7 Best Trainers in 2024
Finding the best sneaker that would fit your style and budget can be downright gruelling considering the thousands of choices. But don’t worry. We have reviewed over 100 stylish trainers to narrow down your options.
Whether you’re looking for an iconic silhouette, a sleek tennis sneaker, or a chunky dad shoe, we’ve got our top picks in different categories to let you choose.
And if you’d like to know how to be smart about mixing comfort and style in your next sneaker, look over our guide.
How we test trainers
We are always on top of which trainers are fresh on the market. But 'fresh' isn't a guarantee of greatness. Here at RunRepeat, we like to let you in on what is genuinely exceptional. With that intention, of course, we want to give you our full, honest opinion and verdict. To do that, we spend our own earnings to cop all the trainers we test.
Moreover, we try out each of the trainers while being out and about - on the streets, malls, parks, restaurants, etc. We also go as far as sporting the trainers with different fits, to give you what's what from function to comfort, and style.
As if those aren't enough, we also put the trainers through a series of tests inside our lab. We test for durability (Dremel test), waterproof ability, flexibility, and more!
Best trainers overall
What makes it the best?
Pros
- Unbelievably comfortable
- Long-lasting outsole
- Surprisingly lightweight
- Great for all-day wear
- Very stable and ideal for wide feet
- 90's retro vibe with futuristic details
- Compliment magnet
- Lots of colorways
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Lack of quality materials
- Not the most breathable
Best classic trainers
What makes it the best?
Pros
- Clean and minimalist style
- Unbelievably affordable
- Real leather and suede
- Comfortable in-shoe feel
- Long-lasting construction
- Lighter than average
- Highly flexible build
- Good grip for casual use
Cons
- Poor breathability
- Tongue slides to the side
- Not for all-day wear
Best chunky trainers
What makes it the best?
Pros
- Next-level comfort
- Excellent craftsmanship
- Quite heavy-duty
- Dope aesthetics
- True to size
- Looks better in person
- Premium-grade materials
- Stable
Cons
- Limited colour options
- Squeaks
- A tad warm
Best vintage trainers
What makes it the best?
Pros
- Flexible and comfy
- Generously padded
- Lightweight
- Durable toebox
- Fine quality finish
- Extremely stable
- Good traction on most surfaces
- Old-school wonder
- Versatile
- Goes with most outfits
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Short-term support
- Firm midsole
- Creases easily
- Lacks airflow
Best retro trainers
What makes it the best?
Pros
- Top-notch materials
- Excellent craftsmanship
- Comfortable for all-day wear
- Supportive foothold
- Stable platform
- Grippy, running-inspired outsole
- Feels lightweight with a padded interior
- Roomy at the big toe
- Wide-feet friendly
- Real suede and leather
- Cool 90s dad shoes retro vibe
Cons
- The leather version lacks breathability
- Quite stiff
Best futuristic trainers
What makes it the best?
Pros
- Lightweight
- Instantly comfortable
- True to size
- Durable
- Can be worn without socks
- Flexible
- Super breathable
- Sleek modern looks
- Crazy number of colorways
Cons
- Heel height might need adjusting to
- Not the best for standing all day
Choose trainers based on your style
Unless you have wads of cash to splurge on a new set of wardrobe, then buying a shoe style that matches your current collection of clothes is more practical.
Whatever your reasons are for getting a new pair of trainers, remember to be confident with who you are and what you like. The best trainers for you would basically reflect YOU and your style.
Low-top, mid-top, or high-top?
When it comes to sneaker styles, there is a chock-full of options available. But before you go through each one, you’ll have to pick between these three basic styles or cuts.
Check out the most popular sneaker styles
Sneaker trends and styles come and go but there are a couple that has lasted through the ages. One sneaker model can also radiate a variety of styles. Here are the most common and popular styles you’ll find in the market.
Get a sneaker for your lifestyle
It’s always a great idea (especially for people on the go) to get an all-rounder kick - a shoe that can be worn from work to play. The good thing is that trainers have an athletic DNA.
Many of the most in-demand men’s or women’s trainers took roots from athletic shoes. So, whatever activity you’re into, there’s a sporty sneaker that’s capable of meeting at least the minimum requirements of the task.
See our selection of skate shoes and running-, and basketball-inspired kicks.
Materials matter
Are you looking for a shoe that’s breathable, plush, or durable? Consider the materials that make up the model and you’ll find what you’re searching for.
Common Materials Used |
Key Benefits |
Could-be-betters |
|
Upper |
Leather (Full-grain, Suede, Nubuck) |
+ Durable + Stable and supportive + Comfortable overtime (a customised fit is achieved as it moulds to the shape of the foot) + Abrasion-resistant + Easier to clean |
- Longer break-in time - Heavier on the feet - Less breathable |
Textile (Knit, Canvas, Mesh) |
+ Breathable + Lightweight + Cheaper + Feels soft on the get-go |
- Less durable - Limited support and stability - Tends to absorb water |
|
Midsole |
EVA |
+ Provides mild impact absorption + Flexible + Lightweight |
- Less supportive - Compresses over time |
PU |
+ Hardwearing + Supportive |
- Longer break-in period - Heavier |
The best trainers are always comfy
Try to forget about sneaker hypes. Popularity does not equate to comfort. And, when it comes to the best trainers - comfort trumps everything. If it’s not comfortable, you could end up becoming a fashion victim with a pricey sneaker accumulating dust in the shoe rack.
It’s no secret that you need to find a shoe that fits right to achieve comfort. Just follow these 6 simple steps and you’re good to go.
Mind your budget
True, budget isn’t a problem for the filthy rich. If you can, buy designer trainers without second-guessing, then go ahead. But, for average Joes and Janes, a shoe’s price tag is at the heart of their sneaker-buying decision.
Thankfully, there are reputable brands that sell trainers for cheap. This includes Vans, Keds, and Converse. Even globally known brands like Adidas provide affordable options. Adidas’ NEO collection is a lineup worth checking out for their cheap yet quality kicks.