As a child who was typically found bounding about in trainers, I often dreamt of wearing high heels to an office. The day I heard the clip-clop of stilettos hitting the marble lobby floor, I reasoned, would be the day I knew I was a grown-up.
Fast-forward 20 years and I fear my childhood self would be severely disappointed. Not in my choice of career — which has given me the opportunity to march across a marble lobby floor every morning, and wax lyrical about such revered items of footwear as Alexander McQueen’s Armadillo shoes and Manolo Blahnik’s Hangisi pumps — but in the hugely practical, rubber-soled and determinedly flat trainers that rarely leave my feet.
There is one consolation I can offer my shoe-obsessed soul: the designer trainer. This seemingly counterintuitive combo is nothing short of ingenious, allowing one to saunter down the street in Christian Louboutin red soles without having to squeeze one’s foot into a patent court. Or to own accessories by Gucci and Chloé that aren’t sculptural sandals reserved for special occasions (read: consigned to collect dust at the bottom of the wardrobe).
In fact, the best women’s trainers have little in common with the mud-splattered, cross country-running kind of my youth, or the springy, fluoro sneakers so often paired with Lycra at the gym. True, luxury fashion houses such as Miu Miu and Jacquemus have ensured that this particular item of designer footwear is fit for purpose by partnering with sports stalwarts including New Balance and Nike. But as seen on the runways of Loewe, Prada and Celine — and below — the high-fashion trainer is every bit as pretty as it is practical.
The best women’s fashion trainers to shop now
Loewe Flow Runner suede and shell low-top trainers
Loewe’s sneakers are defined by a low-top silhouette, round-toe design and distinctive waved-rubber sole that extends from toe to heel. Crafted from suede and technical nylon, the Flow Runner takes its inspiration from traditional sports shoes and comes in an assortment of jolly colour combinations. £650, Loewe at Selfridges
Golden Goose Soul-Star metallic leather sneakers
While no one would advise you to buy a scuffed sports car, there are certain luxury items, such as trainers and jeans, which look better after a little wearing-in. In fact, sporting a box-fresh pair of whiter-than-white trainers can be seen as a fashion faux pas. The Italian label Golden Goose is known for the pre-worn aesthetic of its “perfectly imperfect” sneakers, which have been deliberately scuffed, treated and aged to save you the hassle. £355, Golden Goose at Mytheresa
Chloé Nama sneaker
Chloé’s Nama sneakers are a true labour of love — they are finished in an immaculate blanket stitch that takes 4.5 hours to complete by hand. The lightweight design is defined by a chunky, ridged and speckled sole with a platform heel, and crafted in a mix of suede cowhide and sheepskin. £670, Chloé
Gucci women’s G75 sneaker
One sure way to elevate the humble trainer is to swap classic canvas for plush velvet, as Gucci proves with its new version of the G75 (available in a variety of colourways and in suede as well as velvet). The sleek, streamlined silhouette takes its cue from vintage tennis shoes and this bordeaux red colour is spot-on for the current season. £750, Gucci
The Row Mica leather sneakers
Trust the quiet luxury brand The Row to create the perfect pair of minimalist trainers. These Italian-crafted sneakers have a gently squared toe and subtle quilting, and are available in this ivory colour or staple black. £1,060, The Row at Net-a-Porter
Tod’s sneakers in leather
Tod’s pristine white leather sneakers make a compelling case for the grown-up trainer. The elegant silhouette pays homage to vintage basketball-shoe designs, while the signature rubber “pebbles” embossed on the sole and up the heel add character and stability. Crafted from supple calfskin, these trainers are far superior to their canvas counterparts. £790, Tod’s
Dries Van Noten leather and suede sneakers
Dries Van Noten, a member of the influential Antwerp Six fashion-design group in the 1980s, is renowned for his innovative use of patterns, textures and colours. These retro black suede, runner-inspired trainers complement his eclectic ready-to-wear collections beautifully. £360, Dries Van Noten at Mytheresa
Marni leather sneakers
Marni’s trainers are designed with a streamlined silhouette that closely resembles football boots. Despite this athletic aesthetic, they are ideal for off-the-pitch wear, especially when styled with floor-puddling denim. £535, Marni at Net-a-Porter
Bottega Veneta Orbit Flash sneaker
Under the creative direction of Louise Trotter, Bottega Veneta’s Orbit sneakers are evolving. Previous seasons featured a sportier, chunkier design in futuristic metallics, but the new silhouette is sleek, minimalist and low-top. These calfskin suede sneakers also incorporate a rubber outsole with a tread inspired by the brand’s signature Intrecciato pattern. £760, Bottega Veneta
Maison Margiela Sprinter leather and brushed suede-trimmed shell sneakers
The latest women’s trainer from this French fashion house, founded in 1988 by the Belgian designers Martin Margiela and Jenny Meirens, is a contemporary take on vintage running shoes. The look is deconstructed, with panels of leather, brushed suede and quilted nylon. £720, Maison Margiela at Net-a-Porter
Miu Miu logo leather sneakers
Miu Miu’s cushioned, chunky white trainers blend casual comfort with high fashion. The brand, recognised for its distinctive double-lace fastening, has cemented its position in the luxury trainer market through its popular collaboration with New Balance. £750, Miu Miu at Mytheresa
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