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.
The 6 Best Trainers for Women, Recommended by Editors:
1. Converse Chuck Taylor All Star 70
Style Notes: 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.
Shop Converse Chuck Taylor All Star 70 Trainers:
It doesn't get more iconic than Converse's black high-tops.
This off-white pair will go with everything.
2. New Balance
Style Notes: 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.
Shop New Balance Trainers:
3. Adidas
Style Notes: 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.
Shop Adidas Trainers:
Gazelles can also be worn to dress down your tailoring pieces.
I love this fun colour combo.
4. Veja
Style Notes: 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.
Shop Veja Trainers:
5. Reeboks
Style Notes: With a retro feel, Reebok's trainers always add a cool edge to any outfits. And you can be sure they'll continue too for years to come.
Shop Reebok Trainers:
6. Superga
Style Notes: 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.
Shop Superga Trainers:
A subtle way to hop on the leopard trend.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
Emily Dawes is the very definition of a fashion multi hyphenate. An editor, stylist and writer with over eleven years’ worth of experience in the industry, Emily is known for her impeccable taste, elegant outfit choices and being able to spot the next big thing in fashion from a mile off. Our readers loyally trust her advice and shopping suggestions; so much so she began her own column documenting the most expensive-looking pieces on the high street, which has become a top-performing piece of content for the Who What Wear brand.
Emily has worked for Who What Wear UK since 2020 in a myriad as roles, spanning from contributing editor and branded content editor. Now, she holds the position of affiliate editor and is responsible for the brand’s overall affiliate strategy, ideation and content execution. Working closely with Who What Wear UK’s affiliate manager, Emily has been instrumental in securing and nourishing brand partnerships, surpassing her goals as standard. Leading the team in tentpole shopping moments including Black Friday and Peak Trading, with Emily’s guidance and leadership, team Who What Wear is in a stronger affiliate position than ever before.
Prior to joining the Who What Wear team, Emily served as YOU Magazine’s acting fashion editor where she managed the fashion team and oversaw all fashion content output for the fast-paced weekly title. Emily is a stylist in her own right, having worked with a slew of VIP clients including writer and television personality, Elizabeth Day, as well as styling and art directing several celebrity cover shoots for glossy print publication, Grazia. Her adept fashion knowledge means brands regularly sought out to work with her as a consultant: previously she has developed marketing and content plans for brands for Cocoon and Edge of Ember. Before entering the industry, Emily obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English and American Studies with International Study from Nottingham University. Fun fact: Emily spent a year studying in America which saw her join a sorority during her time there.
When she’s not working or tracking down the chicest, new-in items to share with our audience, you’ll find Emily bestowing her East London home with her stylish flair, reading everything from the classics to cowboy romance novels and escaping to the country with husband, baby boy and dog, Roo, whenever she can.
Emily is currently on maternity leave.
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