7 Best Trainers in 2024

Sheena
Sheena on
7 Best Trainers in 2024
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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

Adidas Ozweego
95
Superb!

What makes it the best?

A blast from the past that's ready to last! That could be the slogan of the classic 1998 Ozweego. We loved every step in this plush and wide companion, as it kept us on our feet and walking all day long. Its retro vibe, combined with some futuristic details the brand has been adding throughout the years, made us completely fall in love with it. In our lab, we discovered it has kept some of Adidas' best technologies, as well as the big and loud vibe the Ozweegos are known for. Stylish, roomy, lightweight and, on top of it, affordable. This Adidas Originals official member is just a 10 out of 10!

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
Full review of Adidas Ozweego

Best classic trainers

Adidas Samba
90
Great!

What makes it the best?

Not only is the Adidas Samba famous for its classic aesthetics, but we also found it exceptionally durable for the price point. Despite some minor flaws, the shoe's incredibility remains unchanged as we choose to focus on the greatness it brings to the table. Part of the Originals collection, the shoe's combination of good looks, high-quality materials, and reliable comfort resonated very well with us.

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
Full review of Adidas Samba

Best chunky trainers

New Balance 9060
93
Great!

What makes it the best?

Emerging from a successful collaborative effort, the 9060 from New Balance is such a captivating running-inspired kick on almost every front. We were hooked by the shoe’s futuristic flair only to be further endeared by its extremely comfortable nature. And have we mentioned how ridiculously well-made this bad boy is yet? It seems to be too good to miss out on.

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
Full review of New Balance 9060

Best vintage trainers

What makes it the best?

The existence of the Club C 85 Vintage only proves that even classic models truly deserve a spotlight. This rendition gives the iconic silhouette of the Club C 85 a next-level vintage appeal, which Reebok fans will surely appreciate. Beyond its on-point style that goes with virtually everything are reliable comfort, Reebok-approved build quality, and superb fit. The Club C 85 Vintage also comes with an affordable price tag.

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
Full review of Reebok Club C 85 Vintage

Best retro trainers

ASICS Gel 1130
95
Superb!

What makes it the best?

Whether it was walking around town, going to work, strolling in the park, or even running to catch a bus, the Gel 1130 always met our expectations and requirements! This dad shoe from ASICS will stay by your side for the whole day, helping your feet stay comfortable and stable. Its supportive structure is no joke, and it faced every surface we walked on bravely, so forget about slipping! Talking about that, heel slippage wasn't an issue either, as foothold is one of its top priorities. It might be a little bit too rigid for some, though. All in all, we believe you should get it if you're looking for a retro-styled model full of the latest technologies that are willing to make your feet feel safe and happy.

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
Full review of ASICS Gel 1130

Best premium trainers

What makes it the best?

The 6th version of the 990 series truly impressed us as a sneaker that incorporates cushioning tech from actual running shoes (hello, FuelCell foam). We were also amazed with this historic dad shoe's well-padded interiors, Goldilocks squishiness, and an astounding level of arch support. Proudly made in the USA, it is a pricey kick that, in our opinion, justifies every cent with premium materials and craftsmanship.

Pros

  • Unexpectedly lighter than average
  • Real suede and quality materials
  • Extra thick cushioning for all-day wear
  • Comfortable and springy FuelCell foam
  • Mind-blowing arch support and stability
  • Exceptionally hard-wearing outsole
  • Fantastic breathability
  • Well-padded all around
  • Six(!) widths available

Cons

  • Very delicate toebox mesh
  • A bit stiff
Full review of New Balance 990 v6

Best futuristic trainers

What makes it the best?

Through a series of tests, I established that the Air Max 270 is a sleek, sporty, lightweight lifestyle shoe. With a huge 32 mm heel height, it's definitely a head-turner. Ultimately, this is a durable shoe that fits in perfectly with the times and at a fair price.

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
Full review of Nike Air Max 270

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.

Rating based on top.png

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.

most popular sneaker styles 2 copy.png

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.

Sneaker types with athletic origins 2 copy.png

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.

Author
Sheena
Sheena
Sheena is a wordsmith turned sneaker addict. Her sneaker fixation intensified as her passion for writing grew. A hands-on mom of two sweet yet spunky kids (plus three dogs and two cats), she finds solitude in leafing through shoe catalogues to find the next "it" sneaker. Scrutinising hugely popular and underrated kicks is her favourite pastime.