15 of the most stylish fashion trainers to elevate your summer wardrobe

Once reserved for gym sessions and dog walks, trainer have transcended their functional beginnings to become a mainstay of the modern wardrobe and are now even classed as a key fashion find. Combining comfort with sleek shapes and chic colour pairings, the modern trainer is a far cry from the rubber-soled runners we used to pull on for P.E, largely thanks to the luxury labels who reimagined the sturdy shoes through a more fashion-focused lens. And they’re only proving more popular, says Net-a Porter's fashion director, Kay Barron.

“People have long invested in luxury bags and jewellery, however now there’s a noticeable shift toward investing in luxury trainers,” she shares. “Thanks to the rise of elevated sportswear, trainers are increasingly featured on the runway, with designers creating styles that fit with their brand’s aesthetic – whether ultra-feminine, sporty, minimalist, or bold.” So, luckily for us, there’s no shortage of styles to choose from, including options from sportswear brands that have also become part of the functional fashion sector.

Lifting the lid on what chic women are actually shopping, Barron emphasised, “over the past six months, there has been a notable surge in customer searches for trainers,” and a handful of brands are in the limelight. On Net-a-Porter, searches for New Balance sneakers are up 443 per cent, Golden Goose by 172 per cent, Valentino by 105 per cent, and lesser-known Autry by an impressive 187 per cent, proving that both luxury and sports labels have mastered the art of the fashion trainer.

Plus, unsurprisingly, fan-favourite Adidas is still the trainer brand du jour, although Sambas have fallen from the fashion trainer pedestal with all eyes now on the Japan model. Yet, of course, they’re just as easy to style – everything from a simple jeans and T-shirt look to a sequinned skirt and of fromal-fitting-blazer can instantly be made cooler with the addition of an eye-catching sneaker.

So, whether you’re drawn to retro classics, bold colours or sleek minimalist designs, there’s a perfect pair waiting. Below, discover 15 of the best fashion trainers to add to your collection.

The 15 best fashion trainers to buy now

The everyday runner

New Balance 9060 trainers

As Barron emphasised, New Balance is having a huge moment. Traversing the activewear realm to become a fashion piece, they’re just as comfy as they are chic, making them the perfect pick for errand-running days.

The bright option

Loewe Flow Runner

Loewe’s Flow Runner sneakers come in a range of bright and bold hues, from baby blue to vivid pink and, of course, this gorgeous green pair. So, if you’re looking for a head-turning pair of trainers, they’re sure to be hard to beat, whether you clash outfit colours, make a full monochrome look or even style with a simple white T-shirt and jeans.

The worn style

Golden Goose Superstars

Designed to look well-loved, Golden Goose trainers totally rival the idea of ‘box fresh’. Adding a dose of personality to any outfit, metallic stars, glitter and even rainbow laces can all feature on these fun shoes, meaning they can make even the simplest of looks more eye-catching.

A unique pick

Alohas TB 490

Barcelona-based label Aloha’s has quickly become a fashion fan favourite with its small design runs and made-to-order collections, meaning you’re less than likely to run into someone wearing the same style. This vibrant pink pair, however, is sure to turn heads. Pair with jeans and a simple tee for a laidback look or a colour-coordinating dress for maximalist impact.

The marmite shoe

Louis Vuitton LV Sneakerina

Sitting somewhere between a trainer and a ballet flat, Louis Vuitton’s new Sneakerina is commanding a lot of attention. Perfect for those who prefer a more delicate shoe, consider it your everyday go-to for (almost) every occasion.

Say it with suede

Autry Windspin sneakers

Offering a softer, more of-the-moment alternative to leather are chic suede trainers. While a number of brands are stepping into the fabric, Barron highlights Autry as one of the most in-demand right now. Plus, this vibrant red shade will effortlessly elevate any look.

The movie icon

Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66

After shooting to fame around 20 years ago on the feet of Uma Thurman in Kill Bill, Onitsuka Tiger trainers are back in the spotlight – specifically the famous vibrant yellow shade. While styling such a statement piece may seem daunting, classic jeans or white linen trousers won’t go amiss.

The sustainable pick

Veja Recife

Veja trainers have long been spotted on the feet of many a fashion fan. Famous for their minimalist design and impressive sustainability credentials, this is the brand to turn to for trainers that really work with every outfit.

Keep it classic

Dries Van Noten leather trainers

Similarly to the Dries Van Noten lipsticks, the brand’s trainers are a bestseller and easily slip into the quiet luxury aesthetic with no loud logo. This black colourway will seamlessly slot into the wardrobes of all-black outfit lovers.

The metallic fave

Adidas Sambas

Silver trainers are in the style spotlight thanks to the hugely popular Wales Bonner x Adidas style that shot to fashion fame a few seasons ago and is now almost impossible to get hold of. Luckily, the sports brand has made its own version of the metallic style that can be worn with anything from black trousers and a fine knit to linen skirts and dresses.

The pop of colour

Valentino Upvillage

While Valentino’s signature studded trainers are still hugely popular, it’s the brand's boldly coloured suede sneakers that are currently gaining plenty of attention. A statement shoe that’s sure to inject joy into the simplest outfit, they’re a great find for summer.

Easy-to-style

Adidas Originals Japan trainer

Adidas Originals are a classic for good reason and, as Barron highlights, they’re only becoming more popular. The Adidas style du jour? The Japan trainer, and this off-white pair will seamlessly pair with the majority of any wardrobe.

The preppy update

Miu Miu suede trainers

With its preppy style and striking colour palettes, Miu Miu is one of the most in-demand brands of the moment. Yet while the luxury labels New Balance trainer collabs quite quickly sell-out, the own brand styles are just as sleek.

The sporty option

On Running Cloudtilt

If comfort is a key component when trainer shopping, few brands combine function and fashion like On Running. The brand's signature CloudTec cushioning will put a real spring in your step while the cream shade is easy to style around.

The great collab

Nike x Jacquemus sneakers

Having seen great success, Nike and Jacquemus have collaborated yet again for a third sporty chic collection. One of the most popular pieces to date? The Air Humara LX "Beige" sneakers that combine fashion with function.

Lead image: Getty Images

This article originally appeared on Harper'sBazaar.com/uk

 

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