Trainers for a non trainer wearer

[AlltheFs]

I have never got on with trainers since I was about 15, haven’t owned any for about 16 years and the ones I had then were used very occasionally at the gym. Have never worn them casually as an adult as can never seem to find them comfortable at the heel (they either slop or rub) and always feel ridiculous in them somehow, like my feet look massive and the laces always look wrong.

I’d really like to be a trainer person though in Spring/Summer. I live in boots all winter and find the transition period before sandals really hard.

Almost 46 years old, size 6 very flat feet despite my mother’s efforts with shoe fitting, with a narrow heel but wide-ish toes. Where do I start? I’m not worried about super fashionable but don’t want to look like a twat either-DD starts school this year so I do not want to be an embarrassing parent if poss.

To wear with jeans mostly. Also not pure white, I live rurally and am lazy at shoe cleaning, so something that suits looking slightly grubby rather than box fresh as I won’t maintain that!

I'm the opposite I fell in love with trainers at 14 especially with my Nike air max back then

I've worn trainers ever since

I'll only wear trainers I know have been designed to do their job properly

So I have Nike, Adidas, NB, ASICS, Sketchers, Hoff, converse (latter is not really built for comfort unless you buy the thicker soles one) I can't remember what else I have

They have all the technology and use the best materials out there and fully support my lovely happy feet

I also love my Arizona Birkenstocks so you might find they suit you for the school run on non rainy days

I wear darker leather trainers in the winter and lighter leather or material ones for the summer

ASICS are my sport / gym trainers not my day to day wear with jeans ones

If you're not sure you'll get on with them, don't waste a load of cash.

https://www.mandmdirect.com/01/details/RH30868/Reebok-Classics-Womens-Reebok-Glide-SP-Trainers-Chalk-Chalk-Blue

I'd have a look on somewhere like MandM Direct and see what you fancy. I'm about to buy some (white, hence no link) Puma Calis to replace my old ones.

I’ve bought some Adidas SL 72s. Wonderfully comfortable, supportive and don’t look to bulky or trainerish.

Not a massive help as I do wear white trainers - I love the look - but I have never been a “trainer” person ! Always heeled boots or heels , or sandals . But , as I’ve got older I’ve got more about comfort but I still like to feel I look good and don’t want to change my clothing style . I have a pair of white Valentino trainers - not cheap , but in all honesty not much more than most trainers , I think they were about £180. I wear them with everything - jeans , a nice outfit of like leather look trousers and a black top ( my go to for going out 🤣 ) , dresses , shorts , casual leggings outfits - I have got so much use out of them! They wash well too - they’re white but I have these like industrial strength wipes used for cleaning cars and they just wipe the dirt off ! I got these 2 years ago and they are showing their age a little I guess , but they still have use in them! I also have converse that I think go with anything! They also look fine if they’re battered too! Carvella do some nice trainers too - they go lovely with summer dresses ( I’m a teacher and they’re a staple in the summer ! ) .

Although I’m not a fan of “ trainers” I do have some Nike Air Force too that I always felt looked bulky , but I got some being a sheep and they are so comfy and go with a lot of things - not as dressy though . However , these don’t wash well - admittedly I have had them a while , longer than my Valentino’s , but they’ve became out of shape when washed so now they are pretty much just for gardening / dog walks in muddy places etc .

Actual trainers - I have a few pair of adidas ones that I only wear to the gym or to walk the dog … I have to say they are so comfy !

I struggle massively with trainers. They can easily cut my leg off and also just feel scruffy on me. I have narrow long feet. Much prefer boots or sandals.

One thing to maybe look at is a pair the same colour as your bottoms so if you usually wear black, black trainers. That way they extend the leg and don't show such an obvious join between leg and foot. Declan Donnelly was doing this on a clip from Saturday Night Takeaway the other day and he is short, made his legs look less so.

I've also had success with this sort of thing, so lower vamp and shows more of the foot. But not really trainers.
www.newlook.com/uk/womens/footwear/shoes/stone-linen-effect-slip-on-trainers/p/889590912

I have the same problem and I've just bought some slazenger trainers which are so comfortable. The way to stop the heels from rubbing is to buy ones that lace up close to the front of the ankle. Some, like my aforesaid Slazengers, have an extra hole at the top of the lace holes which is slightly offset. Using this extra hole tightens the shoe firmly to the ankle so it doesn't rub.