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

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

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.

Take a Hike

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.

Airport Attire

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.

Back to the Office

"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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