Despite being across what's happening in fashion for my job, I'm actually a pretty late adopter when it comes to trends… if I get there at all.

I'm 36. I'm tired of keeping up. Until this year, I was still comfortably wearing my puffy white "Dad sneakers" like the millennial I am.

What is The Wrong Shoe Theory? Leigh Campbell explains. Post continues below.

I was aware of the headlines about low-profile trainers being set for a takeover, after stylish celebs like Dua Lipa and Emily Ratajkowski were seen wearing the extremely retro Puma Speedcats, but I didn't really foresee them in my future.

The shoes are known for their "racing-inspired" design and I wasn't about to do any speeding or racing.

And truthfully, the style felt very Gen-Z "anti-fashion" to me and I wasn't sure I could pull off the irony.

Dua Lipa photographed by Harley Weir for Puma. Image: Instagram/@dualipa @harleyweir

I'm also short, so I've come to rely on sneakers with a little extra heel height (again, I'm not using them for running). And they really come in handy when your flared pants are constantly dragging on the floor.

But after being water-boarded with viral content about the changing profile of "cool-girl" sneakers for about three months, my attitude started to shift. My inner monologue went from loathing the look of them to actually quite liking their smooth lines and rounded toes. Was it osmosis, or was I seriously coming around to their appeal?

Image: Instagram/@mikaylavallati

Like ballet flats, the return of 'sleeker sneakers' felt inevitable. We'd done chunky shoes for so long, we were ready for something new.

When I saw a pair of shiny Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 trainers last month, the jig was up. I was converted.

They were silver patent leather, with cream accents and laces. They were just so cool. And somehow, against all odds, they felt like the missing piece in my shoe line-up (you can shop them here).

The Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 trainer. Image: Supplied.

It makes absolutely no sense; I never wear metallics and all my jewellery is gold. I'm not a very sporty dresser and almost exclusively wear loungewear.

But I simply could not stop thinking about them, and I haven't since.

If you're not across the mega-influential stylist and author Allison Bornstein's 'Wrong Shoe Theory', the concept is all about offsetting your outfit with a contrasting shoe. I've applied her theory to casual and dressy looks and reaped the benefits, but I've never tried it out with sneakers.

And that seems to be the flex here — all those "cool girls" are wearing their Pumas and Adidas trainers with unexpected things, like lace maxiskirts and frilly socks. They don't lool like they're going for a run, either.

If you're also curious about low-profile sneakers, I've found 7 more styles that could tip you over the edge.

You might start with a more accessible pair, like Target's faux suede option or the $20 Kmart metallic trainers, and make an investment in a heritage style later if you're finding them fusing well with your wardrobe.

While the silhouette is still new, it's a look we're all going to get more comfortable with this year. Of that, you can be certain.

Shop low-profile sneakers.

Puma Speedcat OG, $180.

Image: Supplied.

Converse Run Star Trainer Low Top, $140.

Image: Supplied.

Target Womens Mini Wedge Sneaker, $35.

Image: Supplied.

Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66, $200.

Image: Supplied.

Kmart Slimline Retro Sneakers, $20.

Image: Supplied.

Adidas Taekwondo Lace, $140.

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Steve Madden Freekick-L, $119.95.

Image: Supplied.

Thoughts? Feelings? Passionate disagreement? Share it all with me in the comments below.

Feature image: Instagram/@_tamaradavis_; Supplied.

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