Ten years ago, if considering the idea that a pair of trainers could become a wardrobe staple, most of us would have laughed. Usually reserved for the gym, the court or the pitch, these casual, sporty shoes were seen as the epitome of dressed down casual – and, in some cases, even a little scruffy.
Fast forward to today, and things have changed quite considerably, with some of the world’s most renowned fashion houses churning out coveted new designs with every season that passes. Adorned with all manner of eye-catching embellishments and exuding opulence, they are now an essential piece of attire for any fashion-conscious female – and thanks to the ongoing trend for athleisure, we can expect to see them sticking around for a good while yet.
Today, the luxury fashion market turns a simple sporty outfit into a comfortable and unique style statement – a perfect way to dress, for women who love blending styles and do not want to give up comfort. The new trends in women’s designer sneakers must offer comfort, quality and fashion all in one, and what really makes them indispensable for women who want to feel fashionable, is that they are perfectly suited to any occasion – from the most formal ones to casual evenings out with friends.
From low-tops to high-tops and leather wedges, these everyday essentials are available in a range of different styles, and with today’s high-end styles incorporating luxe materials such as suede, velvet, shearling, felted wool and fur textiles into designs, there is a stylish shoe to suit all.
Every luxury brand has a new spin to take on the new fashion season, but big-name brands such as Gucci, Balenciaga, Louis Vuitton and Prada are all ahead of the curve when it comes to sneakers. For 2020, they’ve each opted to dive deeper into the trend than ever before, with more beautiful styles lining the shelves of their boutiques.
With such a wealth of choices now available, how are we to choose? Here are some key considerations when perusing for your perfect pair – plus some of our top picks for the remainder of the year ahead.
Brand
It is often said that your taste in fashion and style is defined by your brand of choice. Each of the biggest fashion houses in the world is known for a certain look – so do your homework and work out which one resonates with you the most before choosing your new pair of sneakers.
Doing so will make it all the easier to create striking style combinations you’ll love, and best of all, you’ll be able to source your key pieces for the season ahead all from the same place. From classic collections to streetwear, it’s all about finding the vibe that suits your personality and personal style the best.
Colour
One of the biggest advantages of sneakers is their versatility – and if that’s a key selling point for you personally, choose your colour carefully. Blacks, neutrals, nudes and whites will all combine seamlessly with any outfit, making them an excellent choice for a capsule wardrobe. But if you’d rather stand out from the crowd, then a bold colour or print could be right up your street.
Quality
When buying a pair of designer sneakers to add to your collection, your main consideration should be quality – so make sure you’re getting what you’re paying for with that hefty price tag. Look for careful stitching and robust materials that is built to last – all without compromising on the aesthetics.
Our top picks for summer 2020
Nike Air Force 1 high top sneakers
The simple, white Nike Air Force 1 high top sneakers are all about versatility and look great paired with denim for a chic yet dressed-down summer look. Lightweight and understated, they are guaranteed to see you through any situation in style.
Gucci Ace low top sneakers
The new Gucci Ace low top sneakers incorporate feminine yet sporty, and its simple white colourway with a red and blue stripe to punctuate make it the perfect summer shoe. Wear them in the VIP box at Wimbledon or out on the courts, for shopping with friends or for a picnic in the park. The newer model has an edgier feel that offers more of a nod to its high-end designer parentage, injecting a little more luxury into any simple look.
Prada White Gabardine sneakers
Elegant, simple and easy to wear with any choice of clothing, it’s easy to see from this latest incarnation of the popular shoe why Prada’s sneakers are one of the most popular picks of the season. Avoid this style with skirts and shorts if your legs are on the shorter side, and wear with jeans instead for a more flattering silhouette.
