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Ugly trainers

Probably the most divisive topic among all women right now is ugly trainers, or “dad” trainers.

And when I say divisive I mean that I like them and everyone else makes gaggy or puking noises when I start talking about them.

The original “ugly” trainer was, I think, by Balenciaga and yeah, okay, they are full-on edgy. I would not wear these. But, there is something there, isn’t there? Something appealingly … ugly. The shoe equivalent of those hairless cats or an African hunting dog. Yes, ugly, but yes also compelling in the truth they speak about … something.

I still believe that there is room in life for a pair of plain white leather sneakers – I think they are now as much of a wardrobe staple as a white shirt or blue jeans. But I don’t think you ought to spend a lot of money on them – just any old pair will do. Don’t now get those Gucci ones or the Goose ones or anything from Isabel Marant. (Though by all means keep them if you did buy a pair.)

If you need a fresh pair of clean white leather sneakers I have just the thing for you from Other Stories. They are leather and they have rip straps (Velcro) which are many more times easy to keep clean than anything with laces. A snip at £79. Just wipe them with a hot cloth every now and again. This IS important – there’s no point in having white trainers if you’re not going to keep them cleanish.

And then have an ugly trainer lurking around somewhere for when you are feeling a bit… ugly.

I have thought about it a lot and have gone for these Adidas Falcons, which I absolutely adore. Just ugly enough in their gaudy 80s colours and slightly-remedial clunky sole without looking actually like Pete Burns’ face.

Other ugly, clumpy or “fashion” trainers you might consider this season:

Nike Air Force 1 High Tops:

but yes, you have to commit to keeping these clean and occasionally buy new laces.

These Bronx multi-coloured jobbies are a bit more high-risk:

As are these Ash Addict ones, via Hush:

Anyway. Think about it. Just make sure that if you go for an ugly shoe, its the right one; I don’t want to see anyone in Reebok Classics, Nike Air Max 1s or Fila Disruptors. Consider a pair of Nike Air Jordans. And NO OTHER Air Max than the Air Max 97, which are having a moment.

And if you’ve got no idea what I’m talking about then, well, good for you really.

 

Those links again, for your convenience:

A nice plain white sneaker from Other Stories

My ugly trainer of choice, Adidas Falcons

If you want an ugly/white sneaker hybrid: Nike Air Force 1 High Tops

Bronx multi-coloured jobbies if you’re feeling daring

These Ash Addict if you’re feeling super-daring (and rich)

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Comments

  1. Suziefirestar says

    September 12, 2018 at 8:09 am

    This has made me want to buy the air force 1’s, but also a red body warmer to go full Michael J Fox

    Reply
    • esthermcoren says

      September 12, 2018 at 8:27 am

      this would be okay by me

      Reply
    • Cindy says

      September 12, 2018 at 9:06 am

      I bought my son a red body warmer just so I could make him a mini Marty.

      Reply
  2. Emily says

    September 12, 2018 at 8:31 am

    I would have worn these with a summer dress when it was warm. I really want to buy the Falcons but I’m a bit stumped about what to wear them with now its colder… would they go well with my mom jeans? Or is that going to be Too Much 90s on this 40 year old?
    Or stick to skinny jeans …?
    Or should I keep on with the maxi dresses and just brave bare legs?

    Reply
    • esthermcoren says

      September 12, 2018 at 9:25 am

      err hell yes – falcons with mom jeans and a nice cosy sweater. yes.

      Reply
  3. Cindy says

    September 12, 2018 at 8:57 am

    I really like those Adidas ones. I always quite like ugly things though, it all gets a bit dull otherwise doesn’t it? Contrast and confidence is the thing.

    Reply
  4. Betty M says

    September 12, 2018 at 9:00 am

    What’s wrong with the Disruptor then?

    Reply
    • esthermcoren says

      September 12, 2018 at 9:24 am

      nothing “wrong” but it’s a VERY teenage look right now

      Reply
      • Betty M says

        September 13, 2018 at 1:18 pm

        Ahh that would explain why the 14 yr old was desperate for them to replace her honestly totally unwearable anymore Huaraches.

        Reply
  5. Natalie says

    September 12, 2018 at 9:49 am

    Oh no! What’s wrong with Reebok Classics? Am I old and missing something?

    Reply
    • esthermcoren says

      September 12, 2018 at 10:15 am

      nothing “wrong” but they are quite a teenage thing right now – and not quite “ugly” enough for what I’m talking about here… keep wearing them if you have them, but don’t buy them if you haven’t. unless you love them in which can’t completely ignore me and my bullshit

      Reply
  6. Juls says

    September 12, 2018 at 12:03 pm

    https://www.zara.com/uk/en/chunky-sole-sneakers-p11417301.html?v1=6575816&v2=1087013
    !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    #fashiongenius

    Reply
  7. Juls says

    September 12, 2018 at 12:05 pm

    Also I do have those Ash ones – they kill my feet but I LOVE them

    Reply
    • esthermcoren says

      September 12, 2018 at 1:49 pm

      kill your feet how?!?! this is awful news. the whole point is they’re comfy??

      Reply
      • Juls says

        September 20, 2018 at 4:34 pm

        They give me the most horrendous blisters at the back of my feet – but then again, almost every shoe gives me blisters!

        Reply
  8. Gemma says

    September 13, 2018 at 6:05 am

    Ha! I’ve just bought myself some Reebok Classics and the teen daughter Disruptors. I’ll get my coat.

    Reply
    • esthermcoren says

      September 13, 2018 at 7:46 am

      Gemma wear them with attitude. I’m sure you’ll look FAB x

      Reply
    • Cindy says

      September 13, 2018 at 8:29 am

      Make sure it’s the right coat!!!

      Reply
  9. Kate says

    September 13, 2018 at 6:38 pm

    Might I (whisper it) suggest an Ecco white leather trainer? Very pleasing. And comfy! Or is that too middle aged of me?

    Reply
  10. Flopsy says

    September 19, 2018 at 8:50 am

    This is so helpful, thank you. Hitherto I’ve been way too terrified to buy cool trainers in case I buy an uncool variety and look like a git.

    Reply

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