I just came back from Tokyo – and everyone was wearing these sneakers

What shoes are everyone wearing in Tokyo these days? Black sneakers!

There are many things I misunderstood when I first landed in Japan in May. It took me more time than I'd like to admit to figure out which button to press to flush the toilet (other functions include heated seats and sounds). I was also completely confused by the paper face coverings I was handed in the changing room (they're there to prevent makeup from getting on your clothes, as I later learned).

But when it comes to fashion, there are thankfully no language barriers, and it didn't take long for me to become won over by the locals' style. And while it's impossible to sum up the city's aesthetic in a single "look," there was one item of clothing that caught my eye most often during my stay: black sneakers .

Of course, this may not sound particularly groundbreaking, but considering the many white and colorful models that have proliferated over the past decade, it was remarkable that people opted for the black versions. Not surprisingly, iconic Japanese brand Onitsuka Tiger was particularly popular, both the "Mexico 66" and the lesser-known "Sclaws." There were also a variety of solid-colored "Taekwondo" and "Sambas" from Adidas, as well as "Nike Shox."

Street style during Tokyo Fashion Week

Momo Angela

Editor Joy Montgomery trying on the black sneakers in Tokyo

Even I, who almost never wears sneakers , was persuaded to buy a pair of black Adidas Taekwondo sneakers. Back at the office, my colleagues were visibly confused by my sudden change. But I can confirm that my black sneakers—after wearing them several times now—feel less sneaker-like than the classic white ones, which I've never been comfortable with before; they look somehow more elegant and sleeker. Will I buy more sneakers now? We'll see—I'm definitely more open to it now.

Black sneakers to shop:

This article originally appeared on Vogue.co.uk .

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