We might as well admit it, our current uniform consists essentially of loungewear and your best trainers. And that’s ok, because with fashion houses such as Prada, Burberry and Gucci creating lust-worthy styles season after season, the sporty footwear has never been so chic.
Furthermore, play your cards right and you might land yourself a worthy investment (the Balenciaga Triple S trainers are still one of the most googled sneaker styles ever and regularly resell at high value).
The appeal is evident – they’re comfortable, fashion-forward and an easy way to dress down an outfit without sacrificing style. This season, it’s all about dressing them down with your favourite jeans and chunky knitwear, but come spring, you’ll need to pair them with a puff-sleeve tulle gown or shorts and a men’s shirt.
Best fashion trainers
For SS21, it’s still all about the retro vibes. We love Prada’s high top sneakers, as well as Alexander McQueen’s lace-up platforms and Gucci’s cherry-embellished tennis shoes. While 90s dad trainers are still all the rage, and you don’t even have to invest in designer styles for those: influencers and editors can’t get enough of the mesh New Balance or Skechers trainers.
If sustainability is high on your agenda (as it should be), I’ve also included plenty of vegan options from the likes of Veja, Waes and Yatay.
Best running trainers
We chatted with Cathy, who runs a site dedicated to running, cycling and general fitness called JogBlog, about choosing the perfect running trainers. It’s worth investing in a great pair of shoes if you’re an avid runner and more serious enthusiasts should think about asking for expert advice – when Cathy first started out, she had to learn that the hard way.
She said, ‘I started out running with the cheapest pair of trainers I could find (£10 in a non-sports shop). That was a mistake – they were so stiff and uncomfortable! I then went to a specialist running shop where I ran on a treadmill so the staff could analyse my gait, then they brought out to me different brands of shoe appropriate for my running style to try on. After trying on a few pairs – I just ‘knew’ which were the right pair.’
Best trainers for the gym
Cathy shared, ‘For the gym, unless you’re doing high impact exercise such as the treadmill, then it doesn’t really matter what you wear on your feet and, as running shoes are expensive, I save my old ones for the gym to get value for money out of them!’
Best trainers for walking
It depends what kind of walking you’re doing really. If you’re doing a hike, then invest in a pair that’s got good support, like running trainers. If it’s for general walking around town, then anything goes really.
Tread Slick Lace Up, £450 at Alexander McQueen
The lace up is detailed with a textured rubber wrap and tonal Alexander McQueen signature, finished with a signature ribbon on the heel of shoe.
SNEAKERS IN SUEDE, £430 at TOD’S
A great fashion trainer, this suede number ticks off this spring/summer’s crayola trend.
EMERALD BAY KNIT SNEAKER FOR WOMEN IN BLACK, £55 at Timberland
A classic trainer for those who love dad trainers.
adidas ZX 2K BOOST PURE, £110 at adidas
Following on from the release of the ZX 2K Boost last year, adidas now introduces the ZX 2K Boost Pure to the series. Since its original launch in 1984, the ZX has been at the cutting edge of running shoe design - this time boasting Boost™ technology for the ultimate squishy satisfaction, and a fresh look and feel to the iconic silhouette, coming in seven eye-catching colours.
VEJA + NET SUSTAIN 3-Lock Logo rubber-trimmed leather sneakers, £100
This '3-Lock Logo' pair is made from ethically-sourced white leather and has contrasting midnight-blue heel tabs and bright-orange rubber 'V' appliqués.
Wheel Re-Nylon Gabardine high-top sneakers, £895 at PRADA
These Wheel high-top sneakers have a technical allure and are made of Re-Nylon gabardine: the regenerated nylon fabric that has become an emblem of the brand, produced from recycled plastic trash recovered in the ocean. The footwear is decorated with a removable nylon pouch with zipper and emblematic triangle logo on the front.
NO MORE PLASTIC trainers, £208 at YATAY
These trainers are 100% cruelty free and made of corn leather with bio-leather laces.
The Condor 2, £130 at VEJA
After 4 years of research and development, VEJA launched their first post-petroleum fitness trainer back in 2019. Now, launching today, is VEJA’s new and improved running trainer, the Condor 2.
With technical advancements and feedback from VEJA’s running community, the Condor 2 is now lighter and made from 58% bio based or recycled materials (up from 53%).
spade flower jacquard keswick sneakers, £150 at Kate Spade
The perfect fashion trainer. Pair it with a flowy floral dress.
Women’s Ace sneaker with cherry, £525 at GUCCI
A colourful cherry patch adds a whimsical note to the House's signature sneaker.
1978 – White Vegan High Top Organic Canvas, £130 at WAES
This eco-friendly trainer merges classic lines with minimal ecological impact. A white organic canvas upper with white laces and red natural rubber soles make these 1978 vegan trainers an everyday essential to complete any look.
Black And Light Grey Nebula sneakers, £60 hat GEOX
Iconic hi-tech women’s sneaker with an ultra-breathable extremely light construction and an innovative environmentally-friendly upper made from recycled polyester.
Women’s Disruptor 2 Black Edition, £80
The Disruptor II Premium boasts an all-black leather upper with a chunky razor-edge sole to complete the look.
Technical Leather Arthur Sneakers, £590 at Burberry
The style is capped with a matte overshoe inspired by rain boots and a cross-detailed tread referencing our iconic check.
Ricochet 3 running shoes, £120 at BROOKS
Add spring to your stride with the fast, lightweight Ricochet 3. DNA AMP cushioning provides energy return while a sleek upper adds style and comfort.
ENERGY RACER trainers, £77 at SKECHERS
Smooth leather, shiny patent and snake embossed synthetic and mesh fabric upper in a lace up sporty casual sneaker with stitching and color blocked overlay accents. Air Cooled Memory Foam insole.
