I wouldn’t say I was ever truly a sneaker head, but back in college (that’s already 10 years ago), sneakers were the only style of shoe I ever really wore. Minus the single pair of heels reserved for special occasions, my closet was filled with staples like the Reebok Classic Leather, Nike Air Force 1, and, of course, the Nike Air Max. I showed up everywhere in them—clubs and bars included—despite the occasional side-eye (and outright scolding) from friends. I was a tomboy for the first half of my life, and those (humble?) beginnings remain a comforting home base to return to.

Not that sneakers aren’t feminine themselves. Especially nowadays, the chunkier shoe is often styled with more romantic silhouettes like skirts and dresses. Cecile Bahnsen is a master at this type of styling, often pairing big, poofy, almost child-like soft dresses adorned with florals and lace with nothing other than streetwear sneakers. It’s a kind of juxtaposition that’s commonly adopted in cities like Tokyo, making chunky sneakers from brands like Salomon and Asics very popular.

I did a little field research the last time I was in Japan to see what kind of sneakers everyone was wearing. There are the obvious choices, like Onitsuka Tiger (by the way, the crowds there are pretty insane) and the more boutique picks like Hender Scheme. Sneakerinas continue to have a surprising hold on society’s feet as well, as do the more sleek, easy-to-wear slim-fit silhouettes by brands like Dries Van Noten. I curated a list of the best sneakers to own this year, regardless of whether you’re a sneakerhead or simply looking for a pair of comfortable trainers.