As we transition into the new season, away from summer dresses and into camel coats and loungewear, there’s one failsafe footwear option that always goes with everything: the very best trainers.

Now I’m not usually one for trainers (give me chunky boots or sandals and nothing in-between) but that’s ok, because the biggest fashion houses have convinced me. The likes of Prada, Burberry and Chloé are creating lust-worthy styles season after season, and the sporty footwear has never been so chic.

Furthermore, play your cards right and you might land yourself a worthy investment (the Balenciaga Triple S trainers sell out every time they’re launched in a new colourway and regularly resell at high value).

The appeal is evident – they’re comfortable, fashion-forward and an easy way to dress down an outfit without sacrificing style. This season, it’s all about dressing them up with a masculine 80s suit or an oversized knitted dress.

Best fashion trainers

For AW21, it’s still all about the retro vibes. I love adidas’ neon sneakers, Fila’s 80s chunky kicks and Kim Jones for Converse’s modern take on the classic 70s high-tops. If chunky footwear is your jam, you’ll be pleased to hear 90s dad trainers are still a main fixture for the new season, and you don’t even have to invest in designer styles for those: influencers and editors can’t get enough of the mesh New Balance or Skechers sneakers.

If sustainability is high on your agenda (as it should be), I’ve also included plenty of vegan options from the likes of Veja, Waes and Yatay. See my sustainable trainers edit for even more styles.

Best running trainers

Choosing the perfect running trainers when you’re an avid runner is a serious business, as investing in the wrong pair could lead to injuries. Some specialist running shops offer a bespoke analysis, where you run on a treadmill to determine your gait and running style. Based on the results, staff will be able to offer styles that will work for you.

If you can’t make it into a store, online sports shops allow you to browse by section, such as ‘running’, ‘gym’ etc, though of course it’s always nice to be able to try them first.

Best trainers for the gym

Unless you’re doing high impact exercise such as the treadmill, you can get away with any sports trainers at the gym, as long as they are able to move with you (most fashion trainers are just too stiff for this).

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