Traineeeees

I'm in the market for a new pair of trainers. This is significant because I rarely buy trainers. In fact I haven't bought a new pair in a few years, Mainly because I am a rotator,I have a few pairs and I wear them on rotation and store them in their boxes, Stuffed with the tissue paper to prolong their life. Secondly I was determined not to fall into the trap of being influenced into buying the same trainers everyone was wearing. Over the past few years that trainer has been the Adidas Samba, the three stripe terrace shoe has become ubiquitous, Seen on the feet of influencers and celebrities (Harry Styles has worn his repeatedly for 2 years) Samba sales alone are said to have generated an estimated $2.2 billion in sales, whilst recovering the market share Adidas had lost out to rivals. 

I could buy a pair of New Balance, I am a fan of a chunky trainer and at the risk of making them sound like an orthopedic shoe they are incredibly comfortable and really hold their shape. In the last few years New Balance styles such as the 530 have become synonymous with teenagers who favour head to toe ath-leisure, As the mother of a teenager that makes that particular shoe a no-go zone for me but they do have another collaborations with footwear designer Salehe Bembury so I will be keeping an eye out for that,

I have my trainers for exercise and dog-walking. I am looking for a pair that will act as a bit more of an all rounder, A pair that I can wear with wide and barrel leg trousers because even when I'm casual my everyday clothes don't always involve leggings or sportswear. Perhaps because of the resurgent success of Adidas styles such as the Samba and Gazelle slimmer trainers remain at the forefront of trainer fashion, for the new season they come in earthy autumnal shades of suede, Brown, Biscuit and warm grey.  

Everyone from Chloe, Bottega Veneta and Dries Van Noten have their version of this low profile trainer that I would describe as a hybrid of a bowling and a tennis shoe, If you want a pair from these brands you are looking at upwards of £350, with Bottega charging £760 for their Orbit Flash Sneakers. Ordinarily I would never look at a high street impersonation of a trainer but for the purpose of research Cos’ minimal suede trainer, Initially brought out in green for summer its now available in cappuccino and retails for £90 is a great shoe, And whilst not exactly high street Coach have their imaginatively named flat sneaker for £175 that comes in a beautiful merlot suede. 

If you can't quite get your head around wearing a trainer that isn't from a sports brand but you do want a low-pro slim line trainer but don't want to pay luxury prices, I hear you. Texan sports brand Autry have brought out their windspin style in calf hair, Onitsuka Tiger (who are owned and made by Asics) have their classic Mexico 66, to their credit this isn't a trend item for them they launched this style in the 1960s. Of course there is always the Puma Speedcat, Not a new style but the toffee suede colour does the job nicely and is on sale in most places for £70 or look at the Tokyo from Adidas, And just like that we have gone full circle.