Chunky shoes no longer dominate the trend this year with humble workout shoes being elevated beyond the gym floor and onto the runway.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak even sported a pair of trendy Adidas Sambas in an interview, while Kate Middleton is a known fan of Veja Condors. So if you are looking to freshen your wardrobe, we have pulled together a capsule trainers guide for you.
You can wear them on a run, hiking or even just for shopping so read on and see if you can pick a style you like.
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Branded as the ‘It’ shoe last year, the craze of Adidas Originals kicks are not going anywhere in 2024. We have seen celebrities wearing it in sporty styles or with oversized fashion staples.
Supermodel Gigi Hadid, Hailey Bieber and singer Rihanna have turned the timeless classics into a trending must-have. The affordable footwear is lightweight yet durable and has a good arch support, which is perfect for long walks or all-day outings in the city.
The shoes are designed in a low top, which means it covers just about ankle height. If you want to wear the Samba in winter with thick socks, it might be best to go a half size bigger for better fit.
The Samba comes with different colour combinations including the popular “black and white” and can get it from Footlocker for £89.99.
The unisex sport-style shoes offer new, advanced cushioning for what some may previously have dubbed the classic “dads’ shoe”. The chunky running shoes adopt a 2000s “heritage” look in smoke grey, cream and white colourways.
Think style meets function. You can easily power walk in style with these shoes thanks to the gel cushioning system, which is a combination of lightweight foams and GEL technology inserts. They are built to reduce or safeguard your foot from stress during high impact movement like running on a treadmill or HIIT training.
You can get them from Asics website for £145.
Designed to tackle tough trails, the Merrell shoes are great for hiking. What makes them special is the Gore-Tex material which is waterproof, durable yet breathable.
The Vibram traction which lugs at the bottom of the shoes is designed in a way that it won’t trap any debris or rocks in the gaps. Hiking trips won’t be an issue if you have these with you and you won’t have to worry about bad odour after long walks because Merrell used pro-biotic technology Cleansport NXT to control and eliminate odour.
You can get them from Merrell online for £150
If you are looking for a good pair of kicks for the gym, these Nike trainers are nothing like you’ve ever tried before.
The foam midsole offers springy cushioning that takes the pressure off your feet as you run on treadmill, which makes it easier (if you are a fan of cardio). Our certified PT and deputy lifestyle editor said: “When I decided to take them for a spin in the free weights section, I was sold. They gave me that extra spring to carry out my lifts and I loved them.”
And her advice to wearing new shoes to to workout? Wear them for a light walk before taking these new wheels to the gym and take a slightly larger size.
You can buy them from JD (£110) or ASOS (£82.46)
This is lululemon’s first-ever running shoes for men since the brand founded in 1998. The Beyondfeel shoes were made after experts carefully studied how each body moved and it screams comfort in all senses.
Built with a softer heel-to-toe glide, the trainers’ seamless mesh upper provides ventilation, stretch, and support where you need it.
Our assistant editor was lucky enough to give them a go and said: “The heel support the Beyondfeel gives me is unlike anything I’ve experienced in trainers before. It feels like you’re walking on clouds, thanks to the supercritical foam in the sole. I’m by no means a runner but they were so comfy even I was tempted to take up the hobby.”
The shoes are pretty true-to-size so, unlike other kicks on this list, go for your usual measurements.
You can get yours from lululemon, £148
Looking to run in style? If you walk down the streets in London, you could easily spot a pair of these French trainers. Royal fans may also recognise them as the Princess of Wales owns a pair with the signature “V” logo on the side.
But now Veja has launched Condor 3, their latest running shoes which combines both style and comfort. This cushioned pair will be perfect for the everyday runner, as it offers a running shoe which elevates the running experience whilst prioritising sustainability.
The Condor 3 uses VEJA’s state-of-the-art material includes a sugar cane-based midsole and sustainably sourced and organic Amazonian rubber.
Get yours from Cotswold Outdoor, £160