“An all-black sporty sneaker is a classic item you’ll always find use for when putting outfits together.”

Sometimes I can hardly believe there was a time when sneakers weren’t the shoe on highest rotation in my wardrobe. What the heck was I doing, willingly opting for footwear I couldn’t walk long distances in without getting a blister? It could simply never be me these days.

There’s something so freeing about owning a sneaker that achieves that holy trifecta of attributes: versatility, practicality and style. It’s a reliable wardrobe staple you can fall back on time and time again.

---

For more fashion news, shoots, articles and features, head to our Fashion section.

Platypus understands the enduring appeal of a good sneaker. Its POV Platypus campaign and current range champion some of best low-profile terrace shoes and chunky dad sneakers from three of the brands that do it best: Puma, New Balance and Converse.

With an expertly curated array of styles and silhouettes, there’s a sneaker for every type of footwear lover at Platypus, whether you favour a sleek, ’70s-inspired monochrome look or a bold and bright pair to add a pop of colour to every outfit. For a little sneaker inspiration, we asked some of our favourite creatives to show us how they style their go-to sneakers.

Daisy Henry, Assistant Editor at Fashion Journal

I’d been eyeing off the New Balance 530 sneakers for a while before I finally took the plunge and bought myself a pair. I tossed up between a few different styles before finally settling on this one, rationalising that a chunky, neutral pair of sneakers look good with everything.

They made their debut on my trip to Scandinavia earlier this year and I didn’t take them off. On colder days, I styled them with pants and a coat, while on warmer days, I wore them with a long skirt and T-shirt. I’m convinced they’re the perfect chameleon. Plus, even after racking up my steps in Copenhagen, they still look good as new.

@daisyhenry_

Georgina Woolcock, Partnerships and Campaign Executive at Fashion Journal

My love affair with New Balance’s 9060 silhouette began last year, and three pairs later, it’s safe to say they’re my favourite sneakers. I typically style them with a little shirt and big pant combination (I know, very Gen Z of me), but they also look great with a mini skirt, a flared pant or even leggings for the days I can’t be bothered and just need to throw on some activewear. I’m on the shorter side so I appreciate the extra height they give me, too.

@georgiwoolcock

Pierny Munton, buyer at Platypus Shoes

The recent resurgence of football terrace classics has led to an outbreak of bright colours and luxe textures across the market. Colour is having a moment and I’m here for it. As a colour queen, the rules for my fits are simple – the brighter the better. That’s why it was love at first sight with the new Run Star Trainer assortment from Converse. Their sleek low-profile silhouette has a cushioned foam insole, corrugated gum outsole edge and suede overlays in some to-die-for colour executions.

I always try and coordinate my ’fits with my shoe colour, whether it’s just a pop of a hat or a full monochrome head-to-toe look. For this look, I’ve kept it tonal, with leopard print denim shorts, a white singlet and a yellow zip shirt.

Cait Emma Burke, Fashion Journal contributor

I’ve long been an Asics fan, and I’ve owned this all-black pair for nearly eight years – talk about cost per wear, baby! To me, an all-black sporty sneaker is a classic item you’ll always find use for when putting outfits together, particularly if you’re fond of a monochromatic black look.

Here, I’ve paired them with my go-to comfy and oversized look of late: black pinstripe flares layered under a stretchy black midi skirt, a long-sleeve knit and finally my trusty navy bomber I’ve owned for over a decade. I’m proud to say that everything except the Asics is secondhand.

@caitemmaburke

Explore Platypus Shoes’ range of retro running and low-profile silhouettes, along with heaps of other colourful styles here.