Casual is the New Black
No longer confined to the gym or weekend errands, this year, trainers are rewriting the rules of fashion. Whether you’re sipping flat whites in Shoreditch, heading to a Monday morning pitch in Mayfair, or dancing into the night in Camden, these kicks have become the go-to for women across the UK and beyond. The casual revolution has arrived, and it’s wearing box-fresh soles.
This isn’t just a passing phase. The trainer takeover began back in the late 2010s with the rise of athleisure, when sportswear slid seamlessly into our street style. Fast-forward to today, and trainers have evolved into a lifestyle symbol. Instagram and TikTok are awash with influencers styling them with everything from fluid midi dresses to sharp, tailored suits. Add a global push for sustainability, with brands like Veja leading the charge, and the message is clear: trainers are no longer just practical, they’re powerful.
The Icons That Never Fade
Alexander McQueen
Oversized Sneaker in White & Black Leather – £460
The OG of fashion-forward trainers, McQueen’s Oversized Sneaker still reigns supreme. With a white leather upper and jet-black suede heel tab, its ideal for turning heads at brunch.
Golden Goose
Ball Star Sneakers in White/Black – £435
Perfectly imperfect, Golden Goose’s Ball Star is all about that lived-in cool. The black star logo and subtle distressing feel vintage but never dated. Slip them on with ripped jeans and you’ve nailed that off-duty model energy.
Veja
Campo in White & Petale Sari – £105
The pale pink suede accents add a soft touch to the white canvas body. Pair with a linen sundress and let the compliments roll in.
Isabel Marant
Bryce Low Top White Leather Sneakers – £370
Marant’s Bryce sneaker nails that Parisian nonchalance. With a sleek white leather body, tan sole, and a flick of black suede at the heel, they’re your new everyday go-to for strolls through Notting Hill.
Luxe Minimalists
Common Projects
Original Achilles Leather Sneakers – £227
There’s minimal, and then there’s Common Projects. These low-tops in smooth white leather are refined to the last detail. That gold-foil serial number? A quiet flex.
Axel Arigato
Clean 90 in Light Beige Sneakers – £225
A neutral masterpiece. The Clean 90 in soft beige leather and suede lands somewhere between sporty and sleek. Think of them as the glue that holds your wardrobe together.
Vagabond Shoemakers
Zoe Platform Silver Metallic Leather Sneakers – £110
If subtle shimmer is your thing, Vagabond’s Zoe Platforms deliver. The silver metallic upper adds interest without feeling flashy.
Retro Revivals
Adidas
Campus 00s Vintage Wonder White Trainers – £90
Old-school charm meets 2025 street cred. The suede body and white stripes hit just the right nostalgic note. Throw them on with a midi skirt or joggers, either way, you’re on point.
Puma
Suede Classic XL Ice Coffee-Flat Bronze Sneakers – £85
Retro but make it cosy. These Pumas bring warmth with soft beige suede and bronze accents. Ideal for festival weather.
Onitsuka Tiger
Mexico 66 SD Cream/Birch Leather Shoe – £195
There’s vintage, and then there’s cult classic. The Mexico 66 blends cream leather with birch suede detailing and that serrated gum sole for the ultimate throwback.
Collaborations
Adidas x Stella McCartney
Ultraboost 5 Cloud White Trainers – £180
These Ultraboosts have a sleek white base with a pop of orange and Stella’s sustainable signature. Whether you’re running errands or on an actual run, they’ve got you covered.
Veja x Rick Owens
Mid Butter Trainers – £147
Veja’s eco DNA fuses with Rick Owens’ directional design in this creamy mid-top. Style with monochrome and let the shoes lead.
From Alexander McQueen’s iconic oversized sole to the clean lines of Common Projects, they’re the new must-haves for your wardrobe. Lace up, step out, and make 2025 your most stylishly grounded year yet.
Tips for Styling Women’s Designer Trainers
Go Tailored
Nothing sets off a box-fresh trainer like a sharp blazer or tailored trouser. The contrast keeps things modern, not messy.
Don’t Fear the Dress
Floaty midi dresses and slip skirts love a chunky sole. It’s the fastest way to take something from ‘nice’ to ‘not trying, but nailing it.’
Refresh Your Laces
An overlooked trick: swap standard laces for thick woven versions, coloured ribbon, or even tonal rope for a subtle update.
Socks Matter
A visible sock — tonal, patterned, or branded — can anchor your whole outfit. If you’re going bare, make it intentional.
Lean into Texture
Suede, mesh, leather, and rubber all play differently with light. Don’t be afraid to let your trainers bring the tactility.
Look Lived-In (Not Grubby)
Scuffs are fine. Dried mud is not. Wipe down soles, refresh insoles, and occasionally let them rest — they’re part of the outfit, not an afterthought.
Don’t Overmatch
White trainers don’t need a white top. And a neon accent doesn’t require a matching bag.
*Prices and availability are subject to change without notice.
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