I No Longer Want To Wear Bold, Bright Trainers—5 Classic Colours I'm Way More Into

17/06/2024

It feels like every summer, heels come back into footwear fashion. Strappy or thong, block heel or kitten, sandals of varying heights and styles become a new go-to for daily wear. But let's be honest—sometimes, comfort has to be prioritised. After all, a day of running around town is not best paired with a heeled sandal (unless you've fully adapted into Carrie Bradshaw.) Thankfully, trainers continue to be not only sartorially appropriate, but also highly stylish, meaning you can turn to these trusty shoes even on the warmest days.

i no longer want to wear bold, bright trainers—5 classic colours i'm way more into

((Image credit: @monikh ))

While we're all for backing the best trends, here at Who What Wear we like to focus the spotlight on styles that are true classics. Trainers are one of those pieces where investing in the most versatile, timeless styles will serve you so well. Just look at some of our favourite influencers, who've proven over the past few years that trainers can go with everything from jeans to skirts all year long. The key, I think, is to focus on finding the right colour.

From my extensive scrolling on social media, I think I've distilled down a list of the five truly classic trainer colours that work particularly well in summer, but will see you through the cold months, too. From the go-to white sneaker that will go with every breezy summer dress to the pop of vibrant green that will brighten up your neutral linen styles, these are the colours to look out for this season.

1. White

((Image credit: @nnennaechem ))

Style Notes: A crisp white trainer is truly a summer essential. This easy, super versatile flat will go with everything from shorts to patterned summer dresses, so just focus on finding the silhouette that suits you best.

Shop the Look:

Xt-Slate Advanced Rubber-Trimmed Mesh Sneakers

Saloman Xt-Slate Advanced Rubber-Trimmed Mesh Sneakers

Saloman trainers are set to be the next cult fashion buy.

2750 Cotu Classic

Superga 2750 Cotu Classic

Such a classic—these go particulary well with dresses and skirts.

Medalist Low Leather Sneaker

AUTRY Medalist Low Leather Sneaker

I love the vintage look of AUTRY trainers.

550 Mesh-Trimmed Leather Sneakers

NEW BALANCE 550 Mesh-Trimmed Leather Sneakers

I own these exact trainers and love the little lift they provide.,

Veja Campo Leather Sneakers

& Other Stories Veja Campo Leather Sneakers

I've seen so many tastemakers wear these with jeans and skirts.

2. Blue

((Image credit: @francescasaffari ))

Style Notes: If you're looking to your footwear to inject a little colour into your daily summer wardrobe, consider opting for a blue style. Electric or navy, a blue trainer is surprisingly versatile, and looks especially good when paired with white or neutral clothing.

Shop the Look:

998 Core Rubber-Trimmed Leather, Mesh and Suede Sneakers

NEW BALANCE 998 Core Rubber-Trimmed Leather, Mesh and Suede Sneakers

These would look great in all seasons.

+ Wales Bonner Sl76 Leather-Trimmed Brushed-Suede and Mesh Sneakers

ADIDAS ORIGINALS + Wales Bonner Sl76 Leather-Trimmed Brushed-Suede and Mesh Sneakers

The Wales Bonner collection always sells out quickly.

Gazelle Indoor Leather-Trimmed Suede Sneakers

ADIDAS ORIGINALS Gazelle Indoor Leather-Trimmed Suede Sneakers

This vibrant blue would pop so well with the trending white voluminous skirt.

New Balance U327wra

Perfect for those who like a chunky sole.

Gola Elan Suede Trainers

The extra pop of pink is such a cool touch.

3. Black

((Image credit: @_jessicaskye ))

Style Notes: Black trainers are tied with white styles as arguably the most refined of the trainer colour options. Paired with tailored linen trousers or dresses, you'll have a look that's understatedly put-together enough to wear out to a nice dinner, but they'll work equally as well paired with shorts and a sweatshirt on a beach walk.

Shop the Look:

Samba Og Suede-Trimmed Leather Sneakers

ADIDAS ORIGINALS Samba Og Suede-Trimmed Leather Sneakers

It looks like Sambas aren't going anywhere.

Chuck Taylor All Star 70 Canvas Sneakers

CONVERSE Chuck Taylor All Star 70 Canvas Sneakers

A true classic that will never go out of style.

Volley Suede and Leather-Trimmed Canvas Sneakers

VEJA Volley Suede and Leather-Trimmed Canvas Sneakers

I love the matte black look.

Reelwind Low Suede and Shell Sneakers

AUTRY Reelwind Low Suede and Shell Sneakers

Such a cool vintage vibe.

Flow Logo-Appliquéd Leather and Shell Sneakers

LOEWE Flow Logo-Appliquéd Leather and Shell Sneakers

For a high fashion spin, opt for this cool Loewe pair.

4. Green

((Image credit: @aimeesong ))

Style Notes: Green has popped up on my feed so much over the past few months, but it really is a classic. If you don't want to go for a full-on green, opt for a white style with green detailing—that style always manages to have an effortless, subtly retro feel that never goes out of style.

Shop the Look:

Moston Super Spzl Leather-Trimmed Suede Sneakers

ADIDAS ORIGINALS Moston Super Spzl Leather-Trimmed Suede Sneakers

This earthy green is so cool, and would look so great when styled with neutral hues.

End. X Adidas Tobacco

END. X Adidas Tobacco 'Flyfishing' End. X Adidas Tobacco 'flyfishing'

Pair with a white linen dress for a gorgeous summer look.

Adidas Handball Spezial

Adidas Handball Spezial Adidas Handball Spezial

These would go with so many different styles—and I love the dark brown sole.

Adidas Gazelle Indoor

Adidas Adidas Gazelle Indoor

I've spotted so many influencers in these Adidas trainers.

Reebok Classic Leather 1983 Vintage

Reebok CLASSIC LEATHER 1983 VINTAGE Reebok Classic Leather 1983 Vintage

A subtle entry into the world of colourful sneakers.

5. Grey

((Image credit: @amaka.hamelijnck ))

Style Notes: While I love Amaka's head-to-toe grey ensemble, the best thing about grey trainers is the fact they go with pretty much everything. Consider what colour clothing you tend to gravitate towards to figure out out if you want to go for softer hues or darker tones.