Check our guide to the best trainers below (Image: Getty Images)
Trainers have elevated from the gym floor to the runway in recent years and are now part of our everyday outfits. In recent years, chunky shoes have being replaced by featherlight kicks.
Even Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was seen sporting a pair of trendy Adidas Sambas in an interview, while Kate Middleton is known to be a fan of the Veja Condors. So if you’re looking to update your wardrobe, we’ve compiled a guide to the top trainers for you.
Whether you’re going for a run, hiking, or just out shopping, read on to find a style that suits you.
These are going viral for a reason (Image: Adidas)
Dubbed as the ‘It’ shoe last year, the popularity of Adidas Originals isn’t fading in 2024. We’ve seen celebrities pairing them with oversized fashion staples, reports the Daily Star.
Supermodels Gigi Hadid and Hailey Bieber, along with singer Rihanna, have transformed these timeless classics into a trending must-have. These affordable shoes are lightweight yet durable, with good arch support, making them perfect for long walks or all-day city outings.
The shoes are designed with a low top, covering just about ankle height. If you plan to wear the Samba in winter with thick socks, it might be best to go half a size bigger for a better fit.
The Samba comes in various colour combinations, including the popular “black and white”, and can be purchased from Footlocker for £89.99.
This Asics pair can be your office-to-gym kicks (Image: Asics)
These unisex sport-style shoes bring a new dimension to what some might have previously labelled as the traditional “dad shoe”. The bulky running kicks take up smoke grey, cream and white hues, striving for that 2000s “heritage” appeal.
These are not just stylish but functional as well. They feature a gel cushioning system, incorporating lightweight foams and GEL technology inserts.
The Asics trainers are designed to alleviate or safeguard your foot from undue stress during high impact activities, be it running on a treadmill or engaging in HIIT training.
They are available from the retailer’s website for £145.
The waterproof Merrell is perfect if you need to tackle a hike in the rain (Image: Merrell)
Specially designed to conquer challenging trails, Merrell’s shoes are excellent for hiking endeavours. Their uniqueness lies in the Gore-Tex material, which boasts of being waterproof, durable while ensuring breathability.
The meticulously designed Vibram traction soles keep debris or stones at bay. No hiking trip would be worrying if you have them on, and post-long walks, bad odour is garnered no attention as Merrell has used pro-biotic technology Cleansport NXT to control and eradicate any such smells.
You can purchase them from Merrell online for £150.
The Nike Free Run is light as air but it’s best to go a size up (Image: Nike)
Are you on the hunt for an appealing pair of gym shoes? These Nike trainers are ideal.
They feature a foam midsole, providing springy cushioning that makes treadmill runs more comfortable for anyone partial to cardio. A certified personal trainer gave this pair a go and shared: “When I decided to take them for a spin in the free weights section, I was sold. They gave me that extra spring to carry out my lifts and I loved them.”
She recommends a light walk before taking these fresh kicks to the gym, and going for a slightly larger size.
Available from JD (£110)
lululemon launched their first men’s running shoes (Image: lululemon)
Known for their yoga gear since 1998, lululemon has just released its first-ever men’s running shoe: The Beyondfeel. These shoes are the result of exhaustive studies on biomechanics, aiming to provide ultimate comfort.
Featuring a soft heel-to-toe glide, the shoe’s seamless mesh upper are made for a reason as it helps to ventilate, stretch and support where it’s needed most.
A shopper tested these out and enthused: “The heel support the Beyondfeel gives me is unlike anything I’ve experienced in trainers before. It feels like you’re walking on clouds, thanks to the supercritical foam in the sole. I’m by no means a runner but they were so comfy even I was tempted to take up the hobby.”
Like the above, we suggest going half to a full size up from your usual shoe size when purchasing these.
Available from lululemon, £148.
Veja’s new Condor 3 has been so popular that sizes are selling out (Image: Veja)
Looking to run in style? Stroll through London’s bustling streets and you might catch a glimpse of these chic French trainers, even the Princess of Wales has been spotted sporting a pair emblazoned with the iconic “V” logo.
Veja, beloved by eco-conscious fashionistas and royalty alike, has just unveiled the Condor 3, which promises to blend flair with function. Ideal for runners seeking an upgrade, this new design offers enhanced comfort and performance while continuing Veja’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
The cutting-edge Condor 3 features a midsole crafted from sugar cane and boasts a sole made from organic Amazonian rubber, ensuring your sprint is as sustainable as it is stylish.
Snap up a pair at Cotswold Outdoor for £160 and hit the ground running in unparalleled Veja fashion.
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