Recently, I realized that most people in Los Angeles have the same taste in shoes. I decided to walk to the end of a sample sale line, about 200 people deep, and do a little fashion observation. If there’s one place to get inspiration, it’s there. The clothes ranged from bohemian to casual chic, but they all had one thing in common: shoes.
While there are endless styles to choose from, LA residents’ three go-to styles are Birkenstock sandals, colorful low-tops, and dad sneakers, all of which fit the city’s laid-back, cool-girl vibe. Here are the summer footwear LA girls are wearing:
Birkenstock Sandals
Nordstrom
Birkenstock’s chunky, buckled Arizona sandals may be the go-to pair of the summer in LA. They’re easy to pair with everything from breezy linen dresses to vintage Levi’s. Featuring two wide straps and a cork midsole, the Arizona slide is one of the most popular styles, seen on celebrities like Margot Robbie and Dakota Johnson. These classic white sandals are sure to complement any summer look, but I personally love the brand’s big buckle style. As the name suggests, the exaggerated buckle gives the shoe a premium feel. That being said, I also love Cameron Diaz’s rubber Arizona sandals for their practicality (waterproof!) and $50 price point.
Colorful low-top sneakers
Sleek, low-top trainers are nothing new — it’s hard to leave the house without seeing a pair of Adidas Sambas — but LA folk are slowly ditching the classic black-and-white sneakers in favor of eye-catching colorways. This bright trend is perfect for summer, and the pop of color will instantly elevate any basic wardrobe.
If you’re still a fan of the samba, consider this one in soft lilac with a chunky sole, or for something bolder, try Gola’s Elan sneakers, available in eight colors including forest green and burnt red, or Puma’s Club II Era sneakers, available for $75.
Dad Sneakers
Dad sneakers may be polarizing, but in LA, they’re a cool-girl must-have. Super chunky, orthotic-like shoes were prominent in the sample sale. There was everything from plump New Balances to metallic Asics to oversized Hokas. Dad sneakers are perfect for the stylish person on the go. They’re actually sporty, so they add a sporty-chic vibe to any outfit. For anyone trying to get 10,000 steps, dad sneakers are a must-have.
