5 Pretty Trainers That'll Make You Ditch Your Heels

last updated 17 March 2021

As someone who has spent the best part of the last 10 years wearing heels, I felt largely exempt from fashion's trainer obsession. Most of my daily wares veer on the casual side (think straight-leg jeans with button-up blouses), so I've come to rely on heels—be they kitten or stiletto—to give my outfits a glossy finish. I couldn't help but notice, however, the that sneaker scene has changed of late. Instead of chunky styles that your dad would wear, there are heaps of pretty trainers coming through.

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From over-the-top embellishments to beautiful blush tones, these trainers were made for women like me who feel most confident in fancy footwear. So I decided to congregate all of my favourite pretty trainers in one place for your shopping pleasure. Keep scrolling to see and shop the best souped-up sneaks around.

EXTRA EMBELLISHMENT

The maximalist fashion movement is still going strong, and no trainers are fancier than Gucci's jewel-encrusted Flashtreks. If the price puts you off, consider these styles from Dune and Russell & Bromley.

Gucci

Flashtrek Crystal-Embellished Low-Top Trainers

Dune

Ellex Sock Trainer

Russell & Bromley

Bow Wow Jewel Trainers

Roger Vivier

Sneaky Viv Embellished Trainers

PINK

The epitome of this trend, pink is fast becoming one of the top trainer trends of the year. From Stella's fuchsia chunky-soled sneakers to Veja's pared-back tennis shoes in blush, there's a pair to suit your vibe.

Stella McCartney

Pink Eclypse Low-Top Sneakers

Nike

M2K Tekno Leather and Mesh Sneakers

Veja

Elspar Trainers

Tod's

Exaggerated Sole Suede Trainers

METALLIC

Nothing makes an outfit sing quite like a metallic accessory, and trainers are one of the easiest ways to integrate them into your wardrobe. We suggest opting for the same metal hue you wear in jewellery for a cohesive look. Or you could always choose a fun pastel shade.

Charles & Keith

Multi Flatform Sneakers

Alexander McQueen

Oversized Metallic Trainers

Marks and Spencer

Punch Detail Trainers

Christian Louboutin

Louis Junior Strass Woman Broken Glass

SATIN

Satin textures needn't be reserved for party season. Instead, carry it through to summer in sneaker form. Ruffles tend to up the feminine ante, while AlexaChung's high-tops will add edge to denim miniskirts.

Joshua

Ruffle-Trimmed Satin Sneakers

Ted Baker

Elastic Strap Running Trainers

Gap

Satin Sneakers

AlexaChung

Burgundy Smooth Operator High Top Sneakers

LEOPARD PRINT

It's one of 2019's biggest spring/summer trends, though it's no longer reserved for clothes. Leopard print is cropping up on kicks, too, and it has the power to make any outfit look glamorous. Try a pair with cropped jeans and a white blouse, or a pastel midi dress.

APL Athletic Propulsion Labs

TechLoom Phantom 3D Calf Hair Sneakers

Topshop

Candy Trainers

Zara

Leopard Print Sneakers

Eytys

Angel Trainers

Ensure your trainers look their best by wearing them with one of these 27 outfit formulas…

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Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.

Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.