In our biweekly series, editors share "the item they wear to death," whether it be a basic white tee or a super-trendy jumpsuit. Prepare yourself (and your credit card) for some guilt-free shopping.
About a month ago, I decided to make use of my time inside with some spring cleaning. My shoe collection seemed like a good place to start, and what I found was less than ideal: heels worn down to the nubs by New York City sidewalks, sandals falling apart at the seams, and sneakers so stained and sad that I pitied them. I purged the most tragic of the bunch. With the current state of the world being what it is, there's no need to replenish my entire collection, but I did realize I was lacking an essential: a pair of plain white sneakers I could wear with anything.
I did some research and came across a collaboration between Outdoor Voices and athletic brand Hoka. The reviews were stellar and they seemed to check all of my boxes: pure white, just a little chunky, and versatile enough to wear for any activity. The sneakers arrived a week after I clicked order and they're everything I'd hoped for.
Aesthetically speaking, they instantly kicked all my isolation outfits up a notch, regardless of formality. They give my sundresses a sporty spin, complement my athleisure looks, and add flair to my preppy new shorts. They're functional too. They support my feet when I take my periodic, socially-distanced walks to my favorite neighborhoods and are equally as comfy to wear around the apartment to give my arches a break (after the shoes are sanitized, of course). And they've revolutionized my indoor workouts, which are growing more and more frequent. The sneakers' flexible soles allow me to do deep stretches and hold comfortable-ish planks—shout out to Isaac Calpito for shredding my core on a daily basis—but also help me stay stable during squats and standing flys.
Basically, I've been floating around like Hermes (the Greek god with winged footwear, not the fashion house) since the sneakers arrived. Though my exact HOKA x OV sneakers are currently sold out (I'm adding myself to the waitlist for a few more pairs), I found some similar white sneakers, below, that will work just as well with your wardrobe.
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
