Mad for Marble Sneakers

[photos via Veja Instagram]

This must be what it feels like to shop Mansur Gavriel. The perfect sneakers were within my grasp, checkout complete and credit card payment processed. And, then, the soul-crushing email: "We're sorry. The item you ordered is out of stock." Nooooooo!

A tad dramatic? Perhaps. But I'd been eyeing Veja's unisex marble Esplar sneakers—a collaboration with Diapers and Milk—for spring. It seemed I'd waited too long to place my order until I finally managed to track down the last pair in my size from a Belgian boutique. Except, of course, I hadn't. Womp, womp!

Veja, the eco-friendly French label, has become my go-to sneaker brand ever since I purchased this comfy gold and black pair last fall. After fawning over the marble Esplars for so long, nothing can replace them in my mind, but it does seem I have a slew of marble sneakers to choose from...

My top choice by far, the sneaker that even comes close to matching my beloved Vejas in style and quality, is Axel Arigato's white low sneaker with its standout marble sole ($185). Who cares that it's made for men? Oh, wait, I do, since the smallest size available is a 39. Big-footed ladies and gentlemen, however, you are in luck!

Next come the Balenciagas, which arguably made the marble trend on the Paris runways last year. The clunky high top ($665) has been the fashion world's darling this season, but I prefer the sleeker slip ons ($625) and Race Runners ($655). Until these go on major sale, though, it's not happening.

Senso's Avery V ($174) in marble leather looks like a good choice, but I've tried on other sneakers by the Australian brand, and the fit wasn't quite right for me. 

I absolutely adore these Stefania printed leather oxfords by Charlotte Olympia ($312 down from $782)! The gold trim, the menswear styling, the amazing sale price—what's not to love? But the fact remains that they're not sneakers, which is what I actually need for an upcoming vacation.

OK, so they're not marble, but in every other way, these New Balance for J.Crew 620 sneakers ($80) are pretty perfect. Despite the lack of pattern, they're looking like a pretty strong contender.

So help a girl out! Which should I choose, if any?

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