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    1. Fashion
    2. Shopping

    As Someone Who Shops for a Living, I Predict This Underrated Trainer Will Be the New It-Girl Staple

    Chic A-listers swear by the brand too

    Amelia Yeomans's avatar
    By Amelia Yeomans
    Published 24 July 2025 In Features

    When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

    street style shot of two women wearing trainers
    (Image credit: Getty Images)
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    I don't think I'm alone in saying I have trainer fatigue. It seems like every season there's a new prolific silhouette taking over my Instagram feed. Don't get me wrong, I'm definitely guilty of falling into the trap too, but I have made it my mission to find a practical sneaker that is both extremely stylish and not yet over-worn—and I think I've found it in the shape of New Balance's 471 silhouette.

    New Balance is one of those brands that never seems to age, which is what I'm looking for when it comes to wardrobe basic investments. I want to spend my money on something that I can be almost certain I will wear just as often this time next year as I will now, and I've yet to find a pair of New Balance that has totally fallen out of fashion.

    The surge in popularity of Miu Miu and Dries Van Noten's low profile trainers makes clear that sleek, suede silhouettes are some of the most desirable right now, but there are plenty of ways to make the trend your own without sacrificing on the timeless element of the look; these trainers being one of them.

    471 Grey Days

    New Balance
    471 Grey Days
    £90
    £90 AT NEW BALANCE

    Both myself and Sophie Cookson, MC UK's eCommerce Analyst, have a pair of 471s, and we're totally sold. I love the slightly thicker sole that makes them more comfortable than similar styles I've tried, but without loosing the minimalist shape.

    amelia and sophie wearing their 471s

    Amelia and Sophie wearing their New Balance 471s.

    (Image credit: Future)

    "I avoided purchasing Sambas last year because they were absolutely everywhere, and I want a pair of shoes that I won't see every other person in when I leave the house. The 471s have a narrow shape that just looks so chic and elegant, and the neutral colour goes with everything in my wardrobe," says Sophie.

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    And it's not just us—Emily Ratajkowski has been spotted wearing an almost identical pair of New Balance trainers to Sophie's grey 471 colourway, and Bella Hadid, Hailey Bieber, Kaia Gerber and Margot Robbie are also firm fans of the brand.

    If you've also been on the hunt for a fresh pair of the best trainers that not everyone is wearing but still nods to the runway, these get my vote. You heard it here first.

    Marie Claire Newsletter

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    Shop New Balance 471

    471

    New Balance
    471
    £90
    £90 AT NEW BALANCE

    471

    New Balance
    471
    £90
    £90 AT NEW BALANCE

    471

    New Balance
    471
    £90
    £90 AT NEW BALANCE

    471

    New Balance
    471
    £90
    £90 AT NEW BALANCE

    Amelia Yeomans
    Amelia Yeomans
    Junior Shopping Editor

    Amelia is Junior Shopping Editor at Marie Claire UK. With a keen eye for lifestyle trends and a focus on quality over quantity, she is very clued up on the best products and brands on the market. She previously worked as a Senior Writer for woman&home, covering everything from product reviews and nail art trends to reporting on fashion weeks and the best-dressed celebrities at red carpet events.

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