If accessories were the stock market, Penn’s portfolio would be the envy of Wall Street. Beyond academics, the student body has diversified its investments in another area: brand names. Among the mundane treks of undergraduate life, a mini–fashion show routinely occurs. As the earliest lectures begin, trendsetting items emerge like clockwork: assorted flocks of handbags, flasks, and jewelry combinations pervade 34th through 40th streets. Locust Walk? More like Locust Runway.
Within student pedestrian mobs, one accessory is frequently discernible—suede shoes. This footwear illustrates Generation Z’s widespread experimentation with retro fashion. Today’s mainstream youth trends are rarely full innovations, but rather imitations of bygone eras. For instance, 2015’s Chuck Taylor II glamorized the vintage Converse basketball shoe; succeeding fads like the Adidas Superstar and Air Force One evoked Y2K’s coveted pumps. Likewise, our current era of canvas soles has revived late 1970s designs for court sports such as squash. These brands uphold a delicate balance of athleticism and formality: adding an uptick of pizzazz to everyday campus strolling.
On a campus like ours, shoes carry immense purpose: Akin to academics, properly accessorizing is a testament to effort and character. Therefore, securing the right sneaker pair is a quintessential facet of dressing to impress. Yet, today’s landscape of endless, near–homogenous selections can make finding the optimal brand appear daunting. But fear not—this aficionado has conducted a wholesome (totally impartial) review to separate the tasteful and tacky. Without further ado, let our analysis of Penn’s hottest picks commence.
Killshot 2
In 2024, Challengers character Patrick Zweig (Josh O’Connor) manifested this sneaker in the ATP Challenge Tour. A year later, this crowd–pleaser still matches the ubiquitousness of winter’s Canada Goose and trench coats, lining hundreds of frat boy closets. After all, few other designers can perfectly complement every hoodie and sweatpant combo variation: Why not complete that Lazy Sunday laundry trek in vogue? Those wishing to escape the generic model’s bland colors can relish in the “floral” alternative debuting this season. To quote Rex Orange County, “10/10.”
Price Range: $50–90
Samba OG
If someone has mastered our second semester wardrobe needs, its Adidas. Every spring, tube tops and denim varieties need the perfect finishing touch. These striped flats complete the equation: a beloved staple of your friendly neighborhood party animals. With Spring Fling upcoming, you need not search far for the right shoes to complement that graphic tee. Only gold stars from this critic.
Price Range: $100–150
Club C 85 Vintage
Despite my die–hard enthusiasm for British shoe lines, I cannot help but ask: Where’s the flavor? For a monopolistically competitive firm, this lack of product differentiation would have enraged my ECON 0100 professor. Yes, “cult classic colors come correct,” but there’s a fine line between vintage and outright basic. Also, Reebok, why does the box have more complexion than the shoe itself? Voting this one off the island without thinking twice. On the bright side, if you’re dressing rather emo on St. Patrick’s Day, its green brand imprint will prevent you from getting pinched.
Price Range: $60–90
Golden Goose Superstar
While declining in popularity, GGDB stars can still be spotted on the occasional finance bro. If this model doesn’t scream maximalism, I don’t know what does (caution: don’t look at the price range). Props to wearers for bringing Milan Fashion Week to campus, but some of this brand’s glitter sequins are completely overdone. Maybe a considerable option for delivering that BEPP final group presentation; not so much when getting trampled by Fling crowd members.
Price Range: $500–800
Palermo
Not the most awe–inspiring style, but tolerable. This shoe’s black synthetic perfectly matches chino pants (looking at you, skateboarders). No better way to make that Easter Sunday church fit go hard. Still, this design only appears perfectly harmonious with Puma’s soccer collection, and we can’t all be Lionel Messi. Although, if you’re shopping for a fantasy literature enthusiast, check out the newly released Harry Potter selections.
Price Range: $45–90
Alexander McQueen Oversize Sneakers
Classy, chic, and comfortable all in one. McQueen’s brand has mastered the art of slip–ons in a manner so delicate; these shoes will supplement your formal suit well. A million times yes.
Price Range: $590–1900
Alas, the walk–through ends here: The decision remains in your hands. If I’ve served you well, let this advice inform your next purchase. For who are we, if not an assorted pool of sneaker models?
