It appears I am not the only one obsessed with sneakers. Currently nearly every label on the planet has released either a sneaker of their own or a collab with their name stamped on it. It is simply the only hat tip I will make to the current movement towards all things althetic. I love the mixing up of opposites – loose beautiful silks with the more practical nature of sneakers… and then there is the whole comfort factor thing. As I hurtle towards 50, I realize that over the years my bad shoe decisions (i.e. squeezing my feet into shoes 1/2 a size too small for me) have come back to haunt me. So the practicality, comfort and all round sheer fabulous-ness of sneakers mean I wear them pretty much every day. These pairs are my current favourites…

The new label from Chaos and Harmony is Lovesick – and I am more than a little in love with these sneakers.  They come in both charcoal AND white with their paint splattered motif for a spot of fun. They retail at $179 and for stockists, go to lovesickshoes

About the only thing I buy when I travel these days appears to be footwear.  All the designers I love are pretty much here in New Zealand, so it is footwear I tend to go mad for, and by extension, sneakers. This last trip I think I found only three pairs of sneakers – a good old trusty pair of Converse in black canvas, and a pair of retro-inspired NIKE Air Max 90’s in black and charcoal (of course). I am wearing them with an oversized Zambesi blazer, suit pants and a teeshirt. They are ridiculously comfortable – so much so that it feels slightly criminal to wear something that feels so great. You can buy them here from  for $229

New Balance have their all-white 996 exclusively available from FABRIC for $200 and also their iconic 574 in all black available from selected stockists, and also online at New Balance for $160

These Vans Chevron Slip-ons are also rather fabulous… are available from platypus stores nationwide.

MAAIKE & CO stock the Hong Long based PROSPEKT and have just had a small delivery of their  new seasons boots. Each pair is hand finished, keeping them entirely unique. I am particularly partial to the blue/green versions. They only have one pair per size so I would get hold of them ASAP if you are interested.  The previous pairs sold out quickly.  They retail for $260 – you can find them at Shop 18, St Kevin’s Arcade 179 – 183 Karangahape Road, Auckland +64 (9) 302 4120

My best bargain buy the last time I was away was this pair of RUNDHOLZ white leather sneakers. Fillmore St in San Francisco has all sorts of great boutiques and I somehow managed to get there on a day they all appeared to be clearing out the last of their summer bargains. I bought this pair for 75% off ,which is just mind-bogglingly ridiculous… I was quite pleased I didn’t need to sell one of the children to acquire them…