Looking back over childhood photos, there are many outfits that I do not wish were still my size or present in my wardrobe. Such items include olive green harem-style pants with a matching olive green vest, and a white long-sleeved shirt with olive green polka dots. Another item that still baffles me to this day was my beloved purple velvet, shriner-style hat, covered in beads and gold-plated mini mirrors. These items have me wondering – what was I thinking?? However, certain items from my past, specifically my footwear, are making a powerful return to the scene. Any number of Tommy Ton Street Style photos from the most recent Fashion Weeks serve as proof that the shoes of our childhood (or at least mine) are experiencing a renaissance. 

Adidas Superstar

Source: @pharrell 

There was a time between the 7th and 8th grades where I personally owned at least 3 different pairs of Adidas Superstars. Now, thanks to Pharrell Williams and Stan Smith – they’re back with a vengeance.

Adidas, Classic Superstar, $100.00

Stan Smith x Adidas Superstar, $110.00

Pharrell Williams Supercolour x Adidas Superstar, $110.00

Teva

While Teva’s were once the nerdy shoes I wore so I could more gracefully walk upon unsteady underwater rocks in search of salamanders, they’ve now been updated to suit more relevant tastes. These simple and practical sandals now whet the appetite of those seeking minimalist and modern summer footwear, while also appealing to those who prefer a more quirky, nostalgic, and ironic sandal upon their foot.

Teva x UO, Original Universal Sandal, $49.00

Teva x UO, Geometric Universal Sandal, $49.00

Nasty Gal x Teva, Walk On Flatform Sandal, $132.51

Nasty Gal x Teva, Goin’ Mobile Mesh Sandal, $108.42

Shower Slide

Once ubiquitously associated with what were found on the feet of athletes and children travelling between the change-room and the pool  – the shower slide is now more commonly seen on contemporary style icons and worshippers at the altar of normcore (despite what Google says..)

Coach, Turnlock Shower Slide, $335.00

Adidas, Originals Adilette Pool Slide, $36.00

Nike, Benassi Swoosh, $30.00

Jeffrey Campbell, Carine Leather Platform, $180.70

Jelly Sandals

If any summer sandal is representative of a child of the 90’s/00’s, the jelly sandal is. Equal parts whimsy and naivety – the jelly sandal had quite a return in summer 2014. Here’s hoping the sweet, sparkly, and squishy sandal holds a place in the hearts of style gurus this summer as well.

JuJu, Babe Jelly Chunky Heel, $49.00-55.00

JuJu, Babe Jelly Two-Tone Chunky Heel, $67.00

Circus by Sam Edelman, Selma Jelly Gladiator, $55.00

TOPSHOP x JuJu, Poppy Wedge Jelly Sandal, $46.00