LC DEBATES: ATHLETIC VS ALPINE

While athletic sneakers have been holding the fort in the popularity ranks for several seasons now, alpine hiking boots are hot on their trail. And when it comes to picking teams, our footwear buyers Irene Yu and Sara Wong are on opposing sides.

“I know sneakers have been trending for a long time now, but there’s a reason they’ve become a global phenomenon: they’re cool, comfortable and, when it comes to versatility, the style has become so ingrained in our culture and wardrobes that they really don’t look out of place worn with anything these days. Gym gear? Of course. Denim? Sure. Sequinned mini dress? Surprisingly, yes. So if you approach it from a cost-per-wear perspective you’re going to come out on top. Plus, the trend keeps evolving in fresh ways, so we sneaker addicts never get bored. Case in point? Alexanderwang’s futuristic, high-shine, all-black-everything kicks I just added to my basket.” — Sara Wong

“If you’re someone who doesn’t fit aesthetically into the sneaker movement, but you want to be comfortable and on-trend, then the alpine boot is a game-changing alternative. They give off this kind of outdoorsy-tough-girl vibe, which manages to still feel sporty and even a little bohemian, and that feels so much fresher than a straight-up sneaker. They look just as good with floral dresses as they do with denim, a simple monochrome outfit that needs a little punch or — yes — even sweatpants. My favourites at the moment are an animal print pair from Diemme that manage to be both super versatile and super statement.” — Irene Yu