Typically I’m against using lines like, “blank is the new blank” because it usually involves something dethroning black. And we all know, black isn’t going anywhere. Nice try though. #blackjusthappened

But in this case, I really feel as if comfort is the new sheik. Just take a quick perusal of instagram and you’ll see a lot of #00td shots with some kind of cute sneaker. Whether it be Keds, Vans, Converse or really fancy Nike’s, it’s evident we’re getting cuter with our comfortable clothing.

In the back of my mind I’ve been wanting some fancier kicks, but I didn’t want to spend a lot on them. However, a recent visit to the Nike Factory made all my dreams come true. Except for that one dream where I’m carried around the store on a magic carpet…

I scored these puppies for $25. It’s amazing how much they elevate the look of a t-shirt and jeans. They’re the kind of shoes you can wear into a high end store and not leave feeling like you’re Julia Roberts in street corner attire. They’re also great for a little sight seeing, which is what I was doing here in Indianapolis this past week. It’s clear why they call it the “windy city” (just kidding, I know they really call it the “windy apple”). ;)

When shopping for this kind of shoe, what you’re looking for is something that doesn’t look like a work out shoe – so ZERO neon, mesh or pumps on the souls that look like rocket boosters.

I did a little research and tried to score you some similar shoes. Check out gray ones here, black and white ones here, and New Balance’s version here.