Searching for unique sneakers | Finding your own unique pair

Before you know it, you'll be seeing sneakers every time you walk around town.
It's both a fashion staple and a daily companion.
That's why, when you realize, "Oh, I'm wearing the same shoes as this person," you feel a little bit depressed -- have you ever had that experience?

Sneakers are now a staple item worn by everyone.
That's why, although it may seem easy, finding a pair of shoes that no one else has is actually very difficult.
If you follow trends, you'll end up with a mass-produced look, but if you go for something unique, you'll stand out.
How to strike that balance may be an eternal theme for sneaker lovers.

I myself have loved fashion for many years and have worn countless pairs of sneakers.
And each time, I feel like I've been constantly thinking, "What kind of sneakers are unique?"

This time, I would like to delve into the true joy of choosing sneakers, with the keyword being "unique," while sharing my own experiences.

table of contents

Introduction: Choose unique sneakers that fit rather than stand out

When choosing sneakers, one thing that you can't help but worry about is whether you'll be wearing the same ones as someone else.
I'm sure we've all experienced that slightly awkward feeling when we see someone wearing the same shoes on the street.

Classic models from popular brands are highly refined and attractive.
However, the more you love fashion, the more you probably want to wear a pair of shoes that are different from everyone else's.

I'm exactly that type.
Over the years of wearing sneakers, I have been so conscious of not wearing the same ones as others that I have often ended up getting lost and making mistakes.
Based on that experience, I would like to write about the real story of how I found my perfect pair of sneakers.

Learning from failure: The day when it became "mass-produced" due to trend-chasing, and the moment when it was worn on the street

In the past, I thought that the right thing to do was to ride the wave of trends.
I was walking around town feeling pleased after buying a new product that was all the rage on social media on the day it was released, when one day I went into a cafe and the person sitting next to me was wearing the exact same sneakers.

Our eyes met unexpectedly, and we both laughed awkwardly.
At that moment, I felt like my favorite thing had suddenly become less special.

The same thing happened several times after that, and I realized that "trends" do not equal "being yourself." If you chase after the "correct answers" in fashion magazines and on social media too much, you will end up becoming one of those "mass-produced" people.

This experience was the first trigger that made me become particular about having unique sneakers.

The trap that makes it difficult to avoid duplicates: the loop of rare hunting, information overload, and confusion

On the other hand, the stronger your desire to "choose a pair that stands out from the crowd," the more difficult it becomes to choose sneakers. Even if you choose flashy colors or unusual shapes, they will end up being difficult to coordinate with other items and will look out of place.
If you choose something safe, you'll end up wearing the same thing as someone else.

Moreover, there is so much information these days that the more you search, the more confused you become.
There was a time when I, too, "the more I searched for sneakers that no one else had, the more confused I became about which ones were best." I would search for "limited edition models" online, enter lotteries, and then lose and get depressed. It was a cycle that repeated over and over again.

Even if I'm lucky enough to buy one, I feel it's too precious to wear it and it just stays on display.
Before I knew it, they had become more like "shoes to collect" than "shoes to wear."

If you are too conscious of not being seen by others, you will miss the true joy of sneakers.
I have fallen into this trap of not overlapping many times.

The pitfalls of overemphasizing design: Why comfort and fit make a natural difference

It's a common story that you buy sneakers with an emphasis on a unique design, only to find that they don't look great when you try them on.

I went up there myself and bought a pair because I was attracted to the look of them.
The thick sole gives it a strong presence, and the coloring is unique.
I thought, "I'll never see anyone else wearing these," but when I actually tried wearing them and walked around, they were heavy and my feet got tired quickly.

The soles of my feet started to hurt after a few hours, and by the time I got home I was thinking, "I never want to wear them again." Since then, I've started to prioritize "ease of walking" over just the way they look.

Comfortable sneakers allow you to walk for long periods of time without feeling stressed.
I feel that this comfort ultimately leads to a "natural individuality."
In fashion, being "unique" may not mean looking flashy, but rather showing one's "individuality."

For example, YUEN sneakers combine classic design with modern functionality, such as a dial-type free lock system and the stability of a Vibram sole.

None of them are overly assertive, but blend naturally into the wearer's style. That's why they end up being unique.

Practical Checklist: How to Choose Your Own Shoes Starting Tomorrow

When I'm looking for sneakers that are different from others, I don't pay attention to any "special way of choosing." Rather, it's all about small things I pay attention to in my daily life. But the accumulation of these things ultimately leads to "a pair of shoes that are different from others."

1. Choose at your own pace rather than following trends

If you pay too much attention to trends, you'll end up copying someone else's style. Of course, it's fun to check out what's popular, but if you choose based on what makes you feel comfortable right now, you'll find that you'll end up wearing something different.
In the end, the shoes you can wear for a long time are the ones that suit you now.

2. Choose based on fit over brand

If you let go of the idea that a famous brand is safe, you will make new discoveries.
Even if it's a brand you're not familiar with, you may come across a pair of shoes that you feel are the one for you the moment you put them on.
A pair of sneakers like that is truly your own.

3. Don't compromise on comfort

Even if the design is good, if the shoes hurt your feet, you will end up not wearing them.
On the other hand, comfortable shoes will naturally be worn more often and will complete your outfit.
By choosing sneakers with a Vibram sole or free lock that stand out through their functionality, like YUEN sneakers, you can effortlessly express your individuality.

4. Imagine a specific scene in which you would wear them

If you imagine what kind of occasions you will wear them in, your criteria for choosing will change.
A work day, a walk around town on the weekend, or a festival or trip?
Even if you're using the same sneakers, if you have a clear idea of ​​the occasions in which you'll use them, you'll naturally find the shoes that suit you best.
As a result, this will result in a unique selection.

5. Choose shoes that are complete when worn

Shoes are not decorations, but tools for walking.
Rather than choosing shoes that are beautiful when they're new, choosing shoes that have a "cool look that ages" and become more comfortable the more you wear them will help you grow to love them.
The process of the shoes fitting your feet over time is what makes them unique.

Since I started paying attention to these five things, the meaning of the phrase "unique sneakers" has changed for me.
Rather than getting a special model, it's more important to find a pair of shoes that you want to wear every day. This will give you much more satisfaction, and before you know it, they'll become a pair that stands out from the rest.

Summary: Unique sneakers start with knowing yourself

After looking at sneakers for a long time, I've come to realize that the more you pursue something that's "unique," the more it actually becomes a "journey to understand yourself."

Design, brand, rarity.
All of these are attractive aspects of sneakers, but ultimately, what remains is "comfort and feeling." The moment you put your shoes on in the morning, do you think, "Today is going to be a good day"? Isn't that the essence of "unique sneakers"?

Instead of comparing yourself to others, choose a pair of shoes that fit your style.
These sneakers are not flashy, but they still have a quiet presence.
These shoes will become your one and only.