Our Editors Own a Lot of Sneakers, But This Pair Comes in First Place Every Time

Sponsor Content Created With New Balance

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(Image credit: @kristenmarienichols)

When you're a fashion editor, the items in your closet are always fighting for the spotlight. Between seasonal micro-trends, product launches, and of-the-moment styles, it's pretty difficult to give all of the items in our (very) full closets the attention they deserve. But some items are just too good to ignore, and at the moment, New Balance's Fresh Foam X 1080v12 sneakers are the pair that we can't stop reaching for.

For senior editor Kristen Nichols, this sneaker is definitely having a moment right now, and she attributes that to her growing affection for New Balance. "I can't get enough of my 997s and 550s, and the Fresh Foam X 1080v12s are the newest addition to my collection," she says. "I love that this more athletic style can transition from a workout look to a dressier look." We couldn't claim these sneakers as our first-place pick without giving you the proper styling inspiration, so Kristen styled the Fresh Foam X 1080v12 four ways for you below. Keep scrolling, and prepare to screenshot.

Meet Me at Pilates

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(Image credit: @kristenmarienichols)

Kristen is known for her wardrobe's neutral color palette, and her workout uniform doesn't deviate from that. She keeps her pilates attire simple and chic with black and white as her base and the Fresh Foam X 1080v12 as the star of the show. The pop of sea-foam green is just enough to add a little bit of pizzaz while allowing Kristen to remain true to her neutral aesthetic.

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(Image credit: @kristenmarienichols)

Take a Hike

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(Image credit: @kristenmarienichols)

When Kristen isn't heading to a morning pilates class, you can find her hiking in the hills of L.A. Leggings and a supportive sports bra are an absolute must, but sneakers are the real determining factor when it comes to a good hike. Kristen calls these "equal parts comfortable and trend-forward," making them the ultimate shoe for any and every outdoor activity.

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(Image credit: @kristenmarienichols)

Airport Attire

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(Image credit: @kristenmarienichols)

Nobody does the model-off-duty vibe quite like Kristen. "My style is typically grounded in neutrals, so I love to play with layers and proportions," she says. Sweatpants and a baseball cap seem ultra casual, but Kristen has a way of replacing the sporty feel with an elevated element. The contrast between the Fresh Foam sneaker and the structured longline coat makes this look feel a bit more unique than your average airport 'fit.

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(Image credit: @kristenmarienichols)

Back to the Office

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(Image credit: @kristenmarienichols)

"While sneakers haven't always been core to my everyday wardrobe, that all changed over the last several years. Less time in the office and more time in casual looks meant that sneakers quickly became a go-to piece in my wardrobe," Kristen says. She calls this the perfect office look because it's centered around a sneaker that "straddles the line between workout outfit and office attire." Kristen can head to a workout class before clocking in without ever having to change her shoes, and that's something the other shoes in her closet may have trouble competing with.

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(Image credit: @kristenmarienichols)

Shop More New Balance Favorites

Next: According to Editors and Influencers, These Shoes Are Winning the Popular Vote

Disclaimer

This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used in the place of advice of your physician or other medical professionals. You should always consult with your doctor or healthcare provider first with any health-related questions.

Aniyah Morinia
Associate Branded Content Editor
Aniyah Morinia is an NYC-based associate beauty and fashion editor at Who What Wear. She has worked in fashion media since 2018 and joined WWW's branded content team, where she not only writes for some of her favorite brands but also creates content for them. Aniyah will find any excuse to get a photo of her outfit and absolutely loves taking photos. She graduated from the University of Florida in 2020 with a bachlor's degree in public relations and started post-grad life freelancing for EveryStylishGirl, Riot Swim, and Baby Tress. Since starting at Who What Wear, Aniyah has developed a passion for hosting livestreams, working red carpets, and creating TikToks in addition to writing fashion and beauty stories. When Aniyah's not writing or creating content, you can find her exploring Brooklyn and eating her way through the city. She'll never pass up the opportunity to uncover an NYC hidden gem or mix and mingle with her friends (all while swapping holy-grail products, of course).