Designer trainers are the investment footwear you'll wear time and time again
I don't know about you, but aside from high-end bags and jewellery, a good pair of designer trainers seems to be where everyone's investing at the moment. People seem to be setting their sights on comfort over everything else right now, and I'm keen to join.
It's easy, of course, when virtually every runway of late has been swathed with them (hello, elevated sportswear). Labels are, resolutely, sticking to their own brand DNA – be it girly, sporty, minimal or modern – and, instead of pivoting every season, they're consistently creating styles that suit their own looks. And their customer's. So you know you can go to Chloé for a feminine take on trainers, and to Balmain, Gucci, and Loewe for more vibrant designs.
There are simple classics such as Saint Laurent's white Andy sneakers and the chunkier Alexander McQueen pair, or bold statement-making silhouettes like the adidas x Wales Bonner leopard print Sambas – which continue to sell out for a reason.
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From a styling POV, a major plus point when you choose designer trainers is that they will instantly elevate any outfit from ‘blah’ to beyond. Even when you’re popping out to the shop in your loungewear, if you slip into your luxury sneakers it will instantly be transformed into a lewk. And right now I'm all about easy and effective outfit updates.
So, what are the best designer trainers we rate?
Obviously it all depends on your own personal style and the brands you’re into, but you can’t go wrong with Gucci's Leather Monogram sneakers or these classic Prada Platform trainers. The simpler the style, the more opportunities you’ll have to dress them up and down with a pleated midi-skirt, floaty summer dress, jeans or a trouser suit. Or the more adventurous you go (like the Moncler Genius + adidas Originals Campus sneakers for example), the more you can let the shoes do the talking with a simpler outfit.
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Scroll for GLAMOUR’s edit of the best designer trainers to shop for 2024.
Adidas x Wales Bonner Samba Sneakers
Wear them with: Literally anything, if you manage to get yourself a pair of these always sold out sneakers (a big collar Ganni dress would look gorge though).
Wear them with: Oversized white shirt dress, white socks and gold hoops. Keep it simple.
Save when you shop for designer trainers with these Net-A-Porter discount codes.
Wear them with: A simple black catsuit, let these trainers do the talking.
Save when you shop for designer trainers with these Selfridges discount codes.
Moncler Genius + Adidas Originals Campus Leather-Trimmed Ripstop Sneakers
Wear them with: Big baggy light blue denim jeans and a white crop. Effortless and stylish.
Save when you shop for designer trainers with these Net-A-Porter discount codes.
Wear them with: Big varsity jacket, big hair scrunchie, oversize hoops and jeans.
Save when you shop for designer trainers with these Selfridges discount codes.
Wear them with: Clashing bright colours to make the full dopamine dressing statement.
Save when you shop for designer trainers with these Net-A-Porter discount codes.
Gucci Tech Wave Logo-Print Leather Trainers
Wear them with: '90s blue jeans, pastel jumper, cute accessories.
Save when you shop for designer trainers with these Selfridges discount codes.
Wear them with: Fun floaty day dress and a bold coloured contrast sock.
Save when you shop for designer trainers with these Selfridges discount codes.
Wear them with: Anything, they are classic and get re-invented time and time again.
Save when you shop for designer trainers with these Selfridges discount codes.
Wear them with: A classic tailored suit for giving CEO off-duty.
Save when you shop for designer trainers with these Net-A-Porter discount codes.
Marni Pablo Leather Mary Jane Platform Sneakers
Wear them with: A cute floral summer dress. These trainers are also great for anyone who needs adaptive footwear with the ease of the wrap fastening.
Save when you shop for designer trainers with these Net-A-Porter discount codes.
Wear them with: It's got to be something 70's even if it's just a small accessory. It's got the retro vibe.
Save when you shop for designer trainers with these Net-A-Porter discount codes.
Wear them with: gym leggings, sports bra and oversize tee with a iced matcha latte in home, post yoga.
Save when you shop for designer trainers with these Net-A-Porter discount codes.
Wear them with: Grey joggers, oversize hoodie, it's giving Sunday cozy but still chic.
Save when you shop for designer trainers with these Selfridges discount codes.
Wear them with: Your favourite loungewear set for a low key lunch date with your bestie.
Save when you shop for designer trainers with these Selfridges discount codes.
Wear them with: Biker leathers, bright pink lip.
Save when you shop for designer trainers with these Selfridges discount codes.
Wear them with: Black leather jacket, silver accessories.
Save when you shop for designer trainers with these Selfridges discount codes.
Wear them with: Tailored trousers and smart shirt or a linen suit. It's giving business.
Save when you shop for designer trainers with these Selfridges discount codes.
Wear them with: Anything you want, this classic black Prada platform is your go to when you want to add a little something to your look.
Save when you shop for designer trainers with these Selfridges discount codes.
