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Original poster

Is there a pair of stylish trainers on the face of this earth that is actually COMFORTABLE?

121 replies

Esto · 10/08/2019 08:31

I'm really struggling to find the holy grail of trainers that are comfortable that are not sporty. I'm looking for fairly delicate fashion-type trainers to wear with leggings and dresses.

I've wasted loads of time and money this year with ones that turn out to be uncomfortable. I just bought VeJas for £££ and thought they might break in but 6 weeks later they are still like big clumpy bricks. I had Vionics last year which were great to wear but fell apart in 6 months, which for £100 was gutting.

Not converse - I need a bit of support or cushioning. Not Nike or anything because I don't want a sporty look. Sketchers? Are they not fashionable? At this stage I'm ready to try anything.

Size 5 or 5.5 with wide feet. Any suggestions would be very gratefully received.

OP posts:
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Sarcelle · 10/08/2019 08:33

Nothing to add, but watching for the same reasons!

growlingbear · 10/08/2019 08:43

Can you post us some images of trainers you bought/love the look of so we can track down comfortable brands with the same look. I'm with you on Vans etc, Look great but they are so uncomfortable.

TapasForTwo · 10/08/2019 08:46

I have no fashion sense according to the S & B fashionistas Grin and find Sketchers so insanely comfortable that I couldn't care less about how they look. My proper trainers are Nike and are as comfy as Sketchers.

Bigpaintinglittlepainting · 10/08/2019 08:46

I love my Allbirds ? They have a shop in Covent Garden but otherwise you have to order online.

toomuchlikemyusername · 10/08/2019 08:47

I know you say not Converse but...
Have a look at the Converse Star Court. They are leather with tons of padding and support. I'm on my third consecutive pair and walk miles in them. Need no wearing in, no rubbing unlike regular converse and they go with pretty much everything.

StoatofDisarray · 10/08/2019 08:49

Allbirds are the way to go. You can throw them in the washing machine too. I have three pairs!

Aramox · 10/08/2019 08:51

Ecco. ‘Soft 6’ or 7 type. Good for wide feet and v comfortable.

drspouse · 10/08/2019 08:51

Now I want some Allbirds. How do they fit?

ThirdAidKit · 10/08/2019 08:51

I have allll kinds of issues with shoes, even trainers and have tried a lot.

I find Nike as a brand work for my feet well, and know most of them will break in for me with minimal pain.

Nike Air Force 1s have been a success in the past, but my new surprise favourite as not Nikes are adidas Originals Continental 80s Trainers in triple white. The leather is unbelievably soft, they’ve cause me no issues and having worn them for a couple of weeks are honestly as comfortable as slippers.

Never thought I’d say it! Revelation.

ThirdAidKit · 10/08/2019 08:51

PS my feet are wide too, which is why I think the Nike fit well.

TapasForTwo · 10/08/2019 08:53

I don't buy footwear that I have to "break in".
If it isn't comfortable on trying on I won't buy it. Shoe buying can take ages for Me, and I never buy online.

ThatLibraryMiss · 10/08/2019 08:55

Sketchers wide fitting trainers are amazingly comfortable. They're supposed to be very good for people who do a lot of walking. You'll probably need to go down a size or even two from your usual. If you're anywhere near West Yorkshire they have an outlet near Castleford.

Thatmustbemyname · 10/08/2019 08:56

Adidas Stan smiths for me - so comfy and look stylish (nearly wrote trendy, realised I sounded like a grandma 😂)

thedevilinablackdress · 10/08/2019 09:25

Have a look at Camper and ECCO.

Miseryisabutterfly · 10/08/2019 09:32

I second the adidas continental 80s. I love mine.

Nike are always comfortable for me. I’ve never had a bad pair.

Miseryisabutterfly · 10/08/2019 09:33

I don’t think sketchers are at all fashionable

BuffaloCauliflower · 10/08/2019 09:35

Superga?

PurpleStripes · 10/08/2019 09:36

Puma baskets are the comfiest trainers I've ever worn.

swissmilk · 10/08/2019 09:38

I stick padded insoles into my less comfortable trainers

Hattie78 · 10/08/2019 09:39

Rocket dog chow chow are really comfortable.

Fatted · 10/08/2019 09:43

Converse with insoles in if you need the cushioning?

Have you also considered you may have flat feet if you find trainers uncomfortable? My DH was the only person I'd ever met who found flat shoes uncomfortable and it turns out because he's flat footed.

CCquavers · 10/08/2019 09:47

I know they get a bad name on here but don't knock them until you've worn them for at least 5 miles. Fitflop trainers.

growlingbear · 10/08/2019 09:51

@toomuchlikemyusername thank you so much for that Converse star court recommendation. All my life I've adored the look of converse but been unable to wear them due to lack of padding. I am going to try them on today. They are gorgeous! I'd never have known they existed unless you'd mentioned them.

averythinline · 10/08/2019 09:51

I have same issue and have ended up with north face - whch is not what i want but will have to do!
stansmith etal too narrow (have bunion...blooody genetics) Nike dont work either

I had bad experience with sketchers - just fell apart after couple of months and too spongy...my mum swears by fitflops but that sort of puts me off !

SabineSchmetterling · 10/08/2019 09:52

My favourite ever trainers were a pair of suede pumas. They were really comfy and lasted really well. I like a suede trainer and this time round got a pair of suede Nikes. They are also really comfy but within days they’d picked up dye from my jeans and they haven’t worn that well. My pumas lasted ages and still looked great.