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Which trainers would you recommend?

58 replies

MrsD28 · 24/01/2020 11:10

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?

OP posts:
MissBPotter · 25/01/2020 12:33

I have a pair of Gabor trainers that are so comfy and look really classy. They are pricey but have a sale on and are excellent quality. I know there a few styles that are a bit ‘dated’ but I think there are lots that are really modern looking.

GrimDamnFanjo · 25/01/2020 12:45

Any recs for the wider of foot?

downlow · 25/01/2020 12:53

I'm a bit of a trainer fiend & think it's a tall ask to find one trainer that looks good with all those options. Versatility wise you can go wrong with a slim shaped plain white trainer. Axel Arigato or Common Projects as mentioned are probably the best. Adidas Sleek maybe https://www.asos.com/adidas-originals/adidas-originals-sleek-trainers-in-white/prd/11715532?affid=24713&cclid=GoogleeEAIaIQobChMI7uaJv-We5wIVDxsYCh3sjAcsEAQYBSABEgLK9PDBwE&channelref=product+search&mk=abc&ppcadref=6459989729%7C76873252509%7Cpla-294682000766&cpn=6459989729&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI7uaJv-We5wIVDxsYCh3sjAcsEAQYBSABEgLK9PDDBwE

kittyhello · 25/01/2020 12:54

How about 2 pairs? black Nike Internationalists and White Adidas Sleek trainers. Covers both bases and both very comfortable.

downlow · 25/01/2020 12:59

Nike Internationalist are probably the most comfortable trainers I own.

sonjadog · 25/01/2020 13:10

I have been a life long wearer of trainers. I had Converse for years, but they are now too flat for me. Super Ga are better. For the more "sporty" look, I have black Nike trainers. These are good for comfort and the ones I have a fairly light so can be worn summer and autumn (not waterproof enough for winter here). Recently, I went for the serious trainer and got these ones from Hoka. I have them as running shoes in a different colour and they are so comfy that I decided to get the black pair. I wear them with dresses and skirts, but then I don't care about them looking too trainer-y.

www.hokaoneone.eu/en/ie/gift-guide-bestsellers/clifton-6/1102873.html?dwvar_1102873_color=BWHT

OverByYer · 25/01/2020 13:20

I have Saucony Jazz Vintage, love the 80s styling and huge colour choice
www.saucony.com/UK/en_GB/womens-originals-jazz-vintage/

PiedImperial · 25/01/2020 20:20

I've been eyeing up Axel Arigato trainers for ages - they look gorgeous.

To the PPs who have them - are they worth the money? How well do they last?

Growingboys · 25/01/2020 20:56

Nike Air Max - I got some heavily discounted on ASOS the other day and all my richest/coolest friends keep asking me where I got them. So satisfying!

MrsMaudwatts · 25/01/2020 21:05

Crime London!!! Sooooo comfortable and loads of styles.

Deariedrearyme · 25/01/2020 21:08

I have Air Force 1's and my biggest ever splurge my Gucci's. Both mega comfy and can be worn with anything

MissClareRemembers · 25/01/2020 21:30

I love Stan Smiths. I’ve got stupid feet - fallen arches and general awfulness plus I have to wear an orthotic insole. My Stans are the comfiest trainers I have.

I also have these which suit my stupid feet!

www.oliverbonas.com/accessories/animal-print-brown-leather-lace-up-trainers-240212#selection.color=Tan

Which trainers would you recommend?
BubblyWater · 25/01/2020 22:03

www.theiconic.com.au/574-women-s-991178.html

I just bought these and am now dithering and thinking that i should have bought this style instead.
www.theiconic.com.au/courtline-319-1-sneakers-women-s-869247.html

MrsD28 · 27/01/2020 14:54

Thank you so much for all of these suggestions. I have looked at all of them and I think two pairs might be the answer: a black "runner" style trainer (Nike Internationalist / Saucony Jazz etc) and then more of a basketball shoe - I really like the look of the selection at Jigsaw and M&S. I had a very dispiriting trawl around the "fashion" trainer shops today (Offspring, Schuh, Size? etc) and really hated all of the options so thank you for these recommendations! Going to head to M&S tomorrow...

OP posts:
MooseBeTimeForSummer · 27/01/2020 15:03

I’ve had Allbirds for about a year. They stink. And you need to keep your toenails in check. Mine are starting to wear thin at the front where the toes meet the upper. I think I’m going to put my big toe through them some day soon.

Buggedandconfused · 27/01/2020 15:05

I just bought some Veja V10’s
Also love Adidas Continental 80’s

BillyAndTheSillies · 27/01/2020 15:09

My current go to are the Comme Des garçons low converse. They're fun and the soles are padded so loads more comfortable than normal converse.

Have also got the M&S leopard print trainers up thread....so comfortable and always get compliments.

Mominatrix · 27/01/2020 15:17

I have a variety of trainers (superga, adidas stans, converse all stars, golden goose mays, asics gel kayano/kinsei/fujitrabuko, and Hogan). The least comfortable are the converse - no support and, and chilly. The golden goose look the best on my feet, but are significantly more expense. I like the Supergas because they are platform (I am short) and comfortable. The most comfortable are the Asics, but they are used for running (I need shoes for treadmill, road, and trail hence the different styles).

The best all-rounder and one of the cheapest are the Adidas.

MaryST7 · 03/02/2020 18:06

New Balance, so comfy and cool! I have them in 3 colours :) Usually buy from eBay to get a bargain. You are welcome 😊

Which trainers would you recommend?
JFM27 · 03/02/2020 18:34

I love proper Converse.I am quite lucky having tiny feet, a 2,i buy youths,nearly half what adults are and they are exactly the same as adults.Their leather ones are great too,ive gorgeous cream and gold pair.

Converse are really comfy,I went to Westfield last summer with 2 friends,wore my converse,one of my friends ballet pumps,other those special kind of sandals,forget the name,but they not cheap.I was only one whos feet didnt hurt at all,on a hot June day.

rookiemere · 03/02/2020 18:38

That's funny as I didn't get on with Converse trainers at all. Far too flat so offered no support for my feet so ended up giving them to the charity shop, practically unworn.

Soosiesoo · 03/02/2020 18:44

Adidas campus!

I have the black and white ones and they are flattering on my size 8 feet and skinny ankles (the ultimate in clown feet chic, usually!)

PinkSparklyPussyCat · 03/02/2020 18:47

I love my Stan Smiths. Mine are white with rose pink at the heel and the are so comfortable and go with anything. I'm trying to justify getting a black pair but I'm worried they look old fashioned!

Dilovescake21 · 03/02/2020 19:01

adidas Stan Smith. Comfy and stylish.

slipperyeel · 03/02/2020 19:15

I have loads of pairs of trainers. My favourites are nike NMD and Adidas superstars.

I also have a plain white leather pair from mint velvet which I also really rate. I wear them for work.

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