Sneakers

Launched in 2016, the Gucci Ace sneakers are defined by clean lines and low-cut profile in smooth leather, creating an iconic silhouette. The signature design features a blue-and-red Web stripe juxtaposed with a gold embroidered bee adorning each side of the sneakers—an homage to Gucci's first ready-to-wear collection introduced in 1970. 

In 2023, Gucci introduced a fresh take on the Ace. This new version removes the bee motif, replacing the debossed "crocodile" effect on the heel with snakeskin detailing. The most significant changes include the introduction of a Margom-style sole and the addition of a metal lace dubrae engraved with "ACE".

Alexander McQueen Platform Sneakers

Made from premium calfskin, leather, and suede, these statement sneakers for women feature a platform sole and a lace-up vamp, adding a touch of cool and athleticism. This versatility allows Alexander McQueen Platform Sneakers to be dressed up or down, making them a dynamic addition to any outfit. Contrasting heel counters are available in classic white or with bold embroidery and high-frequency prints, finished with the iconic McQueen branding on the tongue and heel.

Bottega Veneta's Orbit

A modern take on the chunky, futuristic silhouettes of the early 2000s, Bottega Veneta's Orbit unisex trainer features a lightweight technical mesh upper for breathability and flexibility. The low-top design offers ease of wear, while the rubber outsole with a graphic design adds streetwise flair.

Available in a range of colours—including Bottega Veneta's signature parakeet green—the Orbit embraces sporty Y2K elements with a contemporary twist. Design details include layered synthetic panels, metallic accents, and loosely woven netting reminiscent of the brand's iconic Intrecciato motif.

Loewe x ON

Spanish luxury house Loewe's collaboration with Swiss performance brand On for the Spring/Summer ’24 collection titled "Crafted for All Conditions" is pushing the boundaries of activewear design. The key piece in the collection is the new Cloudtilt 2.0 sneakers for women. Building on the success of the original Cloudtilt, the 2.0 version boasts enhanced functionality and durability.

Available in a range of colours from black and tan to neon yellow, the Cloudtilt 2.0 offers both style and performance. The original Cloudtilt also returns in various new colourways, with more options for the fashion-conscious athlete.

Saint Laurent Classic Court

In 2012, YSL's Creative Director, Hedi Slimane, introduced a new statement piece with the Court Classic SL/06 sneakers for women. These low-tops boldly feature the brand's name stitched on the side. Rather than a plain white canvas, these sneakers come in a creamy hue with cool, distressed details for a vintage vibe.

The Court Classic SL/06 isn't afraid to blur lines. Classic features like a lace-up front and comfortable insoles meet a contemporary edge. A gold-toned Saint Laurent logo on the tongue adds a touch of luxury. These sneakers are designed for the woman who wants to make a statement while embracing comfort.

Isabel Marant Beth Sneakers

This summer, skip the laces and opt for easy-on-and-off grip-tape straps. The Isabel Marant Beth sneakers are a comfy, cool fusion of sporty vibes and Parisian edge. Made with premium leather and suede, they are comfortable for all-day wear, with a padded tongue and removable insole for extra support.

Beth also features contrasting accents, like a jagged heel or a differently coloured tongue, for a standout look. Breathable perforated leather keeps your feet cool, making these women's sneakers perfect for conquering the summer heat in style.

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