Snobette Sneaker Awards panelist Romy Samuel had a very sneakerlicious 2020, one that included launching Commonace, an online sneaker store for women. At the same time she’s also a member of Kith‘s Los Angles staff, it’s fair to say she’s deeply immersed in sneaker culture and exposed to a lot of shoes…like a lot, a lot.
As immersed as she is in the culture, it’s not surprising Samuel often finds herself drawn to the new and different choosing a selection of brands and silhouettes that are inarguably powerful but make a more low key, subtle statement.
Check out our exchange with Samuel below followed by her top five sneaker picks.
Snobette: This year you and Sophia Chang launched Common Ace, an online sneaker store for women. What luxury brand was at the top of women’s wish lists this year?
Romy Samuel: “Prada and Dior…by a mile! I think that goes across both men’s and women’s wish lists!”
Snobette: People stayed indoors most of 2020. Did sneaker trends stall as a result?
Romy Samuel: “I don’t think a pandemic stalled anyone from loving or discovering a fresh pair. Trends were definitely less apparent. If anything we saw some retros revisited and classic brands like New Balance, Salomon and Asics make a refreshing come back. Perhaps a trend in comfort?
Snobette: What’s one sneaker silhouette you’ve been wearing heavy over the past month? Nike Zoom Vomero and Asics Kayano have been part of a heavy 2020 running theme for me.”
Romy Samuel’s five favorite sneakers in 2020
5. Yeezy QNTM: Barium
4. Nike Vaporwaffle and Sacai: sail
3. Nike Air More Uptempo GS: barely grape
2. New Balance 827 and Aime Leon Dore: white multi
1. New Balance 550 and Aimé Leon Dore: white and green
