Bright trainers: on-trend, or American tourist?

[herbaceous]

My thoughts are turning towards spring shoes, and as my previous trainers - one pair Converse, one pair FitFlop high-tops - are beginning to fall to pieces, I am rather drawn to the bright trainers all the young people seem to be sporting with leggings or skinny jeans

However, as I'm approaching 50 , I realise I'm danger of looking tragic rather than directional. Do you think there are any top tips to avoid the former? Does one need long thin legs, for example? In which case I'm done for...

Around here, British tourist.
I've seen them on an 80-year-old though.

I think it depends on how you dress otherwise. Wear them with bootleg jeans and a fleece and you'll be in instant American tourist territory. Wear them with skinnies, jacket, nice scarf and you'll look great. No thick socks should be visible (use "no show" socks or trainer liners, or wear with a skirt and opaques).

I think some of the very chunky trainers like Air Max look weird, tbh. But I really like the more dainty styles like New Balance 420, Nike Internationalist, Gola Harriers etc.

Round here, Italian tourist.

Quite like the look providing the rest of the outfit is on trend.

They would be accompanied by skinny jeans, or leggings with short dresses, or knee-length dresses and bare legs, or rolled-up chino-type trews. Plus stripey tops, the odd parka, leather jacket, etc. Sounds like I might be OK if I invest in some trainer socks. Bare ankles do seem to be essential. Shame about the cankles, however.

On trend. All the hip young women in central London were wearing garish trainers when I was there the other week. I've just bought some Asics in pink and orange.

Yes on trend. I bought a pair last week to go to work in teamed with opaques and work dresses .they are so comfy i had to wear them today, off duty in the playgroend with ankle grazer skinnies and a mac

I'm living in mine atm. This thread is reassuring me I'm not lazy and scruffy, just bang on trend

I have some white, pink and orange running trainers, but fear they might be too 'tourist' and not enough 'young person'. Their sole is a bit too orthopaedic.

Just ordered a burgundy pair of retro nike pegasus 83, loving the look of coloured trainers. Paired with the right outfit they are trendy.

I bought a pair of leggings and it's all gone downhill. I've started wearing them with long tops out in public; I've bought a pair of bright coloured trainers; it's just awful. Save yourself. I am one of them now.

I bought a pair of leggings and it's all gone downhill. I've started wearing them with long tops out in public; I've bought a pair of bright coloured trainers; it's just awful. Save yourself. I am one of them now.

Can someone link to an example of the trainers you're discussing? (I'm not stylish or beautiful enough for this section really )

the ones I've been seeing lots of are proper sports trainers

Rather than fashion trainers like gazelles, etc. so New Balance seem popular, some Nike, Adidas, Reeboks.

stuff like this as well

My new trainers are on this page. I do use them in the gym as well! But wanted some that I could wear out and about.

Thanks, Viva.

I'll stick to sober-hued Superga, thanks.

The last body parts I want to highlight in neon are my massive feet.

My feet are about the only safely non-freakoid thing I CAN highlight about myself! It will distract the eye from other less pleasant areas. Rather like Sophie Grigson and her dangly earrings.

what is the right outfit to which they must be paired?

After a bit of casual research today, the outfit needs to show some bare ankle, if accompanied by leggings or trousers, which need to be skinny. Also acceptable with opaque tights, if the skirt is knee-length or shorter. The trainer can't be too sporty, and certainly without a whiff of 'practical walking boot'. It is something of a minefield.

Hello!
I recently bought teal colours new balance trainers and I love them.
Wear with dark grey skinny jeans and grey sweater with scarf.
I hAve rubbish feet and wear orthotics, so funky trainers are brill.
I occasionally lurk around Pinterest to get ideas. Black trainers are chic, but I don't wear black.

Viva you're right abt the ladies in London. A few summers ago I noticed a very smartly turned out mum wearing bright green trainer with an expensive looking coat. I have been trying to hunt them down ever since!

Supergas are great, and much better for your feet than converse.

Got mine in Office.

No American tourist here. :-) they wear Keds, anyway. ( sometimes )

I am lusting after some bright New Balance trainers, my 7yo has some and they are so cool!

Thinking skinny ankle grazers with trainers.

I fell for the bright sneaker trend a year or two ago when I got these. In theory, I like them, but in practice they make my feet look ginormous

I've seen some neon yellow DKNY trainers in Office sale. Dare I?

I too have rubbish feet, with fallen metatarsal arches, and have to wear orthotics, so anything that's comfy and padded AND funky is the holy grail.

Oh I saw teal new balance in the Office window display last week. They looked gorgeous. I imagine they look very well with grey skinnies.

Browsing Pinterest, it seems the more 'fashion forward' are even wearing quite 'serious' running shoes in a fashion manner.

I'm now wondering if my Nike Zoom Elites would pass muster.

sensible? [[http://www.finishline.com/images/products/xl487973016.jpg]]

Mine are a different 'colour way' - where these are green, mine are fluorescent orange...