And just like that, it’s August, and what should have been a month of linen dresses and barely-there sandals has turned out to be a little, well, dreary. Don’t get me wrong, this summer has had spells of sun and the odd day of near perfect temperatures, but the chances are, you’ve been more likely to carry an umbrella than your sun cream, which calls into question what we’ve been planning for our summer wardrobes.
If you’ve been debating whether to layer up in knits or brave the chill in summer dresses, we’ve put together a handy guide on how to dress for a cold girl summer, but the other thing to take into consideration is what to wear on our feet once the outfit is perfected. After getting caught in the rain in sandals one too many times, I turned to Instagram for some tips on the best shoes to wear this summer, and I’m pleased to say the answer is simple–the faithful, reliable and always comfortable trainer.
Let’s be honest, there’s no outfit that a good pair of trainers can’t improve (except for perhaps formal wear), and whether you’re running errands or heading out to dinner, there’s a trainer to suit every mood. The latest pairs to hit the market have been some of this years biggest shoe releases (I’m personally still thinking about Grace Wales Bonner’s latest Adidas collab, and if you haven’t been Googling rare colours of Sambas, you’re a better person than me). But even for the non-sneakerheads among us, we can all agree that trainers are some of the comfiest, and easiest shoes you can reach for when you get ready in the morning, so it’s no wonder that everyone from influencers to editors are ready to trade in flat sandals for something a little sportier this summer.
Still haven’t found the pair of you? No worries. I’ve taken the stress out of shoe shopping and searched high and low for the pairs of trainers that come fashionista approved so you don’t have to. So if you’re looking for a shoe that has you covered come rain or shine, keep scrolling for the best fashion trainers to wear this summer. You won’t regret it.
Style Notes: It goes without saying that brights come into their own in summer, and this applies to your shoes too. Take notes from Lucy Williams and bring a monochrome outfit to life with a burst of colour from a colour pop trainer that’ll put a spring into every step.
A cult classic in the making.
Such a happy shade of sunshine yellow.
This colour would look so good with a white dress.
*Adds to basket*
There’s a good reason Gucci re-release these trainers in different colours.
Style Notes: Minimalists who are looking for something a little more understated will be happy to see the return of the plimsoll trainer. After the last few years have given us platform soles, prints, and just about all of the bells and whistles, this simple shoe is the palette cleanser that is a welcome return to basics.
Superga are the influencer’s choice for pared back trainers.
How good is that sole?
No logos, no prints, just quiet luxury.
A good shoe at a great price.
The leather finish makes a nice touch.
Style Notes: Our love for the “ugly shoe” still runs deep, and if you aren’t drawn to the colour bright trainer or the simple plimsoll, it’s likely you fall into this category too. The premise is simple, any trainer that your dad (or grandad) are likely to pick up is now ironically cool, and pairs especially well with jeans and a knit.
New Balance are specialists in nailing the retro silhouette.
Salomons are everywhere this year.
A certified dad-shoe.
With a few good collaborations under their belt, I predict that 2023 is going to be a good year for Asics.
Wear with everything from joggers to pretty dresses.
Style Notes: Thanks to the off-duty wardrobes of Kendall, Hailey, Emily R and Bella, everyone has been investing in leggings, white socks and sporty sneakers again, and the 90s atheleisure look is more popular than ever. If you’re looking for an airport outfit that ticks all of the boxes, look no further than Flo’s take on sporty chic. You can never go wrong with a white trainer, after all.
The perfect shape and fit.
On your marks, get set, run.
These all-white Salomons score high on my list too.
Style Notes: I’d be willing to bet that at some stage in your life you’ve had a pair of classic Converse Chuck Taylors in your wardrobe. The appeal of the high-top is far reaching, and whether your prefer a slim fit Chuck or a chunky Jordan, it’s well worth having an ankle covering pair in your arsenal for cropped jeans and trousers, especially when autumn rolls around.
The All Stars are a classic for a reason.
Just add a pair of white tube socks.
I love this unpredictable shade of ecru.
The cool-girls choice.
This summer’s hottest colour trend? Buttermilk yellow, and these are the perfect accompaniment.
