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The 15 Best Winter Trainers Will Make Your Look Forward to Foul Weather
Here are the best
Trainers: not just for summer. Granted, those fine shades of bubblegum and diamond white seem better-suited to days lolling around in a park, unsure whether the blanket of joy is one of endorphins or sunstroke. But since parks are now the only place one can lol (loll? lolly?), your trainers need to toughen up, to be ready for the cold snap ahead. And it's not just a simple case of carry your usual pair through the colder months.
Compared to the Sahara of this summer, winter will be Siberian (climate change? what climate change!) That means you avoid canvas, and opt for the most coverage possible. Low-tops may look all great and compact and Wimbledon with your white socks, but there's a reason you don't see Djokovic past August. Think about material, too: winter is always more wetland than wonderland, and the slow rise of the trail runner means there are plenty of functional, waterproof touches that are legitimately cool. Eurohiker was A Thing in 2019, and now, it seems to be a permanent fixture.
Li-Ning
As the brand changing the perceptions of a 'made in China' label, local outfit Li-Ning is enormous in its home country, peddling sneaks and sportswear that's slightly abstract, but still wholly wearable.
2020 Ace Low, £155, endclothing.com
Ami
Swollen, but not oversized; futuristic, but still minimalist; very French, but, well, no, just very French – and that's a very good thing for Ami's logo-embroidered sneakers.
Panelled Leather Trainers, £370, matchesfashion.com
Salomon
Since 1947, Salomon has been stomping all over the French Alps in footwear purpose-built for environments as unforgiving as the French Alps. Now, they've moved into firm trend waters, but still pack all the functionality of proper hiking gear – even if you have no intention of scaling a mountain this winter.
XT Quest Advanced Trainers, £165, endclothing.com
Gucci
Gucci likes to showboat. But it also adds substance to the style, with the new-ish Ultrapacers on par with pure technical brands while still being able to show off a little bit.
Ultrapacer Tech Sneakers, £690, endclothing.com
Adidas Originals
You don't really get much more classic than the Continental. As something of a sleeper hit last summer, durable leather construction and an archival Eighties silhouette make it perfect for winter, too.
Continental 80 Shoes, £74.95, adidas.co.uk
Common Projects
Touches of suede may seem a tiny bit risky in winter, but a good gassing of Crepe Protect will ensure these Common Projects work well thanks to a winterproof shell upper and big protective soles.
Track Ripstop Sneakers, £380, mrporter.com
Karhu
Long nights and wet days: Finland knows a proper winter when it sees one. More so because Karhu, a native outfit, has been making trainers for that very situation, and they look a lot more fun than seeing sunlight for just two hours a day.
Legacy Grey Trainers, £109, endclothing.com
Reebok
Reebok may seem on the second tier of big sprawling sportswear labels, but its just as reliable as Nike or Adidas. The Workout Plus has been serving men, women and suspiciously enthusiastic aerobics instructors for decades, and its chunky white leather construction means it's just as reliable in winter, too.
Workout Plus, £69.95, reebok.co.uk
Puma
Unlike many collabs, Puma's crossover with The Hundreds doesn't tire. On the contrary, it gets brighter and bigger and better each turn, and the RS-2K HF is testament to a very happy marriage indeed.
RS-2K HF Trainers, £99, endclothing.com
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