The perfect all-round trainers. Do they exist?

[Suffolker]

I’m looking for some new trainers for this summer. We’re interrailing in Europe, so will need to travel light. Only one pair of sandals and one pair of all-purpose trainers. They need to be VERY comfortable, lightweight but robust enough for walking in the mountains as well as reasonably stylish for the city. Does such a thing exist? I’ve been looking at these but I’ve never had any New Balance trainers before. I’m 51 and need something with a supportive sole. Any ideas please, or am I seeking the impossible??

I probably would choose something darkish coloured - white based trainers are going to get grubby looking pretty quickly. Maybe look at lightweight walking shoes?

I did something similar last year and got some North Face Vectiv walking shoes ( they have different ones - some were a bit too stiff/high at the back). They are light weight but actual walking trainers so great for hikes etc.

I like Allbirds mizzles. I have them in dark blue and they do everything I want them to do. But they only have a normal trainer type sole, so you couldn't climb or hike on rough terrain in them really. More for hikes with paths

I've had a few pairs of New balance over the years and I've always found them to be supportive and hard-wearing. I wore 373s s my only footwear when i went to London for the weekend.

I like giesswein sneakers and barefoots.
Dead light and comfy, plus merino wool so no socks needed as theyre anti bac and anti stinky.
https://uk.giesswein.com/collections/merino-shoes-women

I was going to suggest Veja venturis which are very similar to those NB ones. Love mine.
Go for a darker colourway though.

Scarpa Mojitos - whole range of colours and gortex options if you need that.

I didn't need a new pair of trainers but have purchased some of the New Balance ones, they said to size up so fingers crossed they fit well.

Thanks all. I agree the sensible option would probably be walking shoes, but I was hoping for something that might also look ok with a summer dress (asking for the impossible I expect!). Those Veja ones look good @Bearpawk but perhaps slightly chunkier looking than the NB ones? I guess I’m just going to have to try a load on.

If I were doing that trip I would wear my black Nike Downshifters. They are described as everyday running shoes. They are very light, super-comfy, but still look OK walking round a city.

how about these?

https://www.sorelfootwear.co.uk/p/womens-kinetic-breakthru-day-lace-trainer-1986301.html?dwvar_1986301_color=348

I’d take low-top Converse on the grounds that proper trainers would be too hot, but everyone on here seems to think they’re uncomfortable.

If you want trainers that are light, supportive and will be comfy from day one, I’d get Sketchers.

I know they aren’t the height of style but they are the trainer of choice for vacationing middle aged Americans for a good reason. I interrailed in mine last year, DS in his and they were perfect for long distances and hot days.

Are they comfy? I’ve been considering them, love the look but keep reading that they’re very hard to break in + blister central!

This is one of my favourite websites for trainers. (Warning - may result in a shopping spree!)

https://fredfunk.co.uk/collections/trainers?page=1

Remonte and Reiker are some of the most comfortable footwear I own. Recommended after I had plantar fasciitis but none of the others give me much trouble anymore.

I'd get a pair of Hoka trail or hiking shoes or similar. They are really comfortable and suitable for city and country walking see here I went on holiday last year with just trainers and my then bf wore some of these - they were perfect for what we needed. I struggled with trainers on the hills.

Oooo, these look good! I'd have to get them shipped abroad, can you offer any advice on sizing? I seem to be between sizes on their chart.

Stan Smiths are so comfy and look good with everything. Cheap too, so can replace them when they start looking grubby.

Absolutely those New Balance 327, I honestly absolutely live in mine, perfect for what you're describing! Size up 0.5 size and get a darker colour though!

I second Hokas

I recommend this brand, On Clouds. Heavily (I am not small) tested, multiple pursuits. All good. Perhaps this type for what you want: www.on.com/en-gb/products/cloud-5-59/womens/nimbus-alloy-shoes-59.98371

So much to choose from! Thanks for all the suggestions. I’m going to try on the NB ones but also look at some proper walking shoes. I wouldn’t discount Sketchers at all (just wondering if they are supportive enough?). I also really like the look of those On Clouds @Kleptronic

I would suggest Hoka Anacapa GTX, they are waterproof, hard wearing and look stylish - https://www.hoka.com/en/gb/hiking-range/anacapa-low-gore-tex/196565303318.html

I've heard good things about this brand too - https://shop.tropicfeel.com/pages/waterfriendly-footwear-ss24

I take a mens 8 or 9, and the 8s (EU42) fit me, they come up a little long so id go smaller if you're in between, just dont shoot me if im wrong!

Maybe google an international size chart first as im really not sure of women's sizing due to the size of my hooves!

New Balances are my go to trainer, they're the most comfortable things I've ever had and it takes very little wearing in to make them feel like slippers. I wouldn't do serious hillwalking in them though, I think you're going to need something a bit more robust for that. Maybe have a look at trail running shoes?