Making decisions about footwear is a constant back and forth between comfort and style, and never is the balance more in question that during the winter months. The very on-trend knee high boots with towering heels or delicate velvet ballet flats may look exceptionally good when paired with a knitted dress or wide-leg jeans, but if your day involves pounding the pavement and rushing through downpours to get to your next meeting, you may start to regret your choice of shoe. This is just one of the many reasons why I'm eternally grateful that trainers have gone from functional footwear to bonafide fashion essential.
As we all know by now, the popularity of trainers these days means the options are truly endless. On top of the original trainer legends like Nike and New Balance, high-end designers have entered the sneaker chat, with Loewe, Isabel Marant and Alexander McQueen all making cult styles. The challenge is simply knowing which silhouette is your perfect fit.
From my extensive research, I've identified a handful of key trends that our favourite fashion tastemakers appear to be embracing this winter. And the good news is, most of them are classic styles that will look particularly on trend this season, but that you're sure to love forever. From warm brown tones to retro silhouettes, there's a trainer trend to suit every fashion personality, and every one is guaranteed to elevate your winter wardrobe. Win-win.
Scroll on to see the best trainers for winter and shop the best pairs to help you nail each trend.
SEE THE BEST TRAINERS FOR WINTER, ACCORDING TO A FASHION EDITOR:
1. Suede Trainers
Style Notes: It may not be the most practical winter footwear trend, but suede keeps popping up this season, and that includes the world of trainers. Keep things sleek with suede trainers in neutral hues, or follow Claudia's example and opt for a bright pair to liven up your winter looks.
Shop the Look:
Claudia's exact pair in this season's hottest colour: red.
I love the retro feel of these navy trainers.
Black suede is as elevated as you can get when it comes to trainers.
This khaki green is perfect for winter.
So many influencers own these exact trainers—they're sure to elevate any look.
2. Winter Whites
Style Notes: White trainers are a true wardrobe essential—a footwear workhorse that works well in all seasons. If you're still missing your perfect pair, now is the time to remedy the issue. You'll be stunned to discover how often you can rely on a trusty pair of white trainers to round out nearly every look.
Shop the Look:
The mix of white and cream tones makes these look especially elevated.
I love the textured look of these suede and mesh sneakers.
I'm obsessed with the retro vibe of Autry's designs.
The classic Sambas aren't going anywhere.
Perfect for those who like a chunkier sole.
3. Athletic Styles
Style Notes: Champions of comfort will be thrilled to hear that practical athletic styles are very much in fashion this season. In fact, the chunkier the better. Look to fresh brands like ON, Saloman and Hoka for Gen Z-approved silhouettes, or opt for a more retro look courtesy of Nike.
Shop the Look:
These will go with absolutely everything.
So many of my friends swear their ON sneakers are the comfiest shoes they've ever owned.
The Gen Z-approved trainer brand.
I love the rich brown and khaki tones of this pair.
The perfect balance of modern and retro.
4. Pop of Pattern
Style Notes: Get double fashion points this season by opting for a pair of trainers in one of this season's top prints: leopard. These playful trainers are great for injecting some fun into your winter wardrobe, and will go with everything from jeans to mini skirts.
Shop the Look:
These could honestly pass for designer.
Pair yours with tailored trousers.
I love the texture of these calf hair trainers.
I love the baby blue detail on thesse.
I'll be wearing mine with straight-leg jeans and a leather jacket.
5. Retro Silhouettes
Style Notes: Look to the Nineties and early Noughties this season with throwback sneaker silhouettes. Chunky, multi-textured and in classic, versatile colours, these are the trainers you need to create that effortlessly cool, off-duty model look.
Shop the Look:
The kind of trainer you can wear any time of year.
A grey trainer is a winter must-have, in my opinion.
Pair with black tailored trousers and a button down shirt for a understatedly polished look.
I love the pop of turquoise on this chunky pair.
You can't go wrong with a pair of Converse.
6. Brown Hues
Style Notes: If there's one neutral colour that's topping the fashion charts this season, it's brown. From light tan to rich chocolate, these brown tones are the perfect complement for so many winter ensembles.
Shop the Look:
Who knew a trainer could look so cosy?
The easy, everyday trainer silhouette so many fashion lovers swear by.
The chunky fit of this ASICS pair is just so good.
Embrace colour blocking with this Eighties-inspired pair.
Proving that brown and pale blue are a match made in sartorial heaven.
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