The best trainers perfectly balance comfort, style, and versatility. And once you’ve found a pair that can do all three, you’ll agree that sneakers are one of your closet’s most versatile pieces. You can’t go wrong with a new pair of sneakers, no matter what you wear.
But, with so many different styles and functions available, how do you know which trainers to buy? That’s not to mention the various different brands. Enter our massive shopping guide to the best fashion trainers available. We have road-tested them all, from Lacoste trainers to the latest Nikes! While trainers may conjure up images of the gym, our selection of the best trainers includes more trend-led styles than sports-appropriate. Trainers are no longer just for gym rats; they are the fashionista’s go-to footwear for adding a touch of ‘cool’ to any outfit.
Gola’s Grandslam Pearl Grey Leather
Gola’s suede trainers will help you nail this year’s chunky trainer trend. This style, in a versatile grey shade, will go with many things in your wardrobe, including jeans and maxi dresses.
Converse All-Star
Converse are a staple in almost everyone’s wardrobe because they go with everything. The timeless footwear label offers high-top trainers, low-rise, and a wide range of colours and fabrics, so you’ll be spoilt for choice with these failsafe footwear heroes.
Reebok Classics
They’re classics for a reason, and they’ve been updated with a premium suede upper and new fashion-forward colourways. When it was first released in the early 1980s, the Reebok Classic Leather had all the classic qualities. It has since become one of the most respected and recognized Reebok shoes ever released. Of course, some styles come and go, but the Classic never disappeared. Instead, the Classic, a popular trainer style in the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s, has built a global following for its simplicity and sporty good looks over three decades.
Geox Tabelya
Geox are trainers that support the feet while also keeping them looking good. Pair with dresses of all lengths for a comfortable and fashionable look that will last.
Nike Kyrie Infinity
These hot pink basketball shoes are part of the latest Kyrie Irving collection, named after the Brooklyn Nets player. The shoes have been updated with a three-layer cushioning system and dynamic internal bands. Laces are fed into the bands to ensure a tight and snug fit.
Nike Air Vapormax
Nike Air Vapormax sneakers are designed to make you feel like you’re ‘running on air.’ They’re made from breathable and stretchy Flyknit, which is made from 20% recycled materials and sit on bouncy Air soles. The ankle collars provide support, and the two pull tabs make them easy to put on and take off.
Axel Arigato Marathon R-Trail
For a good reason, these chunky kicks are one of the cult brand’s best-sellers. The intricate design details – from the embroidered logo tag on the tongue to the transparent micro mesh and green patches with flashes of burgundy set against an off-white upper – had us instantly smitten when we unpacked them. The chunky exaggerated sole ensures they’re a pair for the style set, despite being inspired by Nineties running-trainer silhouettes. The sneakers are supremely comfortable from the start. Despite being a statement piece, they are likely to go with just about anything in your wardrobe due to their neutral colour palette.
The days of wearing trainers solely for exercise are over. Trainers have quickly cemented their place in our weekly footwear rotation, becoming the go-to for nearly every occasion. The trainer has become a versatile staple for adding a cool touch to any outfit, taking you seamlessly from home to the office to the pub… and maybe even the gym if we must. There’s a trainer to take you anywhere and everywhere, with unrivalled flexibility, transforming seamlessly from running errands to brunch.
The key to style longevity is stripped-back simplicity, but that doesn’t mean you have to wear no-frills footwear. In fact, focusing on subtle design details that set your low-profile trainers apart from the crowd is the key to making them look like a fashion statement rather than an afterthought. Your personal style will determine whether you prefer subtle branding, a twist on a classic, or a subtle pop of colour.