Which trainers would you recommend?

[MrsD28]

I am on the hunt for the perfect pair of trainers - for the past few years, I have tended to wear super cheap plimsolls or imitation Converse from Primark / Amazon but though I quite like the look they are neither warm nor particularly comfortable. I am currently on maternity leave so spending a lot of time pounding the streets with DC2 in the buggy and my feet are always freezing!

I would ideally like some trainers that I can wear with a variety of trouser shapes - harems (while on mat leave), leggings, skinny jeans and wide leg trousers (once I go back to work). Trainers that look decent with tights and a dress / skirt would be a bonus! Ideally warmer and more comfortable then my current cheap shoes, and I would like to look reasonably stylish - but I have no idea what is currently stylish when it comes to trainers! I am in my late thirties and would describe my style as classic / clean - lots of plain colours, neutrals, simple shapes - I love the way Meghan Markle dresses.

Not keen on Converse (not comfortable), Vans (ditto) or Superga (made my feet look like clown feet) which I have had in the past. I am willing to pay a bit more but I would probably prefer to spend less than £100 as currently on maternity leave. Does anyone have any recommendations?

I have no idea but would also like to know the answer!

I wear Airforce 1 shadow. They have a thicker sole than normal Airforce 1s so balance out the clown foot effect on me. There are some bright options available but it sounds like you maybe want plainer ones. I wear mine with harems and joggers, jeans, leggings, culottes, leopard print midi skirts, etc and I’ve just bought a lovely floaty midi dress that they look ace with. So everything 😀
Super comfy and waterproof.
Lots of people will come on here and say Vejas but I am tired of seeing them on every third 30-40yr old woman in the tube. Harsh I know.

To be as versatile as you have requested (basically every style of trouser, skirt and dress, work and casual!), and to fit with your classic, clean style, I'd go with a plain white pump. Nothing too off the moment, like Air Force or Continentals;

Common Projects are the holy grail but quite a bit over your budget.
www.net-a-porter.com/gb/en/product/729009/common_projects/original-achilles-leather-sneakers

I agree Veja are extremely ubiquitous but they are in budget and probably fit your look:
www.net-a-porter.com/gb/en/product/1191684/veja/--net-sustain-esplar-suede-trimmed-leather-sneakers

Jigsaw had a few styles you might like including these in the sale with a coloured ankle flash
www.jigsaw-online.com/product/myla-leather-trainer/J42103_WH000

I really love my Wodens - lots of colour combinations reduced in the sale - and comfy as anything as they have a cork sole. Here's a selection www.atterley.com/women/catalogsearch/result/?q=woden

I wear cheap primark knock off converse and wear 2 pairs of socks or thermal footliners. keeps my feet surprisingly warm. I work in a nursery and have my own 2 children who like the park so spend alot of time outside. I have a pair of furry lined lace up black boots for v cold/wet days. outside work I mostly wear skirts/shorts with tights (thermal or with socks underneath to keep feet warm), skinny jeans, leggings 😁

I'm going to try all birds www.allbirds.co.uk/ apparently they are amazingly comfy, some are waterproof and their ethical (although Sally not vegan)

Can't go wrong with Adidas Stan Smiths IMHO

https://www.adidas.co.uk/women-stansmith-outlet?cmmmmc=AdieSEMGoogle---adidas-ProductRanges-B-Exact%20Low%20to%20High%20Test---stan-smith-women--adidas%20stan%20smith%20women&cmmmmca1=UK&cmmmca2=e&dsskid=43700050841198265&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI7qmQ-eGc5wIViZntCh3hJAOXEAAYASAAEgI2uDDBwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Having worn various hi tops for years, i now swear by FitFlops

www.fitflop.com/uk/en/shop/womens-sneakers-uk

Some of the styles are vile i know, but some great! and my god they are so bloody comfy, speaking as someone who walks everywhere and has a dodgy ankle. I've had a lot of people asking where my trainers are from.

OK, I've got quite a few trainers.

I do love my Vejas but they are about as comfortable as Converse and the tongue is rather high, they are very much fashion trainers rather than trainers trainers. I do like that they are rubber and leather though. And I'm in the north so only seen one other person wearing them .

I think my most comfortable trainers are my Stan Smiths and I like the shape of them but I got the (completely white) Vejas because the green detail at the ankle limits what they go with so think about that if choosing any white trainer. A minor point but I don't like that the tongue isn't leather, makes it a bit sweaty on.

I do love my converse, have a couple of pairs but I have size 4 feet so the clown feet effect is reduced.

I've got puma suedes but they are taking quite a while to break in and I think they are a bit small in comparison with other trainers. Did buy kids ones though so it might be that. I've got suede Vans (not the old skools which are gorgeous) which are very comfy but I'm not so keen on how low in the shoe my foot is. I've also got ancient leather plimsoles from Boden which are cute but I went through the heel very quickly. I've also got trainers from M&S and I've been impressed with them, they're comfy and leather lined and lasted well for the price. They have some good rip offs of the fashionable brands so worth a look.

I swear by Jigsaw trainers - they are leather so look nice and last (and don't stink). Also v comfy - like proper shoes rather than fashion trainers. They release new colourways each season so old ones are always in sale.

Another vote for Jigsaw trainers. They're nice and plain and ridiculously comfy. I have a pair of Vejas (well, I'm in my 40s and live in the south east ) which I love the look of, but they're nowhere near as comfy.

I bought some very lovely leather trainers from Selfridges, they're Axel Arigato and go with everything-about £160 and comfortable. My H bought me some Golden Goose for Christmas, and they look great but they're not quite as comfortable as the others.

I've got a pair of white Adidas Superstars from Office with rose gold side stripes... very comfy look smart, easy to keep clean, & go with anything.

Also got Puma States in pale pink suede.

I want some dark red Vans, & some white Nikes with either a pink or pale blue logo.

NOT Vejas, I swear to god I have bruises on my foot bones from breaking these in right now.

I love my Nike revolutions, super comfy and look smart enough to wear to work

I have these three pairs which I find suit all my outfit needs - between the three I am covered. They're leather and really comfortable. I have a capsule wardrobe of fairly clean lines and colours but like these to jazz up.

@FuckingHateRats what are those top ones? I really like those!

FuckingHateRats love all of those. Where are they from?

They are all M&S, all current season. The black and white ones are the same trainers in a different colour way.

Well whadaya know eh? I just ordered myself a new pair of Vans (sale on their website atm) I wonder if I can justify two pairs of black trainers!

Nike Internationalist - best trainers ever! I find them comfier and more versatile than airforce 1s

I have Airforce 1s, I think mine are the shadow ones too. Very thick sole anyway, and a very pale pink.

I also have a basic black pair of Nikes and wear these most of the time.

My son also has airforce 1s for school. They aren’t meant to wear trainers but they’ve been undetected for the best part of two school years now (he’s had a few pairs!) and they have taken a hammering but look great.

River Island do nice trainers

I'd go for Adidas 80s Continentals or Air & Grace.

Camper Pelotas are my absolute favourite trainers - I have an all black pair there really versatile. I also have some new balance ones that are super comfy.

I like retro Nike Internationalists in coloured suede with a retro gum sole. Added bonus of really good traction on wet pavements when commuting.

However the Millennials in my office are all wearing very chunky Asics trainers in fluorescent colours. At some point I might mention my old Dad has a pair .