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Trainer experts, I need your advice. Which white trainers?

43 replies

RaspberryThief · 13/07/2021 10:22

Looking for a pair of white trainers that strike a proper balance between style and comfort. I already have sturdy black Merrell walking trainers for hill walking, but I need something that will do me for a few hours walking around town while looking more stylish than the Merrells. I like the style of Superga white canvas (Cotu Classic?) as they are so neat and will go with dresses and skirts as well as jeans and chinos, but probably need something with a slightly thicker sole for a few hours shopping or sightseeing? Any suggestions for something stylish and not too clumpy that is also comfortable and supportive?

I was looking at Nike Air Force 1, Nike New Balance, these Vejas, and these chunkier Supergas. Any recommendations/ones to avoid?

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Doggitydog · 13/07/2021 10:27

Adidas Stan smiths?
Converse?

RaspberryThief · 13/07/2021 10:32

Thanks. I looked at Stan Smiths but was less keen when I found they aren't leather, so I didn't think they'd be as waterproof or hardwearing as similar-ish leather ones. Converse I like the look of but assume they would be similar comfort level to the Superga canvas ones (I might actually get the canvas Supergas anyway, but would still need an additional pair with more cushioned soles).

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TalkedTooMuchStayedTooLong · 13/07/2021 10:34

The Air Force 1s are super popular with "the youth" round here...

minipie · 13/07/2021 10:37

I tried those Vejas in store and they were so uncomfy I took them straight off again. Like wearing bricks. I am used to New Balance 574s mind you which are like wearing slippers, so perhaps I’m spoiled.

Sonarl · 13/07/2021 10:39

I got sucked in by the vejs thing and honestly, they're unwearable and crap quality. I've gone back to air force 1s now and won't be parted from them. So comfy once worn in. I will be the oldest person in AF1 embarrassing the youth.

Ninkanink · 13/07/2021 10:40

Air and Grace.

RaspberryThief · 13/07/2021 10:41

That's annoying, @minipie. Thanks for the recommendation to avoid. I actually much prefer the style of the Vejas and the Supergas looks-wise, but I am worried about them not being as comfortable as a "proper" trainer brand like Nike...

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AmberRoseGold · 13/07/2021 10:42

I ordered onitsuka tiger white trainers based on MN threads and like them. Leather, comfy and I think they look alright.

mrstea301 · 13/07/2021 10:50

I've just got a pair of Adidas superstars and love them! White with black stripes. Had a bit of an issue with blisters on my heels but I get that a lot with new shoes anyway, they have good chunky soles and are really comfortable!

Zengarden001 · 13/07/2021 10:53

I can't wear converse due to pf. I wear Adidas Sleek now. Comfy & leather, only had them 3-4 months so not sure how hard wearing. They are narrow fitting. I have a pair of supergas but I find them uncomfortable after 2-3 hours.

everybloodyusername · 13/07/2021 11:02

My Reebok are very comfortable and I like the way they look. They're called Princess I think.

Carelessdresser · 13/07/2021 11:53

Teacher here and airforce 1’s are definitely the trainer of choice for the chavvy Y9’s! Literally did a project around them as they love them Grin Would avoid if possible.

minipie · 13/07/2021 12:25

That’s it - I’m getting airforce 1s just to annoy the teenagers Grin

Sooverthemill · 13/07/2021 12:40

@RaspberryThief

Thanks. I looked at Stan Smiths but was less keen when I found they aren't leather, so I didn't think they'd be as waterproof or hardwearing as similar-ish leather ones. Converse I like the look of but assume they would be similar comfort level to the Superga canvas ones (I might actually get the canvas Supergas anyway, but would still need an additional pair with more cushioned soles).
Leather Stan smiths are leather! You can also get canvas ones. Ive had mine 3 winters. I also have Veja campo ( very comfortable for me) and Rio Branco ( also like walking on air) and air and grace are very comfortable too. Personally I don't like converse or suoerga. Any Adidas would be comfortable and the continental get great reviews.
Sonarl · 13/07/2021 12:43

You can get goretex waterproof Air Force 1s too, I have. Pair in black I use for hiking. This enrages my teens Grin

Fabuleuse · 13/07/2021 12:47

I don't often see this style mentioned but I've got Adidas Coast Star with bright pink stripes - leather upper and very cushioned and comfortable right from when I got them. Wee bit squeaky when I walk which is a tad annoying but love the comfort and they go well with dresses. I also like the look of Adidas Sleek.

Geamhradh · 13/07/2021 12:49

Fitflop Rally are my white trainer of choice Fitflop technology so good for arch support and PF. I live in them. White in summer, black in winter.

Staywithmemyblood · 13/07/2021 13:01

What about old Skool vans in white @RaspberryThief ? Yes, they are another brand popular with teenagers (although they usually have the black and white ones), but they are super comfy and more robust than converse, but not as clumpy as the ubiquitous Air Force one’s. They are a bit too flat for me (got to be careful due to plantar fasciitis 😬) but for trekking round the shops for a few hours they’re great 👍🏻

MNybvcx54 · 13/07/2021 19:28

I just got a lovely pair from Hobbs of all places. Freda leather trainers

RaspberryThief · 13/07/2021 22:10

Thanks for all the suggestions! Just working my way through them. Might have to give Air Force 1s a miss if they are such a teenage staple - I wasn't hugely sold on them style wise anyway, so... Grin Interesting to know about the leather Stan Smiths. I like the look of Air and Grace but not sure they deliver to my area.

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todaysdilemma · 13/07/2021 22:14

I have the canvas Vejas and they are very very very comfy straight out of the box. None of the issues the leather vejas have around stiffness. I walk a lot and on day 1 of wearing them did a 14k circuit around the city. No pain or blisters and they look very elegant on the foot - not clunky at all. By far the best trainer I've owned!

www.featherandstitch.com/veja/nova-canvas-trainers-white-yellow/

ramonaquimby · 13/07/2021 22:30

I’ve got the white leather Stan smiths. Super comfy

alloutofcareunits · 13/07/2021 22:48

I'm 53 and wear Nike Air Force 1s, very very comfortable! I work with teenagers and they compliment me on them rather than taking the piss, which they wouldn't hesitate to do if they thought I was too old for them!

FreekStar2 · 13/07/2021 23:02

My Stan Smiths are definitely leather- they are really nice leather actually and give a lot.

RaspberryThief · 14/07/2021 11:58

OK, I'm probably being really stupid here but could someone link me to where you found your white leather Stan Smiths? I can only find synthetic ones.

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