For a lot of us our running shoe are our everything shoes. But deep down in our hearts we know that a fashionable athletic shoe is going to look so much nicer with our outfit and potentially make our partner happier to be seen in public with us.
The dilemma of course is we still want to be comfortable AND we still want to feel like us.
We are athletic.
We can be both fashionable and athletic thanks to some of the top running shoe brands. On a mission to prove this we’ve been putting a variety of lifestyle shoes to the test from the classic preppy styles to the casual kicks. Hopefully this helps you as well.
New Balance 327
I’m a sucker for this old school style, which feels like such a throwback to the very early days of running shoes. It’s clean lines, feels classically retro and pairs so well with all kinds of casual outfits.
But NB stepped it up with some unique details around the tread, the cute little nubs climb up the heel and also just make it feel like a shoe with some grip. We won’t be taking it for a hike, but also won’t worry about slipping on a wet stair.
Unlike some Brooks shoes this doesn’t feel as accommodating to wider widths. The thin tongue can have issues with folding in, but if you get it on right the first time and don’t create an creases this shouldn’t be an issue.
The huge assortment of colors is another reason we’re so keen on this shoe! It’s also proven to be a style that says, so you should be able to wear these for years to come.
- Available in women’s and kids
- Available in 14 colors
- Not available in wide
- Also a golf shoe version
- Find on Newbalance.com starting at $74.99
Saucony Jazz Original
Born in 1981 just like Coach Amanda it’s obviously a classic shoe to stand the test of time.
Like many Saucony shoes I found this one to run very narrow, this isn’t an issue for my foot, but something to be aware of in the fit. Otherwise, we really like the very slight padding on the tongue and the traction. I’m not sure where these original shoe designers thought we were going, but they made sure we wouldn’t be slipping or sliding along the way!
While we wouldn’t chose these for a day at the theme parks, we’d happily wear them for an afternoon with friends. One thing we noticed was a bit of a bump to the feel in the heel. Something that you don’t think about after wearing them for awhile, but noticeable on step in.
- Available in men’s and women’s
- Available in 9 colors
- Not available in wide
- Find on Saucony.com for $90
Teva Canyon Mesh Shoe
Ok Skechers may have the corner on marketing a step in shoe, but Teva is doing it too! The back folds down to slide right in no lacing up needed or when you’re being lazy no need to even pull the shoe full on.
This is exactly like the stylish little sneakers everyone is buying from super cheaply uncomfortable places….but better!
I tried one of those cheap shoes and sent it back ASAP because it had no cushion. How can one spend the day or a concert in that?! They cannot.
The one downside is that the shoe does feel a bit heavy. Again, this is largely because we’re comparing it to how light a running shoe feels!
- Available in men’s and women’s
- Available in 2 colors
- Not available in wide
- Find on REI.com for $80
Brooks Chariot
Out of the Brooks vault is the retro style Chariot, originally launched in 1982.
The fit on these is a little narrow; I could feel the arch pressing into my foot slightly, but it eventually became more comfortable once I wore the shoe for a while. However, if you need a wider fit, unfortunately, this is not a great option for you.
When you put on the shoe, you’ll notice that the tongue is made from a lot of material, but it never once bothered me when walking around. 
This was the first time I went with my running shoe size in a pair of non-running shoes, and I’m really glad that I did. The fit of these was perfect, AND with it being a women’s size 11, they didn’t make my feet look huge, which can often happen with stylish pairs of shoes.
There isn’t a ton of cushion underfoot, so you’re going to feel a little more of the ground than in some of the other shoes on this list.
They probably wouldn’t be my choice for hours of walking, but to meet friends at the farmer’s market or for a few hours of Top Golf, absolutely!
- Available in men’s and women’s
- Available in 3 colors
- Not available in wide
- Check it out from Brooksrunning.com for $120
On Cloudtilt
Now we’re getting back in to more of a sneaker look, but if we had to pick on shoe from this list to wear for a long day on our feet it would be this one. In fact, we’ve worn it for super long days and found that for a non-running shoe, it provided the cushion we so desperately wanted!
If you’re someone who never unties their shoes, guess what you won’t even have to worry about it with these! There’s a knotted bungee lace set up so you can easily take them on and off, plus never worry about them coming untied on the go. 
If you’re caught walking around and it starts to rain, be cautious on slippery surfaces, as there’s not much grip. You don’t want to find yourself slipping and sliding around.
If you’re on the fence about what size to pick, go a half size up from your casual shoes, just like you would with a pair of running shoes.
- Available in men’s and women’s
- Available in 7 colors (and some limited edition options)
- Not available in wide
- Available from On.com for $160
Teva Terrain Slip On
Ok fine, this isn’t right up there in the wear it with your cute summer dress list. But I saw it and had to have it for all those camping trips, winter days I need to dash out quickly and just to wear around.
The outsole means actual ground grip, so no slipping and the cushion means it feels good should you happen to be running errands!
This will be your go-to post-run or after cycling when you want something that’s comfy. Kick your running shoes off and slip your feet into these, and relax!
And if you’re worried about your sweaty feet stinking them up, they’re treated with Life Natural, which helps fight the growth of odor-causing bacteria.
- Unisex sizing
- Available in 4 colors
- Not available in wide
- Check it out from Rei.com for $90
On THE ROGER Advantage
This is currently one of Coach Stacey’s favorite pairs of non-running shoes. It’s one that you can throw with pretty much any outfit.
Wearing shorts or jeans, these shoes are good for any season.
Looking to fancy things up with an athletic dress? You can prioritize comfort with these sneakers, but still look cool. 
The fit is true to size and can be comfortably worn with thin socks. Coach Stacey actually wears these with low-rise socks and hasn’t had any blisters or hot spots pop up. The cushioning on the inside of the shoe is super comfortable and provides just enough support if you’re spending a lot of time on your feet.
While three out of the four color options are white, don’t worry about scuff marks; the material is super easy to clean, so you can keep them looking fresh while you’re out and about!
- Available in men’s and women’s
- Available in 4 colors
- Not available in wide
- Check it out from On.com for $160
Tracksmith Elliot
Yes, we know some of you will grab these for runs, but both Coach Amanda and Coach Stacey love these as a fashionable athletic shoe.
These are perfect to pair with shorts in the summer, jeans in the fall/winter, and maybe even a dress in the spring. Plus, there are a few colorways if you’re not a fan of the cream colorway.
If you’re heading to an amusement park or a long day exploring a city, you’re feet will thank you for providing that extra bit of cushion.
Again, these do not come in wide so if you’re needing a wider fit you may want to try them on for yourself before totally committing. 
A little bonus with these technically being a running shoe is that if you find yourself needing to run across the airport for a connecting flight, they’ve got your back.
- Comes in men’s and women’s
- Available in 9 colors
- Not available in wide
- Available on Tracksmith for $198
Technically Lululemon has a CityVerse shoe is listed in the fashionable travel shoe category, but for us it feels like the hold Brooks Ghost Max that just looks more like a hospital work shoe.
What other fashionable athletic shoes are you wearing? Did we miss any key styles?
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