Sorry, Heels—I'm Cheating on You With These Pretty Trainers

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.
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.
Related: These Spring Jacket Trends Will Be All Over Instagram Next Month
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.
Related: Finally: The Trainer Trend Petite Girls Have Been Waiting for
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.
Related: We've Lost Count of the Number of People We've Seen Wearing This One Mango Suit
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.
Related: I Just Popped Into H&M and Picked Up These 5 Great Pieces
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.
Ensure your trainers look their best by wearing them with one of these 27 outfit formulas…

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s Deputy Editor and has over fourteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and authoritative content for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, talent interviews 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 search and keyword planning, works closely with the fashion and beauty team on strategy and continues to pen many of her own articles. Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine's contributed to publications including Grazia, InStyle Marie Claire, Elle and Look, amongst others.
-
These 32 Chic Zara Fall 2025 Shoe Finds Are the Key to Looking Like a Fashion Person—Good Luck Picking Just One Pair
Prepare for endless compliments.
-
48 Hours in L.A. Was All It Took to Convince Me These 6 Trends Are It
You’re gonna want to write these down.
-
It's True: Julia Roberts Just Brought Back Princess Diana's Favorite $70 Sneakers
She just landed in Venice, Italy.
-
The Exact Sneakers That Everyone With Cool Taste Will Wear This Fall
Buh-bye, boots, flats, and loafers.
-
If You Want to Freshen Up Your Shoe Collection, Start With These 33 Sneakers, Kitten Heels, and Flats
Sending my apologies to your wallet.
-
These Are the It Sneakers Celebrities Love to Wear With Baggy Pants and Jeans
Every It girl's go-to.
-
Bella Hadid Just Wore the $160 Designer-Passing White Sneakers That Will Sell Out by September 1
Hurry, there are only a few sizes left.
-
Enjoy Your End-of-Summer Ice Cream Trips in These 26 Chic Pieces From J.Crew, Nordstrom, and Zara
Keep cool without sacrificing style.