Once reserved for gym sessions and dog walks, trainers 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 formal-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.
