I've Done the Research—These Are the 6 Affordable Trainers Fashion People Rely On

We bang on a lot about trainers here at Who What Wear, but we don't need to justify that. No longer for simply working out, sporty footwear is now just as commonplace during fashion week as it is at the gym. The phenomenon for cult sneaker styles is perhaps at its peak, but when it comes to styles fashion people actually wear on repeat year after year, there are some classic sneakers which a) you don't have to know someone to get hold of, b) won't cost the same as a museum-worthy art piece and c) will never date.

There's a reason, after all, why brands like Converse, and Adidas can now be considered iconic. Their designs have already stood the test of time, mostly because they're neutral enough to be worn with so many different outfits and styled up in so many different ways.

Below, we've pinpointed six styles and brands in particular that are not only super versatile but come in well under £150. These are trainers you'll undoubtedly wear down over many years, and then buy again—because they'll always be classically "cool". So, what's not to love? Keep scrolling and prepare to discover the best trainers you'll ever own—you're welcome.

1. Converse Chuck Taylor All Star 70

Time has proven that Converse All Stars are one of the best trainer investments you can make. Minimalists love them, and it's no surprise since they go with basically everything and set off a simple outfit perfectly. The black pair are the shoes I've had for the longest, since they don't scuff as much as white trainers either. 

2. New Balance

I tried to pick one key New Balance style, but it wouldn't have been an honest reflection. Fashion people love basically all New Balance styles, from the near-impossible to get hold of 530s to the much easier to find 327s, as well as the more pared-back Ct210s. If it has that slanting N, it works. 

3. Adidas Gazelle

Adidas Gazelles, Campus and Samba trainers are all incredibly similar (although sneakerheads might disagree)— and all equally as classic. The Samba is currently so in demand thanks to recent celebrity endorsements that it's basically impossible to find them in stock. But the similar Gazelles are easier to find, and are having somewhat of a renaissance as well, thanks in part to Harry Styles choosing them for his on-stage shoe of choice. 

4. Veja

These sustainable trainers may not have been around as long as the other heritage sports brands on this list, but that doesn't make them any less classic. Vejas come celeb-approved, but at the heart of it they're just a really versatile, minimalist low-top trainer that goes with everything. 

5. Reebok Court 

With a retro feel, Reebok's Court trainers always add a cool edge to any outfits. And you can be sure they'll continue too for years to come. 

6. Superga 

Hailed as the perfect trainer to wear with dresses (by many a fashion editor), Superga's iconic 2750 canvas lace ups are an essential for any good capsule shoe collection. They now also come in more resilient leather versions, and the chunkier 2630 style too. India proves above that they also look great with tailoring too— so there's really no excuse not to own them. 

This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.