7 Sneakers You’re Bound to See in Fort Collins.
When you think of Fort Collins, Colorado, the first things that come to mind most likely aren’t “fashion,”or “sneakers.” The rapidly growing college town is definitely more of a hub for eating, drinking, and the great outdoors, airing on the side of footwear functionality rather than fashion. Though FoCo is less than likely to appear in anyone’s listicle regarding top cities for sneakers anytime soon, (almost) everybody wears shoes, and sometimes those shoes are stylish. Here are the sneakers you will undoubtedly see on any given day while strolling through the city home to Colorado State University.
Vans: Old Skool
Primarily worn by: Unisex, ages Youth-30.
Primary color-way: Black & White.
Heat Level: 4/5.
What they say: “I may not skate, but I don’t need to in order to look good in these.”
The Vans Old Skool became a staple in sneaker culture in the past two years and shows no signs of stopping. Fort Collins residents of all ages have gravitated to the classic skateboarding shoe that matches nearly every outfit, isn’t too bulky, and is an easy and affordable way to appear fashionable without having to try too hard or spend too much.
Converse: Chuck Taylor All Star Low Top
Primarily worn by: Women, all ages.
Primary color-way: White
Heat Level: Classic/5.
What they say: “Cool. But. Zero. Support.”
The Converse Chuck Taylor is unmatched. It’s a simply iconic sneaker that is immediately noticeable and, once again, goes with nearly everything, especially in the classic white canvas color-way. Though there are no definitive feminine or masculine qualities to the silhouette, you will most likely see the ladies of Fort Collins sporting these more often than the fellas. There is but one issue with these kicks: Why are they so flat? All these years and we can’t get any arch support?
Vans: Sk8-Hi
Primarily worn by: Unisex, Youth-Mid 20s.
Primary color-way: Black & White
Heat Level: 3.5/5.
What they say: “I swear I can kickflip.”
Vans makes its second appearance on the list with the Sk8-Hi. Another classic but a little more “skate-ier.” First busting on the scene in the late 1970's in bowls and mini-ramps of California, the Sk8-Hi has since made a name for itself not only among skaters, but also in the fashion world, and Fort Collins.
“Running Shoe”: Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, Asics, etc.
Primarily worn by: People.
Primary color-way: N/A.
Heat Level: Shoe/5. At least they’re comfortable.
What they say: “I’m wearing shoes.”
No, I did not run out of creativity halfway through this list. This just so happens to be the only way I can describe the following sneaker. As aforementioned, functionality is synonymous with Fort Collins, and what is more functional than some generic but still name brand trainers? Nothing.
Nike: SB Zoom Janoski
Primarily worn by: Dudes, Youth-20s.
Primary color-way: Black & White.
Heat Level: 2/5.
What they say: “Suh dude (outdated, I know. So are these shoes).”
Another black & white skateboarding shoe. There is nothing inherently wrong with the Janoski’s, the silhouette is simplistic, they go well with jeans and khakis, but there isn’t much about these that stand out. They’re very okay. There are quite a few FoCo dudes that wear them everyday, which could contribute to the low rating. Over saturation is a no-go, and when the price inches towards $100 I begin to question judgement. Why spend almost a C-note to look like everyone else? Additionally, not to be a skate purist or anything because I surely have no room to talk, but a majority of the wearers of these sneakers most likely don’t know Stefan Janoski. In their defense; however, do all wearers of the Air Jordan know who Michael Jordan is? Hmm. . .
Nike: Air Monarch
Primarily worn by: Grandpas. Cubicle managers on Casual Friday.
Primary color-way: White & Metallic Silver.
Heat Level: Off-The-Charts.
What they say: “Dad jokes.”
These sneakers right here. We’ve all seen them. You probably saw them on this guy. They are the quintessential suburban dad shoe. They scream Caucasian. By just looking at them, you are immediately sent back to your elementary school luau where you find yourself with a condiment-less hot dog and scraped elbows. Don’t sleep on these though, they are not only one of the most comfortable shoes of all time, but the “dad shoe” is all the rage these days. Unbeknownst to them, middle aged men of Fort Collins are fashion revolutionaries.
Birkenstock: Arizona
Primarily worn by: Fort Collins.
Primary color-way: Premium Brown Leather.
Heat Level: Sandals/5.
What they say: “I just re-tuned my ukulele, let’s go camping.”
Okay, I know they aren’t sneakers, but if the city of Fort Collins was a shoe it would be a pair of Birkenstocks. They’re the Golden Retriever of footwear. Birkenstocks to Fort Collins are Timberlands to New York City — they just are Fort Collins. Regardless of the season, you’re bound to see at least 14 people wearing Birkenstocks within 5 minutes of walking in Old Town. Even though I’m not a Mandal guy, I can’t hate on the Birks.
