Since about 2012, wearing trainers instead of shoes has been a cool and fashion forward thing to do. But since every Tom, Dick and Harry – from your boss to your mum – started wearing trainers to every occasion, they’ve gone back to being what they always were: just a sensible pair of shoes.
As the season changes, we’re searching for alternatives comfortable enough to keep us in the trainer lifestyle we’ve become accustomed to, but which offer a new look.
From cult brands like Kickers and Timberland to nostalgic styles like jellies, here's seven types of shoe to break up the trainer monologue.
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Kickers
The school shoe of choice for teenagers up and down the country, Kickers are our top trainer alternative. From the Kick Hi Classic boots, which come in white, red, navy, patent black and tan suede, to the Kick Low Classics, Kickers are sensible shoes for cool kids (and adult women).
Kickers Kick Hi Classic, £85, available at Kickers
Photo: Courtesy of Kickers
Jellies
Brighten up everyone’s day in a pair of lilac jellies. These babies cost 30 quid and are made by the original British jelly shoe company: JuJu. There are dozens of flats and midi-hells in a rainbow of colours to choose from.
JuJu Jellies, from £30, available at JuJu Footwear
Photo: Courtesy of Juju Footware
Tod's Loafers
For something a bit more chic and slimline, reacquaint yourself with a pair of Tod’s. For a long time, Tod’s have been synonymous with posh, but with a fresh eye, they look pretty nice.
Tod's Gommino Patent-Leather Loafers, £310, available at Net-A-Porter
Photo: Courtesy of Net-A-Porter
Dr. Martens
While looking for some low-cut Dr. Martens for this list, we stopped dead at these pink fluffy sandals. Wear with a sweatshirt, a velvet choker necklace and your hair in two buns.
Dr. Martens Voss Fluffy, £85, available at Dr. Martens
Photo: Courtesy of Dr Marten
Timberland
A favourite of the Hadids, the Kardashians and of course, the OG Timberland trailblazer, JLo, these Timberlands don’t scream ‘summer’ until you picture them with denim cut-offs for a '90s revival.
Timberland Nellie Waterproof Chukka, £125, available at Timberland
Photo: Courtesy of Timberland
Football boots
Ever since we saw them on stylist Amy Bannerman’s Instagram, we’ve been thinking about indoor football boots (no studs) as a viable shoe option. They’re not strictly trainers, so they’re allowed in this list. We love these Umbro ones but they only come in men’s sizes, which start at a UK 6 (around a 6.5 for women). If your feet are below a 6, try the kids’ section.
Umbro Speciali Eternal Premier IC, £60, available at Umbro
Photo: Courtesy of Umbro
Espadrilles
Never say never. Much like Tod’s, the perception of espadrilles is quite ‘posh person summer shoe’ but the plain colours, styled right, look good. There are plenty of good options on ASOS from £12 to £20, but in a perfect world, we’d get these Pradas.
Prada Logo-Print Textured-Leather Espadrilles, £500, available at Net-A-Porter
Photo: Courtesy of Net-A-PorterLike what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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