How to wear white trainers

[lazylinguist]

This is probably a silly question . I'm 49 and not very fashion-conscious, but am trying to develop a bit of style! I've never embraced the trainers-with-non-sporty clothes look, but a lot of people whose outfits I like seem to be wearing white (leather?) trainers with even relatively smart clothes.

Sooo I know I'm clueless and well behind the curve, but ... am I a bit old to carry this look off?And if not, can anyone recommend some (preferably fairly inexpensive), not blingy, not sporty, white trainers? I'd ask dd, but I can't face the withering look!

@Zinnia

I had to sell my Internationalists, they're a bloody nightmare on wet pavements (and as I complained on these very boards a while back!) I was quite badly hurt slipping over in them just before lockdown 1. It amazes me Nike continue to sell them with those soles. I know they're "iconic" but surely they've been sued by now??

Sorry rant over. They do look cool though.

Thanks for the heads up with the Internationalists. I'm hoping that where I am (in the South East) we get rain but not as much as some other parts of the country - so should be ok!

@notwavingbutdrowning5

For those looking for wide-fit trainers, I have wide feet and my Vejas are fine.

That’s good to hear, I’d like a pair of veja’s but read reports that they were difficult to wear in and not great for wide feet.

I’m mid 50’s and have embraced the trainer look for the last few years, stans and superga’s are my favourite. I also have a pair of black suede from Mint Velvet which I wear with black opaques in winter.

Like the pair you have ordered lazylinguist

Off to look for veja’s now

I'm the same age and had similar reservations but once I tried them on I don't want to take them off. Allie trainers from mint velvet are incredibly comfortable. I have fully embraced the look now.

I'm the same age and had similar reservations but once I tried them on I don't want to take them off. Allie trainers from mint velvet are incredibly comfortable. I have fully embraced the look now.

Very reassuring - thank you! Mine are arriving tomorrow. Quite apart from the next challenge of suiting them to outfits and waiting until spring to wear them, I am now wondering how often I'll actually get to wear them, since they'll be too casual for work, and the main other place I go (even in non-Covid times) is dog walks. Still, I'm sure I'll look stylish on my weekly Aldi trip.

I have these that I brought recently, I love glitter/sparkle and the stars aren’t too bad 😃
www.johnlewis.com/and-or-edie-star-trainers-white-multi-glitter/p4876060

Very important to look stylish for your weekly Aldi trip :-)

Very important to look stylish for your weekly Aldi trip :-)

Tbf I usually pop into Booths next door too, for the few things I can't get in Aldi. It's probably nore important to look stylish in there.

@CleverCatty I'm in London! The problem with this country (well, one of the problems...) is that you can leave the house in the morning in bright sunshine and come back in a downpour. I really liked the look of my Internationalists but didn't want to play Russian Roulette with the weather every time I wore them!

OP, outfitting white trainers is easier than you think. Start off with cropped trousers and one you get used to the look you can pair them with almost anything.

OP, outfitting white trainers is easier than you think. Start off with cropped trousers and one you get used to the look you can pair them with almost anything.

Thanks! .

White trainers in summer will never date and neither will wide leg black cropped trousers

I wear Stans, but wouldn't wear them in winter unless a very dry, clear day with guaranteed no mud! Chuck them in a pillow case in the washing machine and they come up pretty good.

I wear mine mostly with rolled up jeans, midi dresses and culottes.

I am glad it’s been mentioned about the slippy soles on Internationalists. I bought my first pair in ages recently and almost sold them on as they were very slippy. BUT after a few weeks they are fine now, I guessed that maybe they just needed to be worn in or something. It IS inconvenient though and I wish Nike would do something about it.

I am 46 and nowhere near too old for trainers I would like to think! I bought some white with red Nikes yesterday and also am waiting for some hi top black Nikes which have a leopard print swoosh. Love ‘em.

@lazylinguist

OP, outfitting white trainers is easier than you think. Start off with cropped trousers and one you get used to the look you can pair them with almost anything.

Thanks! .

Doesn't necessarily have to be cropped trousers - wore these with cropped jumpsuit (Next Directory).

They're arriving today - I shall wear them around the house and feel stylish (hopefully).

I would love some white leather flatforms, but am struggling to find some that are a good fit on my wide feet with narrow heels. Superga were no good for my foot shape as the toe box is not wide enough. I would really appreciate any recommendations.

I wear old school vans in black and white with dresses etc and in the summer my go to is white patent puma baskets with the BIG bow laces! I love them and always get compliments on the look (I do recall being a little shy about it at first!)

Most round my way wear Alexander McQueens (or knock offs of!!!!) as their simple white trainer!

They've arrived and they're fab! Very comfortable too. It was a bonus that they came in half sizes - I'm between a 5 and a 6 and it's always tricky buying online, but the 5.5 fits perfectly!

Thanks again for all your help everyone, and the reassurances about not being too old!

Voilá. Turns out it's quite difficult to take a photo of your own feet without getting weird perspective.

They look lovely!

Thank you! They have a very soft foam insole. I think I'll keep them on all evening! Definitely not going out in them - we now have an inch of snow here!

You know you’ve got to keep looking at them and saying “new shoes” don’t you? 😃

Actually I've been looking at them and saying 'sick creps' - apparently that's youth speak for cool trainers.

They look fab @lazylinguist -that's as cool as my language gets!

Those with Veja's, am currently torn between the campo and v-10 although the latter is slightly winning. I'm generally a 4.5 so thinking I should probably size up especially as I have wide trotters?

They look great.

FWIW I am mid fifties and wear white converse with dresses in the summer. I don't care if I am too old.

Thanks! I'm having a wardrobe clearout today, so hopefully I'll come up with lots of outfits to wear them with.