Echoing a key accessories trend from the Spring/Summer 2023 catwalks, street-style stars at the Autumn/Winter 23 shows took the sports-luxe look a step further, opting for heeled cleats from brands spanning luxury leaders – like Miu Miu – and sportswear giants, such as Nike (via a sought-after Comme Des Garçons collab).
Sports Footwear Goes Glam
Published 22 March 2023
3 min read
As sportswear continues its rapid rise in popularity, and corporate offices globally embrace the sneaker as a workwear mainstay, it seems that comfortable athletic footwear has become the post-pandemic go-to for both casual and formal environments. But with high heels concurrently making a comeback, a dressed-up sporty hybrid emerges as a key trend with major crossover appeal.
Echoing a key accessories trend from the Spring/Summer 2023 catwalks, street-style stars at the Autumn/Winter 23 shows took the sports-luxe look a step further, opting for heeled cleats from brands spanning luxury leaders – like Miu Miu – and sportswear giants, such as Nike (via a sought-after Comme Des Garçons collab).
A/W 23 street style
A/W 23 street style
Mark Fast S/S 23
A/W 23 street style
 A/W 23 street style |  A/W 23 street style |  Mark Fast S/S 23 |  A/W 23 street style |
A new group of up-and-coming designers are both capitalising on and driving this niche but burgeoning trend, with London’s Ancuța Sarca leading the charge. Having previously upcycled old pairs of Nike sneakers into one-off kitten heels, she now works directly with the brand on limited-edition projects. New York-based Caléchie is another such label, gaining attention online for its Yankees-logo-emblazoned high-heeled mules.
A new group of up-and-coming designers are both capitalising on and driving this niche but burgeoning trend, with London’s Ancuța Sarca leading the charge. Having previously upcycled old pairs of Nike sneakers into one-off kitten heels, she now works directly with the brand on limited-edition projects. New York-based Caléchie is another such label, gaining attention online for its Yankees-logo-emblazoned high-heeled mules.
Ancuta Sarca
Ancuta Sarca
Ancuta Sarca
 Ancuta Sarca |  Ancuta Sarca |  Ancuta Sarca |
Established brands are also getting in on the action. This month, sneaker heavyweight Converse released the Chuck 70 De Luxe – a playful riff on its popular high-top silhouette with an added chunky heel. Elsewhere, American outdoor brand Timberland collaborated with US-based stylist and jewellery designer Veneda Carter to even put a glamourous stilettoed spin on its classic work boots.
Established brands are also getting in on the action. This month, sneaker heavyweight Converse released the Chuck 70 De Luxe – a playful riff on its popular high-top silhouette with an added chunky heel. Elsewhere, American outdoor brand Timberland collaborated with US-based stylist and jewellery designer Veneda Carter to even put a glamourous stilettoed spin on its classic work boots.
Caléchie
Caléchie
 Caléchie |  Caléchie |
Timberland x Veneda Carter
Converse
Converse
 Timberland x Veneda Carter |  Converse |  Converse |
While at first this trend may appear to simply play into fashion’s current penchant for novelty, the key here is in realising there are myriad opportunities in sports footwear beyond sneakers. And as post-pandemic dress codes become more fluid than ever, there’s a lot of scope for these mashed-up hybrid styles to fill a newly carved-out market niche.
While at first this trend may appear to simply play into fashion’s current penchant for novelty, the key here is in realising there are myriad opportunities in sports footwear beyond sneakers. And as post-pandemic dress codes become more fluid than ever, there’s a lot of scope for these mashed-up hybrid styles to fill a newly carved-out market niche.