Trainers that won't make you look like Larry David
Because that's always the fear, isn't it?
*This is a long post so make sure you don’t get cut off by your email provider by clicking' ‘download entire email” at the very top. There are two parts to it too- trainers to buy above the paywall and how to style trainers in 2025 below it. Enjoy!
This week I have been in Amsterdam where I’ve been on an awful lot of organised coach trips. (If you want to get to the tulips fields which are ablaze at this time of year, then I’m afraid there is no other way. And yes, as ever trip itinerary incoming next week for paid subscribers. This is on top of all my other itineraries for Copenhagen, Paris, Provence etc..)
This means I have been spending a large amount of time with those over 75. This is not an issue for me by the way, because as many of you know I love an older companion. Hanging out with those who no longer have anything to prove other than that every last drop should be joyously squeezed out of life is a pretty intoxicating experience if you ask me. But there is an awful lot of trainer-wearing going on with this age-group, particularly with the guys who really nail that baggy jeans/chinos and trainers look so well.
It occurred to me however as I was stood in line with a 30-strong tour group from Pensacola, that there’s a huge amount of cross-over between the trainer trend that has gripped the fashion world for the last half decade and how my retired friends from Florida have been styling themselves for the last twenty years.
Now if you are 18 you can both dress exactly the same. Teenagers and supermodels (who are all basically teenagers) can all wear ‘Dad’ trainers and look ironically cool. But people like me? We end up looking exactly like Dad.
So in today’s post I thought I’d do a round-up of the best trainers that don’t scream Viking cruise tour (I’m afraid that means Sketchers and Hoka are out, even if Hoka has just done a collaboration with Marni.) I have also done a little ‘how to style’ trainers beneath the paywall as there are some basic dos and don’ts . (I mean you can do what you want, obviously, but I’m also aware many of you like to know these things.)
So anyway….
The Metallic One
Trust the Danes to perfect the truly fugly trainer- and at a very reasonable price too. Arkks are slightly under the radar which means I like them a lot and they do that craggy, chunky soul which is still very fashionable very well indeed. Metallic is big news for this season (though I’d say silver is always better than gold), plus it’s basically a neutral so you can them wear with anything.
The Elevated One
If, like me, you’ve ever laid awake in bed at night thinking ‘I wonder what trainers by The Row would look like this…’ then this is your answer. Devastatingly understated, these are the sort of trainers that could pass for dinner, yacht drinks AND to go and get the Sunday papers. Very nice, very expensive, very chic.
The On-Trend One
There are three major trainer trends this season: red, trinkets and a supersized trail running sole. These tick every box. I saw numerous very stylish individuals on the streets of Copenhagen in these and if you fancy a pair- which I do, you need to be quick as they are selling out fast.
The Eighties Icon
High tops were seen on the catwalks of both Loewe and Stella McCartney this season (these are the Loewe ones which I also like very much) and are ideal for making everyone look at least ten per cent cooler than they actually are. High tops are making a real comeback and I’d put money on these being the stand out ones to buy. Or if it doesn’t make you feel too nostalgic for 1992 then a pair of Reebok high tops are just the ticket too. I like these ones.
The Mountaineering Trainer
Hiking is a look nowadays. Just scrunch down your knee length socks to mid calf height and team with a skirt and you’re done! I especially like these which have a soft colourway to counterbalance that chunky ‘military tank’ style sole.
The Super Minimalist One
I have several pair of Vans slip-ons; either in white, black or the classic checkerboard. (They also make very good gardening shoes for the summer months to tip-toe in and out of your borders in). They have strong nineties vibes which is still very much a thing. I’ve popped some especially good ways to style them below. Oh and they are cheap as chips.
The Bowling Trainer
Harry Styles literally just stepped out in these (don’t let that put you off) which shows just how fashionable they are right now. Yes they look like something you might see down at St Ives bowling club, but teamed with some white tennis socks threy are good to go. I especially like them because they are one of the few trainer styles that make your feet look small and dainty. Anyway if I had a bunch of money these are what I’d love to prance around in all summer long.
The Ninja Trainer
There’s something very beguiling about a black trainer. It’s very Belgian designer, if you know what I mean. It’s knowing. Very adult. Smart too. These are by Salomon who are cranking out some killer trainers right now. (Stella McCartney also does an excellent pair of black trainers that you can find here.)
The Tonal One
These are SO good. I mean so good. In fact if you are in the market for a pair of ‘wear with anything’ lifestyle trainers then I think you can’t go far wrong with New Balance. (I just bought these in Amsterdam yesterday afternoon as they didn’t have the above style.) Anyway these basically have all the on-trend elements you want- a paired down Balenciaga-inspried sole, a flash of metallic, a chunky-ish silhouette- whilst also feeling soft and elegant because of the immaculate tonal colours.
The White Classic
Still my absolute favourite all-round white classic trainer for wearing with slip dresses, jeans and anything else you care to throw them together with. Nothing will work harder for you.
The Trail Shoe
Bright trail running shoes with a platform sole were everywhere at fashion week and I can think of no better version than these by New Balance and Hierro. (Yes I also bought these yesterday and am wearing them as we speak. They give me a very jaunty gait because the sole is like a giant cumulonimbus cloud…which is a good thing.)
How to style trainers in 2025