The appeal of sky-high Louboutins may have finally run its course!
More than ever, event attendees — from prom-goers to celebrity award-show attendees – are trading toe-pinching, arch-aching heels for more comfortable foot gear, keeping the party pain-free all night long. Think Brooke Shields at the Tony Awards in a sunshine yellow gown and matching Crocs clogs, and QuestLove sporting gold ones to the Oscars. Or Nomadland‘s Oscar-winning co-producer/director Chloe Zhao accepting her award in classic white sneaks, while her co-producer Frances McDormand took to the podium in a ruby gown and chartreuse Birkenstocks. Or McDormand’s Olive Kitterige costar Bill Murray in trusty Allbirds on the carpet at Cannes.
In keeping with the tootsie-pleasing trend, St. Ann Center will host its first-ever Sneaker Ball, as part of its gala Homecoming: A 25th Anniversary Celebration on Oct. 5. But what exactly is a Sneaker Ball, and what do you wear?
What should you wear? Take it from Sr. Edna!
Just as it sounds, a Sneaker Ball is a fashion mashup. People dress in formal or semiformal party attire but finish off the look with a pair of comfy sneaks. The trend originated with Nike’s Black Employee Network to celebrate Black History Month, but soon caught on with teens in their prom dresses and others party-goers of all ages who knew their heels would be abandoned as the night wore on. Nonprofit organizations especially have adopted sneakers as an optional dress code for their galas and other dressy events – and sneaker companies and even top designers have answered the call with snazzy sneaks for all tastes.
And why not? No blisters, better balance, no aching Achille’s tendon, no need to be scared of stairs — and no need to go barefoot or pack a second pair to enjoy yourself on the dance floor.
While sneakers are de rigueur at a Sneaker Ball, that doesn’t mean you have to wear plain ones — unless you want to. Your comfort is king! If you’re deadest on wearing those heels, you’re more than welcome, too — or find some sneakers with a little lift. (It can be done!)
If your go-to shoe brand doesn’t carry what you want, we’ve done some window shopping for you. Or you can just type “fancy sneakers” into your browser and search for your own perfect pair.
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- Chuck 70 De Luxe Heel Satin
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- Zoifada sequined wedges
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- Betsey Johnson Sidney Sneaker
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- Chuck Taylor Custom All Stars
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- Free People Cruise Studded
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- I.n.c. International Wedge
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- Feversole dress sneaker
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- Betsey Johnson floral sneaker
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- Dior Men’s high top
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- Alexander McQueen crystal sneak
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- Taft tapestry low top
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- Zelli Italia python
Whatever your style, we encourage you to have some fun and put some sneaks that really shine in the spotlight. Add a pop of unexpected color. Or go all out gleaming metallic finishes, bold artistic prints, whimsical designs or sneakers encrusted with glitter or sequins.
Here’s a little young-at-heart inspiration: https://soxy.com/blogs/sneaker-ball-outfit-ideas/
So mark your calendars now for Oct. 5 and then start shopping for sparkles! It promises to be a great time for an even greater cause when St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care celebrates Homecoming: A 25th Anniversary here on our Stein Campus.
