These Are the 7 Trainers a Shoe Expert and a Stylist Always Recommend

My obsession with shoes started long before I could ever buy them. I clopped around as a toddler in my mum's heels and dad's trainers, and while in secondary school I spent my allowance on new pairs of Converse and Vans, platform stilettos, and wedges. Trends have come and gone and my own preferences have changed, but one type of shoe has stuck it out through it all: trainers.

Although writing about shoes and footwear trends is part of my day job, it wasn't quite enough to hold me over. I decided to launch a shoe brand, and in the process, I have become somewhat of a shoe expert you could say. While I love a great pair of sandals or open-toed heels, I always end up falling back on trainers. Nothing beats their versatility and comfort. They also have much longer staying power within the trend cycle than other shoes. That said, they're not fully immune to how quickly the industry moves either.

As we all know, the fickle world of fashion affects the popularity of different types of shoes really quickly. Remember those Balenciaga sock trainers everyone was lusting over a few years ago? Well, out went the socks and in came the ultra-flat throwback Adidas Samba Sneakers. The landscape is constantly changing, and it can be really hard to keep up with what styles and brands to invest in and what isn't worth your hard-earned money.

With input from a stylist, and myself as a shoe expert, allow me to introduce you to the seven styles of trainers that are really worth the investment.

1. Adidas Samba Sneakers

You've seen this shoe everywhere and on everyone. But why has the Adidas Samba grown so quickly in popularity? Well, there are a number of reasons people have latched on. Its timeless design, sleek silhouette, low profile shape and iconic three stripes make it the perfect choice. The Samba was originally designed as an indoor football shoe in the 1950s, but it's officially been adopted into Instagram's cool-girl aesthetic.

Collaborations with designers, influencers and artists have further propelled the popularity of the shoe, creating limited-edition releases that attract collectors, enthusiasts and the Insta crowd alike. Plus, I know someone who has been wearing this shoe since 2009, so even if they fade in popularity, I can guarantee they'll make a comeback.

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2. AXEL ARIGATO CLEAN 90 TRAINERS

While I'm always down to follow a trend that's caught my eye, I also like scoping out trainer brands that don't get nearly as much hype as the rest. Most recently, brands like D.A.T.E and Axel Arigato have been in my shopping cart. Axel Arigato manufacture in Portugal (I've been to some of the factories where they source) and I love the quality and colour combinations they come up with. Although I've liked the chunky Satellite and Area Lo styles they have, these sleeker Clean 90 sneakers are in a silhouette that has stayed timeless for decades—and will continue to remain a classic.

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3. Nike Air Force 1s

Here's another classic pair of sneakers that never goes out of trend. Perfectly paired with a pretty summer dress or even just a pair of baggy jeans and a button-down shirt. You just can't go wrong. While they aren't getting the same limelight as other trainers currently, there's a reason collectors and content creators won't stop buying them.

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4. GOLDEN GOOSE HI STAR AND SUPER-STAR SNEAKERS

There's a reason Golden Goose trainers are so hyped, and that's because they are an effortlessly cool shoe choice. With their distressed aesthetic and intentional scuffs and imperfections, there's no mistaking the brand with any other and yet the shoe itself has become synonymous with luxury. If I had to sum up Gossip Girl's fictional Serena van der Woodsen in a sneaker, I'm pretty sure it would be this one.

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4. On Cloud Trainers

If you're like me and love a coffee stop after your Pilates class, there's no doubt you would've come across the trainer brand On. Why? Because everyone seems to be wearing them at the moment—whether it's at a coffee shop or on casual Fridays in the office. With an innovative and very individual design, the trainers simply can't be mistaken for another brand.

With their unique CloudTec cushioning technology, which features individual cloud-like pods on the sole, the shoe itself is unbelievably comfortable. With fans from Roger Federer and Mila Kunis to Miranda Kerr and Drew Barrymore, why not try them out? I can assure you that you won't look back.

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5. New Balance XC-72 and RC-30

I very much hopped on the New Balance 327 train, and although I was tempted to buy a pair of Sambas or Gazelles, I decided I liked my NB trainers so much I wanted to go down that route again. While trends are great for finding styles you love, I wanted something that felt fresh but wouldn't be outdated in a matter of months. One of my close friend's mom has impeccable style and I noticed her wearing a pair of XC-72s that made me reconsider all of the other trainers that were in my online shopping basket. This led me to discover New Balance's RC-30s as well, and let's just say I'm obsessed.

These trainers are a little sleeker than the 327s that took over the last year or two but still have visually interesting soles. While they may not have the spotlight on them right now, I foresee these pairs gaining traction soon. The slightly retro flair also gives me confidence that these will stay relevant throughout the cycles of sparkly new shoes.

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6. Hoka

It'll come as no surprise that with the rise of functional trainers, we've also seen more people spotted in Hokas. Whether you're going for a run or running late to brunch, these comfortable yet stylish sneakers are the choice for you.

I never used to be one who went for functional trainers, but Hoka won my heart. My sister—who's hugely into outdoor activities and hiking—sent this brand my way when I was planning for a trip to Scotland. Although I was skeptical, I can say this is one of the comfiest pairs I own. The sole feels like walking on marshmallows and you'll feel stylish too.

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7. Loewe Sneakers

Introducing the fashion crowd's It shoe choice: Loewe sneakers. Whether it's the Ballet Runners or Flow Runners, the blend of elegance and sportiness has captured the hearts of fashion people everywhere. It's no wonder we've spotted Hailey Bieber in them. Loewe's craftsmanship is second to none, and these trainers are no exception. Expect to be wearing them through summer and beyond.

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This piece was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.