Saturday, September 1, 2012

Don't Wear Sneakers

I keep seeing girls wearing Chuck Taylors, or Vans, or even some more modern high-tops, and I always cringe. Sneakers are intended for function, not form; they aren't attractive. Unless they are paired with athletic clothes (i.e. for the gym or running) they look clunky or awkward. The fact that they are "comfortable" or "quirky" or "classics" might be perfectly true, in some cases might be a good reason for wearing them; but don't fool yourself into thinking they make you look good. While it would obviously be unrealistic and probably unhealthy for women to wear high heels every day, there are many more elegant compromises than sneakers.

If you see a woman who you think is more attractive because she is wearing sneakers, ask yourself whether it is because of them or in spite of them. You'd be better off never wearing sneakers than trying to pull them off.

59 comments:

  1. I'm assuming you mean not to wear sneakers on dates, or on any other occasion when you will be focused on trying to attract "the right kind" of male attention?

    Wearing high heels too often is very bad for your spine. Over the years, it can have disastrous effects on posture and spinal alignment, lead to back pain, etc. Not too sexy.

    There are also many times when wearing heels is just not practical or even safe. I've seen more than one woman roll her ankle walking in heels on un-even terrain, (not while hiking or something equally ridiculous, but just rough cobblestones, etc.) and all but snap her foot off.

    I realize that for men attraction is primarily a visual thing, but surely a girl who put too much emphasis on vamping it up all the time, and showing a complete disregard for practicality in the process, might be a bit of a turn off for men who aren't trolling for a ditz?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Absolutely agree. High heels have bad health effects. There is no need to damage our health because of a society created picture of "sexy" look. Wearing them on a special occasions only is the sensible thing to do.

      Delete
    2. This guy doesn't know what he's saying..I am proud of wearing chucks everyday...I can't walk on heels so why struggle to wear heels trying to "impress" some guy..for everyone who wears chucks and other high tops be yourself.

      Delete
    3. "I'm assuming you mean not to wear sneakers on dates, or on any other occasion when you will be focused on trying to attract "the right kind" of male attention?"

      Everything on this site can be prefaced with the words "when and if you are trying to attract a man". Clearly, you wouldn't wear heels on the beach, or to play tennis.

      ---------------------------

      "I realize that for men attraction is primarily a visual thing, but surely a girl who put too much emphasis on vamping it up all the time, and showing a complete disregard for practicality in the process, might be a bit of a turn off for men who aren't trolling for a ditz?"

      Maybe for some men, but as a general rule, no. More hot is always better than less hot.

      ---------------------------

      "This guy doesn't know what he's saying..I am proud of wearing chucks everyday...I can't walk on heels so why struggle to wear heels trying to "impress" some guy..for everyone who wears chucks and other high tops be yourself."

      What is the point of this comment? Do you think Andrew would say "NO! YOU MUST ALWAYS WEAR HEELS NO MATTER WHAT!!! THAT IS THE LAW!!!"

      Delete
  2. What are the compromises that you find attractive?

    ReplyDelete
  3. What do you think about loafers, like the girl on the left is wearing?

    http://elainedtruong.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/tods1.jpg%3Fw%3D760

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think loafers and flats are very cute on girls and much more feminine than sneakers. Capri pants or rolled up skinny jeans and penny loafers or flats are timeless!

      Delete
  4. As long as they aren't being worn on a date or to a business function etc, then sneakers are fine. Particularly chuck taylors and vans. However the latest trend of female sneakers are hideous - the ones in the photo is them, the wedge sneakers. But even still she doesn't look particularly unattractive.

    I think this is just your own personal opinion on sneakers Andrew. These days guys love it when girls can be laid back in sneakers.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Right. I was wondering this. I tend to wear Converse or other such shoes b/c they're comfortable and I like them. It seems to me that liking or not liking a girl who wears them is more a personal preference than a "man thing". Granted for a date or business function, I would have the sense to be more formally dressed, but on other days, I don't see anything wrong w/ wearing what I like. If anything, I would think it would attract guys who would prefer a more casual, laid-back personality, which is what I have. Obviously it isn't going to attract someone who wants a girly-girl, but that isn't me, so I probably wouldn't have been happy w/ that guy anyway.

      Delete
  5. boat shoes like sperrys?

    ReplyDelete
  6. If men ALSO wear them, then they are unfeminine, and should be avoided.

    The same way men look less masculine and more feminine in skinny jeans and women look less feminine and more masculine in baggy jeans.

    The point is to be very distinctively female.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Men and women were watches, rings, necklaces. In this case which of the sexes should stop wearing it because the other wears it too?

      Weak point you made.

      There are a plethora of feminine oriented sneakers. Whilst there are very masculine sneakers. Women should stay away from these masculine sneakers.

      There is a masculine and feminine counterpart of almost everything in life Be gender appropriate, that's all that matters.

      Delete
  7. Could you give some examples of alternatives? I recently discovered your blog. I never understood the fashion mags for girls and I love your direct analysis.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Check out this article:

      http://freenewfashiondesign.com/flat-shoes-for-women-increasingly-trendy/

      I am sure you can find even better examples, but this is a decent start.

      Delete
  8. absolute in love with your blog..i check it everyday for an update....hope you would write more frequently..

    ReplyDelete
  9. My cousin thinks just because she is cute and really thin she can dress like a scrub and wear boy style tenneshoes all the time! THANK YOU for making this point! I had been wondering about the male perspective on this for quite awhile!

    ReplyDelete
  10. American Women have lost touch with their femininity in many respects, especially dress. The contrast is obvious when you visit European or Latin American countries.

    The chick in the photo looks slovenly when, with even a little effort, she could accent her feminine features and be way more attractive.

    Take the hint ladies, sneakers and flip flops will most times take away from your look. They are almost always not "fine". Only in America will see women regularly sporting frumpy jeans, sneakers, t-shirts and ball caps. Sure there are exceptions to every rule, but get a clue.



    ReplyDelete
  11. Well Andrew, my boyfriend happens to LOVE the fact that I wear my Chucks. I think this is more of a personal preference. Also, I have had a hip replacement and cannot always be teetering around in heels, it's dangerous for me.

    If a guy decided not to date me just because he saw me wearing my Chucks, then he's not good enough for me. I don't like shallow men.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Given the analogy between confidence and beauty, this is like a man saying "My girlfriend loves that I get nervous around big men; she thinks it's cute. I don't want to date a woman that wants me to be strong and confident."

      Yes, some women will say this - just like some men will like the fact that you wear Chucks; but they are exceptions to the norm, and in the same way that the girl likes the insecure guy because of the character traits that accompany that insecurity, so too does your boyfriend like the things that come with the fact that you wear Chucks, not the Chucks themselves. I bet he isn't jerking off to pictures of girls wearing chucks any more than your fantasy man would run away from a fight.

      Delete
    2. I can't walk in heels because of the way my foot is shaped (my toes are freakishly long so they bend in the wrong places). Are ballet flats an acceptable replacement?

      Delete
    3. I agree about the personal preference thing I also think it depends on your style. I love my chucks and also they are NOT athletic shoes in anyway shape or form. I would probably never be caught dead in those shoes that you posted in another comment. I dont think they are cute and its just not my thing. Also they are perfectly fine for dressing casually. Shouldn't it be a good thing if a girl can be hot even if she's just kickin it in some chucks?

      On a side note, when you are 5'11 heels aren't exactly an option unless there is an event. I love heels but I dont like to go stopping around Japan on daily basis, knocking over skyscrapers while all the people run and scream in fear.

      Delete
  12. This is completely personal preference, I feel inclined to comment as you are sending out a very biased opinion. I am a fashion designer so it depends on the outfit in question!
    If the girl is well groomed and dresses well according to her body shape then she can wear converse, vans, hightops with jeans and a white T-shirt and she will still look great. I receive equal attention from men when I am wearing boyfriend jeans and cons as when I am wearing heels. to be honest the attention from the men when i am wearing trainers is much more genuine, and from the kind of guy who is cool, as opposed to the slightly sleazy kind who just stare at your ass when you're in heels.

    The picture is an example of black trainers not working on any level, especially with light coloured denim jeans. As with any dark coloured shoes, if your midsection clothing is lighter in colour, your eye is drawn immediately to the feet so it looks bottom heavy. It's not rocket science, just basic colour and proportion perception.

    *Note to guys* completely black trainers work on no level whatsoever, you look like a nine year old boy who refuses to wear proper shoes to school/ a member of a gang. Next time you are out look out for black trainers on men and you will see the kind of guy who wears them.

    So NO trainers are not just for the gym, unless they are the asics/ new balance kind.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I'm 5'9" and rarely wear heels as I dislike towering over everyone. I am also married, so I'm not trying to attract men, but I do like looking attractive in general when I'm in public (and sexy when I'm at home with my husband.)

    Any ideas for shoes that are flat but still attractive?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. "I am also married, so I'm not trying to attract men"

      What about attracting your husband???

      Try this: http://freenewfashiondesign.com/flat-shoes-for-women-increasingly-trendy/

      Delete
  14. If you a fashion lady, then you must like various kinds of stylish and amazing shoes, click http://www.upere.com/upere-wedge-sneakers-c-1.html and you will find you favorite footwear.

    ReplyDelete
  15. This is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard! Chicks in a good pair of sneakers, are HOT as hell!
    You do have to dress in the correct way though... And obviously, wear new looking, Clean, and attractive sneakers. No old dirty shabby ones... Ugh.
    But give me a sexy girl in a cute sporty outfit, and a pair of cool sneakers, ANYDAY, over a girl in a mini skirt and high heels.... Bleh!
    GO THE SNEAKERS GIRLS! ;P

    P.S. A funky looking Cap or Hat to top of the sneakers and outfit, is even better!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Based on your post about the heels, I understand why they make me more attractive.

    http://freenewfashiondesign.com/flat-shoes-for-women-increasingly-trendy/

    These flats are ugly to me. Can you please explain in detail why flats are more attractive then sneakers? They both don't affect women's posture, make the legs look longer, etc.

    The girl in the picture with the sneakers is wearing a pair of skinny jeans. Of course the sneakers will look chunky! Skinny jeans should only be worn with boots. If she was wearing a pair of boot cut jeans with the sneakers, the chunky affect will not be there.

    ReplyDelete
  17. This is the dumbest post ever. How about a woman wears whatever shoes SHE wants to and doesn't give two f**ks what someone else thinks is appropriate footwear for them? I wear sneakers ALL the time, I have some pretty awesome air jordans and if someone told me not to wear them because they were too "clunky" or "masculine" I would laugh in their face and wear them around them all the time just to spite them.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. god you're stupid. you wanna wear sneakers? go ahead. no one's stopping you.

      Delete
    2. Actually,you're stupid. The title of the post is "don't wear sneakers." And, Andrew ends the blog post by saying:

      If you see a woman who you think is more attractive because she is wearing sneakers, ask yourself whether it is because of them or in spite of them. You'd be better off never wearing sneakers than trying to pull them off.

      So, Andrew is telling women not to wear sneakers. Obviously, you can wear them to the gym, but in his world, that's the only time you can wear them.

      Delete
  18. Andrew what would you suggest for comfortable everyday footwear in loo of sneakers/vans etc?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm sure Andrew would suggest heels here, so heeled boots or just a pair of courts can work well. If you're tall like me however, leather sandals or boots look feminine if you choose the right pair and won't add any extra height.

      Delete
  19. OMG what makes you think that women must dress to look attractive to men, if someone feels confident in trainers then the confidence is what makes them attractive, not the shoe!!! prat

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. so wouldn't confidence + attractive shoes look even more attractive? lol duh

      Delete
    2. that is a proper knob reply too! we don't care what men think generally when are you going to get this!

      Delete
  20. This is a highly subjective thing.
    As a male, I love seeing the combination of skirt + low top chucks on a girl, and I find ballet flats ugly and unsexy...

    ReplyDelete
  21. Oh seriously...I'm 53, what am I supposed to wear for a nice walk on the beach ? Don't tell me sandals I don't want sand in my shoes...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Why would you wear any shoes at all for a walk on the beach?

      Delete
  22. this is so stupid. What do you expect ladies to do? wear Louboutins every day for 10+ hours straight?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Your comment is so stupid.

      Women, whenever you feel the urge to ask a stupid question like this about an article on this blog, answer it yourself with the following: "Only if you are trying to attract men."

      "Why should I wear makeup? Are you saying I should wear makeup every time I go out?"

      "Only if you are trying to attract men."

      "Why should I dress nice? I like to wear sweatpants and crocs! Are you saying I should dress to please men??"

      "Only if you are trying to attract men."

      "I like bragging about my job! Are you saying I should talk about other things instead??"

      "Only if you are trying to attract men."

      Damn. Think a little.

      Delete
    2. Ew...you're more sexist and shallow than Andrew.

      Delete
    3. This comment has been removed by the author.

      Delete
  23. I'm a male,but I don't think the site u posted there is something that I would apprectiated,that shoes is so ugly,I rather see a lady wearing aneakers more than that

    ReplyDelete
  24. Women shouldn't have to worry about looking distinctively women. That is stupid and most of how they try to be so different is stupid in general

    ReplyDelete
  25. Is there a general thinking about flip flops being a fashion faux pas? I like them for running errands, at the beach, and similar lounging type activities, etc., but was just curious whether men actually pay attention or notice flip flops to the extent they find them unattractive. Are men usually that observant? lol

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. @Emily-I second your utility thinking. Aside from women wearing them inappropriately, something that is very gross that I observe is that women do not polish their nails or take care to make their feet look pretty. If women have ugly feet with foot fungus, nail issues, hairy toes, warts and whatever else, please do not wear flip-flops.

      Delete
    2. I am not a fan, but they aren't inherently masculine; they're just inherently casual/sloppy.

      Delete
    3. @Andrew, yeah, I can see the sloppy aspect of it. So often I see women prancing around in awful rubber looking flip flops, but I also see nicely designed flip flops that are cute too. Plus I'll wear them to the beach, at the pool, etc., so I guess I'm 50-50 on this one, but agree w your sloppy assessment :)

      Another odd thing I noticed the other day was a woman wearing shoes that were too big for her. I observe that more than them wearing small shoes--that's inherently sloppy! I've been trying to figure out why on earth a woman would wear big shoes (they were on sale? they were cheap? they borrowed them?), and no reasons I can think of make sense. Any ideas?????

      @Unknown, that's just gross lol That's like not brushing your teeth...

      Delete
  26. This is stupid. I dont want to attract a man simply by ensuring my appearance is always worthy of sexual fantasy.
    Romance is supposed to blossom between people based on who they are, not whether or not they wear sneakers. Don't live your life pretending that you need to wear follow trends and wear the right shoes to be loved!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Are you serious with this post! what an ugly man! you think that women are only here to be attractive to men?? seriously?? this man must be quite young to have this disgusting view of women!
    why are dumb girls asking for advice as well! what a fucked up generation we have coming up!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think Andrew's inexperience and youth come through loud and clear when he advises women not to wear sneakers and to wear heels. I live in the DC metro area. I'm a lawyer and I work 10-12 hour days, walking a lot with heavy bags in and out of court and sometimes with boxes of files. I sometimes walk several blocks between my car and office or from the metro station. I keep shoes at the office and I spend a lot of time in my sneaks or other athletic shoes. Now, they are good, attractive and expensive shoes but they are not heels. Andrew, you insult women with advice like this and quite frankly, you insult men as well. If a guy is going to dismiss me because I am working my ass off and trying to preserve my health, who needs him? Stick with fantasy women like Bryce Dallas Howard in Jurassic World. That chick ran around Jurassic world for 2 plus hours chasing off dinasaur clones and saving lives in 6 inch heels. Real women don't operate this way and real men won't care about what women are wearing on their feet.

      Delete
  28. Really, thanks for sharing this so much. I think I might make several copies put them in nice frames all around the classroom.T-Shirts

    ReplyDelete
  29. why are dumb girls asking for advice as well! what a fucked up generation we have coming up!T-Shirts

    ReplyDelete
  30. This is highly informatics, crisp and clear. I think that everything has been described in systematic manner so that reader could get maximum information and learn many things. women wearing loafers

    ReplyDelete
  31. I simply want to tell you that I am new to weblog and definitely liked this blog site. Very likely I’m going to bookmark your blog .


    Click here : Used Track Excavators

    ReplyDelete
  32. Great write-up, I am a big believer in commenting on blogs to inform the blog writers know that they’ve added something worthwhile to the world wide web!. the style shoes

    ReplyDelete
  33. Thick, fabric materials are likewise utilized due to their delicate properties perfect for ladies who are searching for sneakers that are delicate and agreeable to the feet. golden goose sale

    ReplyDelete
  34. I started on COPD Herbal treatment from Ultimate Life Clinic, the treatment worked incredibly for my lungs condition. I used the herbal treatment for almost 4 months, it reversed my COPD. My severe shortness of breath, dry cough, chest tightness gradually disappeared. Reach Ultimate Life Clinic via their WEBSITE www.ultimatelifeclinic.com . I can breath much better and It feels comfortable!

    ReplyDelete