You’re looking to purchase your next pair of trainers but with so many to choose from, simply deciding what to order can be stressful. If you’re stuck for ideas on what to shop next, why not look to your personality type which describes the essence of your being?
The popularity of the free Myers-Briggs personality type indicator has soared over the past few years with many of us looking introspectively for guidance. We teamed up with Toby Standing, who works at the UK's leading fashion marketplace Thread, to create a handy guide on the perfect sneaker and personality type pairings:
For example, the loud personality type of an Entrepreneur is best suited to a bold pair of Christain Louboutin Louis Junior Spikes trainers while the more reserved Logician personality would slide comfortably into a pair of Adidas Superstars.
Toby has this to say on sneaker culture and what it means for individual expression:
"Shoes are probably the thing in your wardrobe that you will get the most wear out of – you literally pound the pavement in them, and they’re often with you for multiple years, outliving the t-shirt of your mate’s band by a long shot.
If you look at any fashion subculture, footwear choice is up there with the biggest identifiers. Dr Martens, boat shoes, a minimal white sneaker – all of these will conjure up an image in your mind of the kind of person who would wear them. Taking it a step further and looking to the (scarily accurate) personality tests is actually a logical conclusion in an age when, arguably, these subcultures are a dying breed. Looking inward to decide how you should present outwardly is very 2021."
If you’re the type who looks for style inspiration, then keep reading to find your perfect summer sneaker:
Personality type: Architect
Shoes: Adidas Stan Smith
The Stan Smith is one of Adidas’ most popular sneakers and is best suited to the Architect personality who is highly intellectual, rational and quick-witted. Despite the popularity of the shoe, the Architect personality is actually one of the rarest and is generally described as a “bookworm” or “nerd.”
They derive much of their self-esteem from their knowledge so you can almost always find one of these personality types with their heads buried in the books. The Stan Smiths are perfect for everyday versatility - the low-cut silhouette features a simple white leather upper, Three Stripes branding on the side and tennis legend Stan Smith’s face on the tongue.
Personality type: Logician
Shoes: Adidas Superstar
For over 50 years, the Adidas Superstar sneakers have been the go-to for many including the likes of philosophers and scientists - superstars in their own right. Logicians are fairly rare, but with their creativity and inventiveness, they aren’t afraid to stand out from the crowd.
With a classic silhouette style featuring full-grain leather for enhanced durability, the Superstars can either be dressed up or down. Logicians are introverts and can be mistaken as being detached or reserved - this is because they live in a never-ending daydream. The mind is always with the stars, while their feet are in Superstars.
Personality type: Commander
Shoes: Common Projects Original Achilles Low
Commanders are natural-born leaders with charisma, confidence and authority that draws crowds together. They only make up 3% of the population which is good otherwise they can overwhelm the more timid and sensitive personality types.
With an extroverted nature, unwavering determination and confidence, Commanders make brilliant entrepreneurs and powerful business leaders. With this in mind, they aren’t afraid to splurge their hard-earned money on a good pair of sneakers such as the Common Projects Original Achilles Low - the holy grail of luxury white low-top sneakers. They will set you back upwards of £250 but the all-white minimalistic design and superior construction make for the ultimate city-smart dress shoe.
Personality type: Debater
Shoes: New Balance MS997 Suede, Nuback and Mesh Sneakers
With an effortlessly quick wit, broad knowledge base and natural gift for communicating, the Debater personality thrives on the process of challenging arguments and beliefs.
While Debater personalities love to brainstorm, they will avoid getting caught doing the “grunt work” so they talk the talk but don’t walk the walk. New Balance’s MS997 trainers are perfect for this personality type as they’re made from a combination of flexible mesh, suede and nubuck, and fitted with soft cushioning in the midsole. The padded collars make them even more comfortable and rubber soles are perfect for those pivoting and speaking passionately on their feet.
Personality type: Advocate
Shoes: Nike Air Force 1 ‘07
The rarest personality type of all, Advocates are creative, sensitive and imaginative with the life purpose of helping others. Advocates can speak with great passion and conviction, however, at other times, they may choose to be soft-spoken, preferring to keep the peace rather than challenge others.
People with this personality type may feel called to use their strengths – including creativity, imagination, and sensitivity – to uplift others and spread compassion. These people have a strong sense of what’s right and wrong - they’re very much black and white - making Nike’s Air Force 1 ‘07’s quite literally, the perfect fit. Advocates can also rest easy knowing the shoes are made using synthetic leather!
Personality type: Mediator
Shoes: PUMA’s Suede Classic XXI Trainers
PUMA’s Suede Classic XXI Trainers were released in the 1960s and have been donned by icons of every generation. They feature a full suede upper and leather trimmings - all of which have been responsibly sourced. While the sneakers are a statement piece, they are also reserved much like the creative, imaginative yet sensitive personality type of a Mediator.
Although they only make up a small percentage of the population, Mediator’s have a deep desire to build soulful relationships. They are compassionate, non-judgmental and not too concerned with how they look. PUMA’s Suede Classic XXI Trainers are trendy yet minimalistic, the perfect blend for this personality type.
Personality type: Protagonist
Shoes: Koio Capri Poudre
Protagonists are natural-born leaders, full of passion and charisma and are often politicians, coaches and teachers. This personality type radiates authenticity, concern and altruism, finding it natural and easy to communicate with others and reach almost every mind.
Being a leader, you need to look your best and really, can you ever go wrong with a classic leather sneaker? Although Koio’s Capri’s are on the expensive side, they are built to last a lifetime with full-grain leather, and even finished with hand-painted edges so there's no break in the monochrome effect. The muted poudre colour goes with anything and will never go out of style.
Personality type: Campaigner
Shoes: Converse Taylor All Star Leather
As a free spirit, Campaigner’s are often the life of the party enjoying the social and emotional connections they make with others. Charming, independent, energetic and compassionate, the 7% of the population that they comprise can certainly be felt in any crowd.
This personality type best suits a classic pair of Converse Taylor All Stars. These instantly recognisable sneakers come with a spongy insole as well as dual-layer canvas uppers and a rubber toe which helps to give an overall sturdier feel - perfect for social butterflies as they work the room.
Personality type: Logistician
Shoes: Adidas Ultra Boost 21 Shoes
The Logistician personality type is thought to be the most abundant, making up around 13% of the population. They are often law enforcers, part of regulatory bodies or enrolled in the military thanks to their tireless dedication to duty. To help them in their mission, they need a shoe that will stand the test of time such as the Adidas Ultra Boost 21 Trainers.
In 2015, Adidas introduced the Ultra Boost as an entirely new running silhouette but it was quickly adopted by sneaker lovers for its comfort and style. The design features a Primeknit upper set on top of a full-length midsole made out of Boost, the brand's recently-innovated cushioning system, giving Logistician’s an extra spring in their step.
Personality type: Defender
Shoes: Adidas NMD R1 Trainers
The Defender personality type is sensitive, yet they have excellent analytical abilities, well-developed people skills and robust social relationships. They are generally conservative and are found in lines of work with a sense of history behind them, such as medicine, academics and charitable social work so they need a good pair of trainers to keep up with their on-the-go lifestyle.
When the Adidas NMD first launched, they became extremely popular for their comfort, style, and design. Much like the Ultra Boost, the NMD’s have a full-length Boost midsole that provides cloud-like comfort. These shoes have smart technology to match the minds of these intellectuals.
Personality type: Executive
Shoes: THEY Two-Tones Low Suede Grey-White
Executives are often politicians and community organisers embracing the values of honesty, dedication and dignity. People with the Executive personality are valued for their clear advice and guidance. They make up around 11% of the population and are dedicated to their job so they will need a pair of trainers that not only look the part but are also practical.
THEY New York keeps all its focus on well-crafted, minimalist design. The geometric blocks of colour give them just the right amount of contrast to reflect the many layers of the Executive personality. Each pair has been hand-crafted and can be worn either casually or formally.
Personality type: Consul
Shoes: Vans Old Skool Trainers
People who share the Consul personality type are popular – which makes sense, given that it is a very common personality type, making up 12 percent of the population. In high school, Consuls are the cheerleaders and the quarterbacks and are more concerned with fashion and their appearance, as well as social status.
It makes sense that this popular personality type is best paired with the ever-popular Van Old Skool trainers. Originally known as the Vans #36, the Vans Old Skool was the first silhouette to feature the now unmistakable "jazz stripe" Vans logo — a streetwear chic pair of trainers perfect for the football field or strutting around the neighbourhood.
Personality type: Virtuosos
Shoes: Veja V-10 Rubber-Trimmed Leather Sneakers
Virtuosos love to explore with their hands and their eyes, touching and examining the world around them. They are natural makers, moving from project to project and learning from their environment as they go. Often mechanics and engineers, Virtuosos find no greater joy than getting their hands dirty. Interestingly, Virtuoso women are especially rare.
Veja's environmentally friendly sneakers are perfect for this personality type as they are made from raw materials sourced from organic farms and ecological agriculture without any chemicals or pollution. This sturdy 'V-10' pair has rubber trims and soles sourced sensibly from trees in the Amazonian rainforest. The all-white palette and chunky-but-not-too-chunky profile mean they'll go with just about anything.
Personality type: Adventurer
Shoes: Men’s Disney x Gucci Donald Duck Ace Sneakers
Adventurer personalities are true artists using their aesthetics, design and actions to push the limits of social convention. Adventurers enjoy upsetting traditional expectations with experiments in beauty and behaviour. They live in a colourful and sensual world but can often be unpredictable and dabble in riskier behaviours such as gambling and extreme sports.
This playfulness is reflected in Gucci’s limited-edition trainers which feature legendary Disney characters adding a whimsical feel to signature shapes and designs. Donald Duck’s nephews Huey, Dewey and Louie, are reworked in colourful print decorating this pair of sneakers.
Personality type: Entrepreneur
Shoes: Christian Louboutin Louis Junior Spikes Sneaker
Laughing and entertaining with blunt humour, Entrepreneur personalities love to be the centre of attention. They keep their conversation energetic, with a good dose of intelligence while they are also the likeliest personality type to make a lifestyle of risky behaviour. People with the Entrepreneur personality type enjoy drama, passion, and pleasure.
There is only one type of sneaker for this loud personality and that is the Louis Junior Spikes trainers which are crafted from smooth suede, calf leather and feature the rock ‘n’ roll spikes on the toe box. Much like the Entrepreneur personality, these trainers are edgy, bold and push the boundaries of fashion.
Personality type: Entertainer
Shoes: Yeezy Boost 350 V2 Reflective
Entertainer's love the spotlight so you’ll come to know many famous people with these characteristics such as actors. Being performers, Entertainers have the strongest aesthetic sense of any personality type. From grooming and outfits to a well-appointed home, Entertainer personalities have an eye for fashion so it’s only fitting that this personality type is suited to the Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 V2 Reflective which first launched in 2015 and were an instant hit.
The Yeezy Boost 350 V2 “Yecheil Reflective” is the reflective version of the multi-coloured edition of the trainers which have gone on to disrupt sneaker culture. It displays vibrant hues of neon green, red, blue and peach - one of the boldest takes on the series. The trainers also have boost cushioning embedded within the design for unrivalled comfort - ready for Entertainers to take centre stage.
