Suni Lee's Must Haves: From Nike Dunk Low Sneakers to a Dry-Skin Cure-All

Getty | John Lamparski
Photo Illustration: Keila Gonzalez
Getty | John Lamparski
Photo Illustration: Keila Gonzalez
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Sunisa (Suni) Lee is a woman on the rise. Back in 2021 at the Tokyo Olympics, captivated viewers tuned in to witness Lee make a vault and a 4-inch-wide balance beam look like structures on her own personal playground — with nearly flawless routines that not only earned her a spot on the world stage, but an eventual gold medal, too. In the same way that Lee's athletic skill raised her to new heights (often quite literally), it also catapulted her into a new realm of fame and responsibility — though she'd have you believe she's simply another student at Auburn University, her 1.7 million Instagram followers tell a different story.

While gymnastics is still very much at the forefront of Lee's life, these days, she's also finding new ways to make space for it — she's especially committed to making the sport more accessible for other up-and-coming athletes. "I think in general, it's just important to have more representation and other women that we can look up to in sports," says Lee. Last summer, she announced a new partnership in collaboration with Clif Bar and the Voice in Sport Foundation, which aims to introduce more specialized Title IX trainings to 20 campuses around the US, all with the goal of helping to increase women's participation across all levels of sport.

"I've been a longtime lover of Clif, being an athlete, of course, needing a go-to snack . . . but I was really excited when we began the conversation to work together. We wanted to find a like-minded organization to work with, and [the] Voice in Sport Foundation could not have been more perfect," says Lee.

Fresh off the heels of her gold medal win in the women's artistic team all-around final, the superstar gymnast will compete on behalf of Team USA in qualifying events for the women's all around, vault, uneven bars, and balance beam at the 2024 Paris Olympics. We had the chance to talk with Lee about her Clif collaboration, the importance of prioritizing your mental health as an athlete, and all the must-have essentials that help power her through her active lifestyle. Spoiler: even her product recommendations are golden!

Suni Lee's Morning Routine Must Have
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Photo Illustration: Keila Gonzalez

Suni Lee's Morning Routine Must Have

For Lee, a nutritional breakfast is a key part of starting her morning off on the right note. Her snack of choice? The Clif Bar Chocolate Chip ($21, originally $22), which she always makes sure to have whenever she's on the go. "I always keep a couple in my car or in my backpack, because I bring my backpack to the gym. And if I ever need something to refuel me, I will always just have a bite or two, and then I'm all better. The reason I love Clif bars [is] because they're so lightweight — they don't fill me up like that," Lee says.

Pro Tip: Lee jokes that while she's "not a morning person," she does often rely on a few different things to help her wake up beyond her chocolate-chip-infused snack. "I don't like waking up, but I definitely need caffeine in the morning, so I always have coffee. And my Clif Bars are usually my to-go breakfast bars, so I just eat them in the car . . . but [also] waking up and stretching, doing my skin-care routine in the morning, brushing my teeth, doing my hair, and then always having water to go."

Suni Lee's Affordable Must Have
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Photo Illustration: Keila Gonzalez

Suni Lee's Affordable Must Have

Among her many go-to products for dry skin, Lee swears by this Aquaphor Healing Ointment ($6). "I use Aquaphor for everything. So, I do have pretty dry skin — if I'm ever feeling very dry, I'll put it on my face, use it on my lips. I also have eczema, so I put it on my eczema if it's feeling irritated. I feel like Aquaphor just fixes everything; I never leave without it."

Pro Tip: Aquaphor is such an everyday essential for Lee, she even vouches for keeping a high stock of the product in multiple places. "I have at least two in my purse. I have two in my car, in my bag, in my gym locker. I always bring it with me," Lee admits. With its nourishing properties, the ointment is great for use during the colder, drier months. Lee also says that she loves using products from Rhode and Augustinus Bader whenever her skin needs an extra hydration boost.

Suni Lee's Investment Must Have
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Photo Illustration: Keila Gonzalez

Suni Lee's Investment Must Have

Being an athlete in the spotlight can certainly take a toll on your mental health. That's why Lee uses the Headspace Meditation and Sleep App ($4/month) to help her "get in the right mindset" whenever she needs extra motivation. "I definitely consider this less of a money investment and more of an investment in my future, because of course, being an athlete and handling all the pressure and stuff, it's good to get your mind right. And I personally like to do a lot of visualization, writing in my journal — but I'm just loving how peaceful I feel after [using it], and it has so many different purposes."

Pro Tip: The Headspace app comes equipped with a variety of different meditations, all of which cater to a person's specific needs (sleep problems, work stress, etc.) and aim to help teach users mindfulness skills that they can easily apply in their day-to-day life.

Suni Lee's Sneaker Must Have
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Photo Illustration: Keila Gonzalez

Suni Lee's Sneaker Must Have

In terms of investment shoes that Lee just can't live without, these Nike Dunk Low Black White Sneakers ($84-$102) reign supreme because, according to her, "they kind of go with everything." She adds: "They're perfect for school outfits, for lounge outfits, anything I feel like. I get mine from StockX or source through reliable buyers. It's a hobby just because sneakers are the one thing that I would be like, 'Yep, you can take my money, because I love them.'"

Pro Tip: While Lee swears this sneaker can go with anything, she loves pairing the shoe with more of a street-style-infused ensemble. "I've been really loving tracksuits, big hoodies, and sweatpants. And then, I usually wear my Dunks. But usually when I style them, I'll wear cargos and a tiny top or a big jacket. I like more of the baggier street style."

Suni Lee's Sleeping Must Have
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Photo Illustration: Keila Gonzalez

Suni Lee's Sleeping Must Have

For Lee, the Slip Pure Silk Pillowcase ($89) helps her sleep soundly and wake up feeling better. "I am absolutely obsessed with these pillowcases and their eye masks. I don't typically wear the eye mask a lot just because I have lash extensions, so it kind of rubs on them a little bit. But the silk material helps to keep my hair looking the best in the morning and absorbs much less of my nighttime skin routine, which is important, because I do kind of lie there a lot on my face. But I absolutely love it!"

Pro Tip: Lee relies on Silk's buttery-soft pillowcases so much for a good night's rest, she actually keeps one at home and another at school. "I have one here in Minnesota. And then, I also have it at Auburn just because I am traveling a lot." When on the go, she says she's "definitely taking" the Slip Pure Silk Sleep Mask with her on an airplane. The celeb-loved plush product is also a favorite of Ashley Tisdale, Remi Bader, and more!


Kyley Warren is an award-winning writer, editor, and affiliate strategist with more than four years of experience in the publishing space. She currently works as an assistant editor on PS Shopping and is an expert on all things related to shopping and fashion. She previously worked with Entertainment Tonight as a style commerce writer, and her byline has appeared in publications globally.