Trainers as a fashion statement – Yes or No?

Trainers as a fashion Statement

 

 

Trainers as a fashion statement

 

 

How do you feel about trainers for everyday wear as opposed to just keeping them in your sports bag for gym use only?

I remember when the trend for wearing trainers for commuting first became popular in the mid 90s. I used to wear a pair with my formal suit and then do a quick change into heels before entering the conference centre or clients office. The styles that were available then were a bit more basic and clumpy looking. Now they come in all colours of the rainbow and are sleek and stylish.

I have just invested in a pair of Nikes. I won’t bore you with the medical details; suffice it to say that I have a knee and back problem at the moment and need extra support when walking the hard London pavements or cobbled streets in our village in france.. In this instance comfort and trend come together synchronistically at just the right time for me.

The ones I am wearing are Nike LunarGlide. They are available in the US at Nordstrom and in Uk at Nikestore.

My sleeveless jacket I picked up in TKMaxx similar here Jeans NYDJ available at Nordstrom and John Lewis White T shirt from Thewhitecompany

 

SHOP TRAINERS

 

 

 

22 Comments

  1. Helen
    12th June 2015 / 15:01

    thye look cute! I enjoy the sportiness and the quirky element they might add to an otherwise “staid” look; plus, my feet appreciate the comfort!

  2. Sally
    12th June 2015 / 16:13

    I think the flashy neon trainers are cute–on younger men and women. I like wearing sneakers but sports style running shoes etcetera seem to look ‘orthopedic’ on older people. Personal opinion only. I’ll bet there’s someone out there who can prove me wrong!

  3. Wendy
    12th June 2015 / 16:14

    For me it is a definite ‘no’ I’m afraid; sportswear should be for sport only. I think there is enough, much nicer, leisurewear and flat, comfortable footwear around without having to resort to sportswear.

  4. Louise
    12th June 2015 / 16:31

    It’s a definite no for me as well. I have always hated to see people wearing trainers, unless it’s for sport. I agree there are lots of lovely casual shoes around these days.

  5. Babs
    12th June 2015 / 16:40

    As someone who has experienced knee and back pain, I vote for any shoe that alleviates pain. Trainers with jeans can look stylish when styled well. And your pics look like you did a great job!

  6. Veronica
    12th June 2015 / 16:42

    Yes, there comes a time when they become a necessity! I also have foot and knee issues and trainers are the shoes that best accommodate my orthotics. The only shoes I can wear all day without wanting to change to something more comfortable.

  7. Suburbohemian
    12th June 2015 / 17:04

    Cole Haan did a collab with Nike a few years back and I have a pair sport shoes in leopard hair calf that I cherish. Kenneth Cole had some low tops that looked like Chuck Taylors in a matte silver metallic. And Liberty of London has some printed Chucks now I think. As for the neons, running shoes that have a leaner look than trainers and if they meet one’s comfort needs they can be worked into something snappy. It’s all in the accessories. Feeling “ortho” comfort without looking it is the challenge of our generation.

  8. Suburbohemian
    12th June 2015 / 17:09

    SKECHERS makes great stuff for the sassy footed . Vans in wild colors/ prints are a classic.

  9. Libby Wilkie
    12th June 2015 / 17:12

    I hadn’t been a fan at all…until I needed orthotics! Not all the time, just some of the time. I bought Nikes, but the slip on kind. Heaven! I still DO feel sort of clunky wearing them (only with pants!) but what a lovely difference for my feet!!!

  10. Suburbohemian
    12th June 2015 / 17:25

    Lipstick and attitude make all the difference.

  11. Pam@over50feeling40
    12th June 2015 / 17:26

    YES!

  12. Maureen
    12th June 2015 / 18:00

    I think they look good with that kind of outfit. I can’t walk far in trainers because I have very high arches and my feet and back get better support from well made (and usually expensive!) shoes and boots. Consequently I’m a keen follower of the En Brogue blog, now Hannah the blogger does feature some great trainers, just wish I could wear them.

  13. katie ramshaw
    13th June 2015 / 07:52

    Nice trainers! I would like some…

  14. the hipsterette
    13th June 2015 / 11:16

    About two and a half years ago I was told not to wear ‘sneans’ the word for wearing sneakers and jeans as it was a style taboo. Surprisingly this style taboo cancelled itself out due to the sports luxe trend. I think you make your own rules, depending on the outfit, the circumstances… because confidence (as well as comfort) are key!

  15. Jane Sanderson
    13th June 2015 / 23:22

    I think your trainers look great! I wear them all the time, with everything and , if I want to look smarter, I have a lovely pair of slim, bright silver metallic sneakers that look more dressy. I am so pleased that I no longer have to endure the agony of high heels!

  16. SISSY
    14th June 2015 / 18:53

    ITS A `NO` FOR ME ! SPORTS ATTIRE IS FOR SPORTS ,I PREFER TO DRESS WITH A LITTLE MORE CLASS ( ITS GREAT FOR THE YOUNG ) A GREAT LOAFER OR SLIPPER JUST KICK IT UP A BIT

  17. D. A. Wolf
    14th June 2015 / 19:09

    I think they’re fine – but as with anything else – it depends on where, when and what you’re wearing.

    In fact, I cruised Paris a few months back in black trainers, worn with black jeans and a gray jacket and scarf. Comfy and appropriate. On the other hand, when I was expecting to visit someone or an event that was dressier, off they came and nice boots went on, with a very goes-with-everything 2 and a half inch heel.

    Recently I attended an art opening with my college-kid son. I knew the men would be casual, some of the women as well, but me? I wore the same aforementioned black jeans with a black top, but I went for a high-heel slide, though I knew I’d be on my feet.

  18. Rita
    15th June 2015 / 00:24

    I’m not a fan of trainers, I think older women wearing them look like they either don’t care how they look, or are trying too hard to look young. There are some exceptions, white trainers with white jeans, or black trainers with black jeans. But only if the black trainer doesn’t have white soles.

  19. Murphy
    15th June 2015 / 12:31

    I like them! Due to foot and knee injuries, I need to wear trainers with orthotics a fair percentage of the time. I find that I get a lot of compliments on my brightly colored ones – I mainly wear them with jeans and a nice top, and I coordinate the colors so it looks intentional. I have some other non-trainer shoes that accomodate the orthotics, but they are hard to find. I understand that some people don’t think trainers can be classy, but I feel even less classy when I am limping and wincing 🙂

  20. Linda
    15th June 2015 / 16:25

    Walking through a village in Tuscany I noticed that most of the women, old or young, wore sneakers or trainers. The trick is they must be spotless and colourcoordinated. Over fifties looked great wearing skinnies or crops with confidence and panache. Its not what you wear……

  21. Highland Fashionista
    16th June 2015 / 16:56

    I have always been hesitant to wear them as a fashion statement, but I do have a pair of converse rubber toe sneakers that I wear a lot. Now that trainers are more colourful, I will probably be more open to wearing them as fashion. I always remember being traumatised as a young person on my first visit to Europe when we cold not go to clubs because we were wearing sneakers. That has stuck with me my whole life.

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