Trainers - leopard print or chocolate suede?

[TwentyTwoLizards]

Help me MNetters. I am early 40s and finding my own style again after years of running after small children. Fashion has changed in the last 10 or 15 years (where has the time gone) and I’m feeling a bit lost. What do you think of these trainers to go with wide leg trousers? I liked the idea of the leopard print but wasnt convinced when I tried them on. Are they good or just naff? I don’t usually wear leopard print but love it on others. Should I play it safe with the chocolate suede trainers or no?

I do frequent long haul travel for work so they seemed like quite comfy options.

Option 1 - Leopard Print https://www.johnlewis.com/carvela-veneto-leopard-print-trainers-multi/p115479724?size=5

Option 2 - Chocolate suede
https://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/product/carvela-daze-suede-trainers_R04660722/#colour=DARK%20BROWN

I like your thinking! Refuse to choose ❤️

Like others, I would stick with Spezials or new balance. I have both in a variety of colours and they are comfortable and go with most of my outfits.

I’m laughing because by the time I posted this thread I had already ordered both and had high hopes. I have tried them on now and had I not already read all of this, I think I probably would have just felt confused by why I didn’t like them, kept them and anyway and then given up on my wardrobe and footwear for another 10 years. I went out today and bought some lovely shoes instead (and I am returning the trainers I originally linked).

Leopard print is just... well, tacky! I don't like any animal print really on humans. The brown are fine and would go with more outfits, but honestly you should just wear what you like and to hell with everyone else!

If it helps I have the Adidas Breaknet trainers in a dark chocolate brown suede with off white stripes. They have a retro look & also a cushioned insoles. Retail for about £55.00 & can get them in half sizes. Sorry I'm not sure how to post a link but mine where off Amazon as I needed the 6.5.

I didn't like the gold bits in either of them. A trainer brand would have been better than a shoe brand. You don't need to give up on trainers altogether. There are plenty out there to choose from.

@TwentyTwoLizards Dark Brown trainers are really good for this winter. The “tacky” comments are ludicrous too given the couture houses that feature leopard print. It’s a little Britain attitude to this print that no other country shares. It’s utterly bizarre how one fictional barmaid can taint it for decades! I’d certainly revisit the brown suede though. It’s perfect.

Why do you have to choose? why don‘t you have both, enabling
brown days or leopard days?

I’d normally say leopard but they are awful with the white bits. Brown much more classy.

It's quite a dated thing to say that leopard print is tacky..obvs it can sometimes but done badly but it can also be chic. The women I've met who say this are always 60+, I think it used to be seen that way but shouldn't be anymore.

Well this 73 year old is wearing leopard print barrel leg trousers today. I love a bit of leopard print.

Leopard print is pretty much a neutral these days imo.

It's true that it's dated to think that leopard print is tacky because it looks like Bet Lynch/Diana Dors/some sort of tarty 1970s reference - that's something that my gran would have thought. However I don't think it's dated to think that leopard print is tacky because it makes you look like every other suburban middle aged mum who recently panic-bought something in Oliver Bonas.

FYI I first remember hearing "leopard print is a neutral" from Caitlin Moran in about 2010 and nothing against Caitlin but that was 16 years ago

Fair point.
I think the key to pulling it off is looking generally cool or stylish in the other stuff you wear. You do see some women dressed very bland or day I say frumpily but with a leopard bag/shoe thrown in the mix to look trendy or 'quirky'. It usually looks naff as it's a bit forced and clearly not their usual vibe.

Well, I’m sure you’re both far more stylish than anybody else on here. And clearly there’s no hope for any of us who are middle aged or live in the suburbs. What classy, young, non suburban delights are you both sporting today, so the rest of us can learn from you?

Sorry, I thought this was a discussion about what looks good/bad and giving our opinion accordingly? If you are this easily affronted maybe the internet is not the place for you. Can only assume we've hit a nerve!

@RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie ffs I said "every other" - obviously I include myself in this age bracket. Leopard print has become a sort of default uniform for a lot of women my age. Personally, I don't like that and I don't think I should apologise for not liking that! Don't ask me anyway, I wfh so I haven't worn shoes all week.

Both 😂 I live in SL72s and have about 40 pairs to go with every outfit. Almost 😝

Get on Far Fetch, Net-A-Porter or similar - sort low to high and see what adidas/new balance/onitsuku they have on there.

Leopard print naff. Especially with the big Carvella writing. It’s like the Michael Kors thing.

Leopard in a more subtle brand might be much better.

and the brown looks like men’s shoes.

sorry!

No nerves hit at all. I haven’t got any leopard print trainers or leopard print bags. But I do like leopard print- so sue me.

Out of the two I prefer the leopard print ones. I love my adidas trainers though and have them in all different colours. I never used to be into trainers at all. Happy shopping!

I agree. It’s everywhere.

Leopards are bad natured animals.