Top adidas Gifts of 2024

adidas Gazelle Indoor Shoes

Jump To details

Buy Now at Adidas $120.00

adidas Bad Bunny Campus Shoes

Jump To details

Buy Now at Adidas $112

adidas Ultraboost 5X Running Shoes

Jump To details

Buy Now at Adidas $135

adidas Adifom Stan Smith Mules

Jump To details

Buy Now at Adidas $46.00

adidas Country OG Shoes

Jump To details

Buy Now at Adidas $100.00

adidas Terrex Unity Leather Mid Rain.Rdy Hiking Shoes

Jump To details

Buy Now at Adidas $80.00

adidas Samoa Shoes

Jump To details

Buy Now at Adidas $52.00

adidas Samba OG Shoes

Jump To details

Buy Now at Adidas $100.00

adidas Gazelle Bold Shoes

Jump To details

Buy Now at Adidas $120.00

adidas Supernova Rise Running Shoes

Jump To details

Buy Now at Adidas $140.00

View More

You don’t have to be a die-hard sneakerhead to appreciate a great shoe gift for him or sneaker gift for her, particularly when it’s one from adidas. Our Footwear News editors consider the Three Stripes a one-stop shop for holiday gifting, whether you’re shopping for your friend who’s always making predictions on the next ‘It’ sneaker or a runner who needs responsive cushioning to crush their next PR.

2024 has been a year full of major comebacks for some of the most iconic adidas sneakers, including Gazelles, Sambas and Stan Smiths. These styles have popped up in tons of different colors (the brand’s burgundy sneakers, in particular, continue to trend) and through collaborations with stars like Bad Bunny. The Samba even took home the prize for Shoe of the Year at Footwear News Achievement Awards’ in 2023. 

While a major part of adidas’ surge in popularity is due to its lifestyle sneakers, the brand is also known for their running and workout styles that make equally great gifts for sneakerheads, runners, and gym rats. The Ultraboost and Supernova lines have been staples for runners for years, and adidas has only improved on previous iterations of the sneakers in 2024 with launches like the Ultraboost 5x sneakers. These silhouettes offer as much support as they do style, which is a hard combo to come by. From brightly-colored lifestyle options to sleek running shoes for the marathoners in your life, it’s hard to think of a single person who wouldn’t be amped to see these under the tree. 

Now is a great time to stock up for yourself and everyone on your holiday shopping lists, as many of our editors’ favorite adidas sneaker gifts are currently on sale during Cyber Week shoe deals. That means that the most popular shoes will be quick to sell out — to help you out, we’ve rounded up our editor-tested favorites to add to your e-cart now.

adidas Gazelle Indoor Shoes

Buy Now at Adidas $120.00

The only difficult consideration when it comes to these shoes is which color to get. This brown colorway has been making a major comeback, but the bright blue and green options are also always a good idea. Made with a leather and synthetic upper, these retro kicks are trending on TikTok with nearly 60 million posts.

Price upon publish date of this article: $120

adidas Bad Bunny Campus Shoes

On Sale 30% off

$112 Buy Now at Adidas

It’s hard to find a cooler shoe than this Bad Bunny and adidas collab. The sandy beige colorway makes them easy to pair with jeans or joggers, but it’s the incognito comfort that will have your giftee itching to slip them on: These adidas walking shoes have contoured outsoles and a leather upper that contours to your feet the more you wear them. 

Price upon publish date of this article: $112

adidas Ultraboost 5X Running Shoes

On Sale 25% off

$135 Buy Now at Adidas

The latest Ultraboost sneakers are a no-brainer gift for runners. The Ultraboost 5X Shoe is the most lightweight version of the beloved adidas running shoes, crafted with a new adaptive Primeknit upper for blister-free comfort straight out of the box.

Price upon publish date of this article: $135

adidas Adifom Stan Smith Mules

On Sale 34% off

$46.00 Buy Now at Adidas

Go big or go home! These chunky Adifom Stan Smith Mules have large proportions that the cool girl on your gifting list will love to style. A two-inch platform provides a height boost without straining the feet, while a roomy last and rounded toe box make them a great pair of shoes for those with wide feet. Available in nine different colorways from muted to statement-making, these are great for far-flung, sunny getaways or gardening at home.

Price upon publish date of this article: $46

adidas Country OG Shoes

$100.00 Buy Now at Adidas

This super retro style has been enjoying a major comeback, thanks to their sleek silhouette that plays into today’s retro sneaker trends. This burgundy and silver colorway of the Country OG sneakers feels apropos for holiday gifting — and hits on two of the year’s hottest sneaker color trends.

Price upon publish date of this article: $100

adidas Terrex Unity Leather Mid Rain.Rdy Hiking Shoes

On Sale 20% off

$80.00 Buy Now at Adidas

Get them ready to hit the trails with these supportive and ultra-grippy hiking shoes. A nubuck leather upper will mold to their feet with regular wear, while adidas’ RAIN.RDY technology keeps feet dry in wet conditions. Most importantly, adidas designed these trail shoes with a Traxion rubber outsole to keep them stable on any terrain they’re exploring.

Price upon publish date of this article: $80

adidas Samoa Shoes

On Sale 35% off

$52.00 Buy Now at Adidas

If they already have multiple pairs of Sambas and Gazelles on hand, surprise them with an under-the-radar pair of retro adidas sneakers. These Samoa shoes feature the low profile that trendsetters are loving right now, done with a pebbled leather upper and a distinct rubber toe bumper to add a sporty touch to any outfit.

Price upon publish date of this article: $52

adidas Samba OG Shoes

$100.00 Buy Now at Adidas

It doesn’t get much more classic than the OG Sambas, which earned a coveted spot on Footwear News’ list of the greatest shoes of all time this year. They’ve been spotted on celebrities like Hailey Bieber, Katie Holmes, Kendall Jenner, and many, many more, and this neutral colorway makes them easy to style in any adidas Samba outfit.

Price upon publish date of this article: $100

adidas Gazelle Bold Shoes

$120.00 Buy Now at Adidas

Take their adidas shoe style to new heights with these Gazelle Bold sneakers that feature a triple stacked gum sole and on-trend suede upper. We’ve seen multiple colorways sell out in recent months, so they’ll count their lucky stars that you secured them a pair.

Price upon publish date of this article: $120

adidas Supernova Rise Running Shoes

$140.00 Buy Now at Adidas

There’s no better way to kickstart their New Year’s resolution — or cap off the perfect athleisure outfit — than with these sleek running shoes. The Supernova Rise Running Shoes feature Dreamstrike+ technology for cushioning and impressive responsiveness, plus Support Rods that keep the feet in proper alignment from foot strike to toe off.

Price upon publish date of this article: $140

How We Selected the Best adidas Gifts of 2024

 For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis, and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items.

Our Footwear News editors are always testing adidas lifestyle sneakers, running shoes, and technical footwear like hiking boots. Each pair of shoes on our list has been vetted by an editor and earned high marks during testing for value, comfort, and performance. Beyond personal testing, our editors created this list to reflect current sneaker trends as well as top-rated adidas shoe styles. We made sure to include adidas gift options for men and women that cater to different stylistic preferences, foot types, and activities. Learn more about us here. 

Meet the Author

Brittany Loggins is a freelance writer who’s work has been published in outlets like WWD, InStyle, Real Simple, The Cut, and Architectural Digest. During her journalism career, she has spent hours researching and testing products across fashion, home, and beauty categories. Loggins wrote this article on top adidas gifts of 2024.

While Amazon Prime Day may be over, the retailer is still offering some amazing secret sales if you know where to look. One of our favorite secret deals that you can still shop at Prime Day-level prices is the markdown on the cult-favorite Bomkinta Slouchy Socks.

With nearly 500 five-star reviews on Amazon, these top slouch socks have certainly made a name for themselves. They have even laid claim to a spot on Alix Earle’s Amazon storefront, and they’re a number one best-seller in their category on Amazon. This is partially because of the fact that they perfectly embody the slouch sock trend that’s been popping up on TikTok and on street style icons. 

So what’s the genius with these top women’s socks? They ensure a foolproof slouchy look with no effort, thanks to ruching at the ankle. From there, they have a vertical ribbing effect that allows you to easily adjust their height. On TikTok, creators love to style them with Princess Diana’s off-duty style in mind, teaming the socks with biker shorts, oversized sweatshirts, and retro walking sneakers. That said, you could just as easily dress them up with loafers and a skirt for the office. They’re also available in sets of three, some of which include black, cream and gray colorways that go with everything in your wardrobe.

Crafted with polyester and spandex, the socks are not only breathable, but they will hold their shape over time and throughout multiple trips through the washing machine. They also have a band at the top that will keep them from riding down once you’ve adjusted them to the perfect spot. 

Since this is a rare post-Prime Day deal, we’re not sure when it will end. Make sure to add a set (or two!) of the socks to your cart now to make sure you aren’t missing out on the deal.

Bomkinta Slouch Socks

On Sale 32% off

$19 Buy Now at amazon

Why Trust Footwear News

 For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis, and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items. Learn more about us here.               

Meet the Author

Brittany Loggins is a freelance writer who’s work has been published in outlets like InStyle, Real Simple, The Cut, and Architectural Digest. During her journalism career, she has spent hours researching and testing products across fashion, home, and beauty categories. Loggins wrote this article on top-trending Amazon socks you can still shop on sale after Prime Day 2024.

It is the last day to shop Amazon Prime Day deals, and we’ve eyed a last-chance Prime Day shoe deal you don’t want to miss out on: The celebrity-loved New Balance 327 sneakers are on sale for more than 25 percent off. 

New Balance is known for its iconic silhouettes, and that’s because its shoes are equal parts supportive and fashionable. The sneakers also transcend seasons and occasions, as proven by both Jennifer Aniston and Meghan Markle who paired the 327s with overcoats and sweatshirts during the spring season. This summer alone, Jessica Alba and Jennifer Lawrence have been spotted pairing the shoe with summer looks that range from casual daytime outfits to gym-ready sporty looks.

The discounted New Balance 327 V1 sneakers have a long history of making fashion waves. Inspired by a 1970s running shoe, New Balance has reworked the silhouette to create an incredibly-cozy and supportive walking shoe that can be paired with jeans as easily as leggings. The shoe has a grippy outsole inspired by trail shoes that ensures traction, and an insole that supports the arch while providing a responsive cushioning when you’re walking. The mesh and suede outsole provides a polished, textured look and can be found in an array of colors — many of which are marked down during Prime Day deals on fashion, home, and beauty essentials.

Right now, the cream and off-white, as well as the soft gray colorways are marked down. These are two of the most versatile colorways that you can wear on repeat through seasons. The black and gray colorway is also marked down, which would provide a bolder option to pair with overcoats and sweaters in the fall and winter seasons.

Prime Day ends tonight, so definitely make sure you grab the shoes before your favorite styles are gone as the best options may not last past midnight. Go ahead browse through your favorite colors at the discounted price, and make sure that you add them to your cart to ensure that your size is secured. 

New Balance 327 Sneakers

On Sale 24% off

$52.99 Buy Now at amazon

Price upon publish date of this article: $52.99

New Balance 327 Sneakers

On Sale 24% off

$52.99 Buy Now at amazon

Price upon publish date of this article: $52.99

New Balance 327 Sneakers

On Sale 24% off

$52.99 Buy Now at amazon

Price upon publish date of this article: $52.99

Why Trust Footwear News

 For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis, and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items. Learn more about us here.

Meet the Author

Brittany Loggins is a freelance writer who’s work has been published in outlets like InStyle, Real Simple, The Cut, and Architectural Digest. During her journalism career, she has spent hours researching and testing products across fashion, home, and beauty categories. Loggins wrote this article on New Balance deals to grab during Amazon Prime Day.

Amazon Prime Day has officially arrived, and while there are major deals on a huge array of footwear and fashion finds on sale, we caught one deal you won’t want to pass up on. During Prime Day 2024, you can save up to 30 percent off of Wolford tights that are often seen on celebs like Sabrina Carpenter and Taylor Swift.

It’s the perfect time to escape the brutal summer heat by stocking up on fall essentials, and these tights are a great place to start. Wolford tights are known for their compression and shapewear features, both of which elongate and tone the look of your legs. They also offer a huge range of colors and opacities so that you can team them with all sorts of cute outfits.

Known for creating a super sexy silhouette, these tights have become a celeb favorite, and they’ve been spotted on Beyoncé, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Anya Taylor-Joy. Sabrina Carpenter even donned a pair in her now-iconic music video for “Please Please Please.”

While the Prime Day sales will last until July 17, you definitely need to add your favorite items to your cart immediately if you want to grab your favorite colorways and styles. With many of the styles on sale for 30 percent off, they will definitely sell out quickly. To help you out, we’ve pulled some of the best options below in different colors and styles so that you can set yourself up for outfit success.

To access these deals (plus discounts on home essentials, best-selling socks, and more), you’ll need an Amazon Prime membership — if you’re not enrolled, sign up for a free trial below.

Wolford Stardust Tights

On Sale 31% off

$40 Buy Now at amazon

Add a little sparkle and shine to any outfit with these shiny black tights. They have a foil-like sparkle effect that would look amazing under a black mini skirt or during the holiday season. They have a knitted-in waistband that won’t roll down and they’re super durable. 

Price upon publish date of this article: $40

Wolford Merino 100 Deniers Sheer Tights

On Sale 31% off

$66 Buy Now at amazon

Stay warm while looking hot with these wool-blend tights. They feature a subtle circular jacquard knit pattern that could still be paired with patterned or solid skirts. They perfectly toe the line between incredibly comfortable and super sleek. 

Price upon publish date of this article: $66

Wolford Merino 100 Deniers Sheer Tights

On Sale 31% off

$66 Buy Now at amazon

Black wool tights are the perfect accessory for any winter outfit. These also feature the circular knit pattern and they have some gentle sculpting at the waist so that you look your best. 

Price upon publish date of this article: $66

Wolford Merino 100 Deniers Sheer Tights

On Sale 31% off

$66 Buy Now at amazon

Titanium gray is the neutral hue you didn’t know you needed. Made of a soft wool blend, these tights will keep you feeling warm and looking perfectly-sculpted. 

Price upon publish date of this article: $66

Wolford Grid Net Tights

On Sale 31% off

$41.40 Buy Now at amazon

Upgrade your classic fishnet-style pattern with this sophisticated and flattering grid option. They have a matte finish and a cute branded waistband that won’t roll down. They’d add a pop of pattern to any outfit that needed a dash of texture. 

Price upon publish date of this article: $41.40

Wolford Net Knee-Highs

On Sale 29% off

$32 Buy Now at amazon

Knee-high socks for women are a super fun way to majorly accessorize any outfit. This pair features an open grid pattern in a matte finish. Pair them with loafers under ankle pants or a skirt to fully-complete any look. 

Price upon publish date of this article: $32

Wolford Individual 20 Denier Tights

On Sale 31% off

$38 Buy Now at amazon

These stunning slightly-sheer tights are available in the most beautiful burgundy color. They would be perfect during the holidays or whenever you need a pop of rich color to cap off your outfit. 

Price upon publish date of this article: $38

Why Trust Footwear News

For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items. Learn more about us here.

Meet the Author

Brittany Loggins is a freelance writer who’s work has been published in outlets like InStyle, Real Simple, The Cut, and Architectural Digest. During her journalism career, she has spent hours researching and testing products across fashion, home, and beauty categories. Loggins wrote this article on Wolford tights deals to shop during Amazon Prime Day 2024.

This iconic shoe silhouette has been around since the 19th century, when they really took off in popularity on the university grounds of, you guessed it, the University of Oxford. During this time period students at the university wore knee-high boots, and one origin story of the Oxford shoe suggests that they got shorter and shorter as time went on. By 1825, the boots were about midway up the calf and referred to as Oxonianas. It was around 1846 that the term Oxford started appearing in writing, particularly from Joseph Sparkes Hall, who is known for creating the Chelsea boot.

Another story behind the creation of the shoe suggests that it was created at Balmoral Castle by Prince Albert. Apparently, the prince wore lace-up boots for hunting, and the laces are one of the more iconic features of the shoe — and one that was novel during that time period.

It wasn’t until the start of the 20th century that shoes became a popular choice for women as well. This is because more women were working and searching for cozier shoe options that they could wear for longer hours. Since that time, shoes have maintained a stronghold in both menswear and womenswear.

The Design of the Oxford Shoe

Regardless of how the shoe came to be, it was certainly favored at the time over other shoe styles as it prioritized comfort while still looking chic. The Oxford has discreet laces due to the eyelet tabs being tucked under the vamp of the shoe. This is referred to as closed lacing and contributes to the clean, sleek look of the silhouette. This also makes for a shoe that is more structured and ideal for more formal occasions.

To further embellish this sleek design, the Oxford Brogues became more popular. The shape, low heel height and discreet laces are still prominent features of the Brogue, however, the seams of the shoe usually feature perforations in the leather that create little dot formations.

The cap-toe Oxford is another option. While the design itself is still simple, it does have a couple of additional features. To be considered a cap toe, the shoes must feature an additional layer of leather stitched onto the front portion of the toe area. Sometimes, these little leather additions will feature perforations or embellishments at the stitching, and sometimes, the leather strip alone is the only addition.

Most brands of Oxfords are available in both brown and black, and for dressier occasions, it’s common to see them in shiny patent leather.

The Oxford Shoe in Pop Culture

The Oxford is still a shoe that is seen during nearly every single formal event — from red carpets to weddings. Prince William was recently spotted at the BAFTA Awards wearing a shiny black patent leather pair with his tuxedo. That said, they are still a staple on runways as well, with many high fashion brands sending models down the walkways in the sleek silhouette.

Since Oxfords are such a staple when it comes to dressing for fancier occasions, it is likely that their broad appeal will continue for years to come. That said, always remember that they are also a great way to elevate a casual look.

The design was created in London by J. Sparkes-Hall, a shoemaker who was also a cobbler to the royal family. Sparkes-Hall patented the prototype for the boot way back in 1851, but it’s believed that he originally designed the shoe in 1837 specifically for Queen Victoria. The Queen was looking for a boot design that would be polished and comfortable—and it needed to fit into the stirrups of a saddle without sliding around.

The boot was created in the London neighborhood of Chelsea, which is thought to be how it got its name. The neighborhood is still an art and cultural hub today.

The Design of the Chelsea Boot

Most of the defining characteristics of the Chelsa boot’s silhouette have stayed consistent throughout time. The design features a flat sole—with some styles including rubber for traction—as well as elastic side panels that make them easy to pull on. Many of the more utilitarian styles, such as the iconic version from Blundstone, feature pull tabs at both the front and back of the boot. While the tabs were clearly designed to be functional, many brands have kept the feature even in higher-end boot styles.

Chelsea Boots in Pop Culture

While Blundstone offers a very functional version of the boot, the Chelsea boot is historically famous for its form as well. In the 60s, they were the favorite shoe choice for bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, both of whom often donned the boots during performances. Lucky for us all, the groups also posed for some of their most iconic photographs wearing the boots.

The Chelsea boots have continued to exert their influence in music culture throughout the years. Dr. Martens is an example of a brand famous for its Chelsea boot that has made a name for itself by continually serving as a music industry fashion staple that transcends genres. The brand even maintains a blog wherein they feature interviews with different musicians and bands.

The boots have also regularly appeared on runways from brands like Bottega Veneta and others in the high fashion world. Modern versions have played with heel heights and integrated materials like patent leather and suede to give the boots a more elevated feel that can pair with an array of dress codes. While they have been spotted on runways being worn with suits and even tuxedos, they’re also still a staple in the women’s fashion world.

Modern-Day Chelsea Boots

Many women’s brands have paired them with midi—to full-length dresses and even enhanced the original silhouette with lug soles for more of a platform-forward look. Prada even has a statement-making lug sole version that still features the elastic side panels and pull tabs—all capped off with their iconic triangular logo, of course. Some modern takes, like these versions from Dolce Vita, have added a 3.5-inch heel while maintaining the other cornerstones of the Chelsea boot’s iconic silhouette.

While brands will surely continue to make small additions and changes to the classic style of the Chelsea boot, its timeless appeal has been well-documented for decades. Here’s to many more runway and music video appearances to this timeless boot!

Slingbacks usually feature some degree of a heel (although flats have become increasingly popular), as well as a leather strap that wraps around the heel to make them more secure and certainly cozier to walk in than, say, mules. They’re also a classic style that was created by none other than Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel herself in 1957.

History of the Slingback

True to form, the original versions from Chanel featured a beige and black colorway, which also made the shoe one of the first two-toned options ever created. Not only did Chanel believe that these were colors that could be easily taken from morning to night and activity to activity, the beige was intended to lengthen the leg while the black shortens the look of the foot. And who doesn’t want long, sultry legs and dainty little feet?

The original version also featured a 5-centimeter heel, which is just under 2 inches. This was intended to provide a little lift while maintaining a sense of comfort that could allow them to be worn for long hours. A couple of iterations later, Chanel also added elastic to the heel strap for extra comfort.

While the shoe was at peak popularity for a few years after its creation, it started to lose its luster until 1983, when Karl Lagerfeld took over as the artistic director of Chanel. Throughout his storied tenure at the fashion house, Lagerfeld continually updated and tweaked everything on the shoe from the silhouette to the heel height and colors. He also carried the two-tone colorway over into many of Chanel’s other shoes.

During Chanel’s 2015 fall-winter ready-to-wear runway show, Lagerfeld even brought back the original classic version of the shoe, which he proved could work with the styles of the day as well as they did back in the 50s.

The Slingback in Pop Culture

In the 50s, the shoe was spotted on everyone from Bridget Bardot and Ann-Margret Olsson to Jackie Kennedy — and they made an appearance in just about every magazine photoshoot. Perhaps most-iconically, they are the shoes that Marilyn Monroe was wearing in the subway grate photo.

Today, the slingback has been given new life not just by Chanel, but by lots of other esteemed fashion houses. Fierce versions of the shoe have been popping up under brands like JW Anderson, whose take on the silhouette features a heel made of a large chain link; as well as Proenza Schouler, who released a metallic version with the tiniest kitten heel and a sharply-pointed toe for their pre-spring 2024 line. Prada is also known for its more feminine take on the shoe, with its bow-adorned version, which was worn by Gigi Hadid.

Slingbacks have definitely transcended styles and decades to become one of the most iconic shoes that could easily be considered a staple in any wardrobe.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect way to elevate a pair of jeans or need a comfortable shoe option with a dress or slacks, loafers are always a good choice.

Whether you’re a fan of the penny loafer, weejuns or feel the need to incorporate tassels into your daily outfits, a good pair of loafers are always good to have on hand. And while all of those styles feature slightly different details, they all help add an element of sophistication and polish to any look.

The Original Silhouette of Loafers

These shoes were popular in Norway in the 19th century among the fishermen. As fishing became more and more popular, the small Norwegian fishing villages started attracting English visitors and tourists who were immediately intrigued by the elevated slipper-style shoes the fisherman were wearing. The villagers and fishermen referred to them as “tesers,” and they would serve as the esteemed predecessor to what would become the penny loafer.

While the tesers were still a few iterations away from what we think of as loafers today, it was a Norwegian man named Nils Gregoriusson Tveranger would popularize the more iconic styles we think of as proud members of the shoe canon. Tveranger traveled to North America, and noticed the moccasin styles worn by native American tribes. His first shoe was actually called the “Aurland moccasin,” however it became known as the Aurland shoe as it achieved more popularity. Tveranger patented these early designs in the 20s, which led to more widespread adoption of the style.

This is the point when journalism gets involved. Esquire magazine, which was still new at the time, wrote an article about the shoes and published it alongside photos of farmers wearing them to work. From here, G.H. Bass was contracted to produce a new version of the shoe that would be made and distributed in America.

Different Types of Loafers

To pay homage to its Norwegian roots, Bass called the shoe a “Weejun.” It featured a crescent moon design accented with a strip of leather across the midfoot of the shoe. College students gave the updated silhouette the name penny loafer, and it’s believed that this is where the trend of putting pennies in the leather strap originated.

Since penny loafers were the choice of college students, people who wanted to wear shoes with more sophisticated outfits decided to enhance their silhouettes with tassels. It was during this time in 1953 that Gucci opened its first store in New York City, and they decided to further elevate the shoe’s form by making them sleek and all-black. They also added their iconic horsebit charm to the saddle of the foot, which even further elevated the shoe’s appeal.

Loafers Today

Many of the brands that originally started or elevated the loafers trends are still making the shoes today. Gucci still sells their classic horsebit loafers, but they’ve also updated the silhouette with options like mules, platforms and even slingbacks.

They have also stood the test of both time and trend on the runway and throughout pop culture. Hailey Bieber has been spotted in a few different styles of the shoe, and chunky loafers that feature lug soles are regularly spotted on streetwear trend-makers.

With constant updates to the shoe being integrated into the mainstream, it’s certainly likely that the popularity of loafers will extend for years to come.

While many of today’s fashion staples once served utilitarian purposes before going through different adaptions to follow fashion trends, the cowboy boots‘ original silhouette remains strong. From the arched and slanted heel, which historically was most commonly made of stacked leather, to the thick, somewhat unforgiving leather initially intended to protect shins, the Western-style boot still holds true to much of its original silhouette. 

The original cowboy boot

As the name denotes, the original silhouette was intended for use by cowboys who needed a shoe with a toe bed narrow enough to fit into the stirrups of a saddle, and enough ankle support to prevent any twisting or turning that often came along with the job. The angled heel is also a testament to the boot’s intended use, as its slanted style kept it from slipping down in the stirrups. They also needed to be tough enough to withstand the wear of weather and long days — all while protecting both the foot and the calf from impact.

Who wore cowboy boots first?

While there’s no exact documentation surrounding the very first Cowboy boots, they are thought to have first appeared in North America in Mexico. This would date back to the late 1500s and early 1600s, when the Spanish are thought to have brought the boot over. 

Their boots are thought to have looked very similar to styles today, meaning that they most likely featured tall, calf-hugging leather and a stacked leather heel. The stitching up the calf is also thought to have initially prevented the leather from bending or sagging around the leg.

The original Vaquero boots were also often embellished with hand embroidery and colorful patterns, like some of the cowboy boots in fashion today.

Cowboy boots in pop culture: 

As the style was popularized throughout North America, the shoe style—often made of snake, ostrich, alligator or kangaroo leather—has also managed to maintain a stronghold in pop culture. They immediately appeared in silent western films throughout the 20s and 30s, and carried over into the popularity boom of the film genre. 

The boots’ influence didn’t stop there. Much like other fashion trends, the boots still spike in popularity every few years.

Princess Diana famously donned the boots in 1988 at the Guards Polo Club in an outfit that was both casual and effortlessly cool. The boots then carried over into the new millennium when Madonna released her iconic “Don’t Tell Me” music video in 2000, which paid homage to both the boot and its original use. 

The modern-day cowboy boots

Today, luxe fashion houses like Prada and Dries Van Noten (and lots of others) have released versions of the shoe for current seasons. Louis Vuitton’s fall 2024 menswear runway show was packed with styles ranging from glitzy cap-toed versions to more rounded-toe glossy styles.  

While some of the more modern boots may have a slightly higher heel and shinier leather finish than the originals, they still largely hold true to the original silhouette. Modern styles often continue to incorporate stitching and designs on the calf of the boots as well — even if the calves themselves are slightly lower or higher than the original versions. 

Its continual emergence in pop culture speaks to the shoe’s democratic and absolutely timeless appeal. Not only are today’s versions more comfortable since they have to provide less support, but designers have brought creative versions to runways and mall stores alike, continually making them a fashion staple that just about anyone can indulge in. 

What is the oldest cowboy boot company?

Although it’s difficult to determine which company created the first cowboy boots in the U.S., two heritage footwear companies—Tony Lama and Fyre—were leading the way.

Tony Lama, founded in 1911, is one of the most traditional manufacturers of Western boots in the U.S. The brand became popular in the 1940s with its kangaroo skin boots.

Frye Company, founded in 1863 and the oldest American shoe manufacturer, released its first cowboy boot, the Rancher, in the 1940s.

If you’ve been searching for the perfect gift for the runner in your life, Asics has come to your rescue with a Black Friday shoe sale on the iconic Novablast 3 running shoes.

Asics is a major brand for runners, and it had been continuously building on its pristine image since the release of their first running shoe in 1953. Throughout the years, Asics has created new technologies that make their shoes the ideal for long distance runners who are prioritizing their form.

The Novablast 3 was released in September 2022, and it quickly received acclaim from runners. The shoe features a sole made from their proprietary FlyteFoam Blast+ foam, which is super responsive and great at absorbing shock. These cushioned running shoes are plush but firm, so they can hold up well even for marathons.

The brand notes that the shoe is approximately 30-grams lighter than their previous version, which was already incredibly lightweight. The Novablast 3 sneakers have a supportive heel design that contours to the foot and provides exceptional support during long runs, particularly for those who need running shoes for plantar fasciitis. It has a firm fit at the midsole, which provides support for people who have higher arches. Finally, the breathable mesh upper allows for ample airflow.

While the sale prices are noted on each product’s page, once you get to your cart, the code CYBER will get you an additional 25 percent off, which prices these popular running shoes at just over $70. This level of markdown is super rare for the brand, and the best colors and most popular sizes are sure to sell out quickly, so act fast.

Asics Novablast 3 Women’s Sneakers

On Sale 46% off

$74.96 Buy Now at Asics

Asics Novablast 3 Men’s Sneakers

On Sale 46% off

$74.96 Buy Now at Asics

Why Trust Footwear News

 For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis, and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items. Learn more about us here.                            

Meet the Author

Brittany Loggins is a freelance writer who’s work has been published in outlets like InStyle, Real Simple, The Cut, and Architectural Digest. During her journalism career, she has spent hours researching and testing footwear, including options from popular running shoe brands like Asics.