Top 10 Best Trainers for Women in the UK 2021 (Nike, Adidas and More)

So, you're looking for some trainers? Well, you've certainly come to the right place, because we're brimming with fashion advice on how to choose the best pair. You'll find information on all the technical stuff like fabric and fastenings, as well as some tips on choosing the right design.

Trainers have so many different uses; they're great for day-to-day casual wear, as well as for sports, jogging or your favourite gym workout. However, not all trainers will be suitable for every activity, especially with the rise of athleisure fashion. 

For exercise, make sure the shape is up to the job. Pick a supportive sports shoe that will offer good protection and won't rub. Fashion-forward trainers, of course, are better for casual wear. If you want them to complete your outfit as well as being comfortable, look for an interesting design or shape to make them look dressier. 

Platform trainers are a great example of this – they add a few extra inches without the discomfort and damage to your feet that heels might bring! Some platform trainers have a chunkier sole than others, so save the really high ones for casual wear as you could easily fall or twist your ankle while running or doing cardio. Trainers with a lower platform are better for jogging or other sporting activities. 

Without having to find somewhere to sit and then spend time making a bow, there's no denying the ease of slip-on trainers. You can slide your foot into slip-ons and be ready to go, which is ideal if time is short or patience is not your forte. If you struggle to tie your shoelaces because you have dyspraxia, this could also be a good option for you.

Laces, meanwhile, have a more secure fit that offers your foot better support. This is especially useful if you have narrow feet, as slip-on trainers can be on the wider side and cause the shoe to rub against the side or heel of your foot. You can even try out different lacing techniques that help with problems like toe pain and high arches.

We're all familiar with hi-top and low-top trainers, but do you know the pros and cons of each design? The different styles might make their own fashion statements and complement certain outfits, but there's much more to it than a cool-looking design. Read on to find out more! 

Did you know that hi-tops were the original basketball shoes because of evidence that the extra support helped to prevent sprains? The drawback, however, is that they can be pretty stiff and difficult to move around in, which is why some sports players have since switched to low-tops.

They've since become a popular style statement with their ankle boot shape; think back to those days at school when everyone was dying to get their hands on a pair of Converse hi-tops! 

The higher ankle means they look great with skirts and dresses as well as trousers and shorts. The protection they offer is still there, though, so if you have weak ankles or you want to wear trainers in the colder months, they could be just what you're looking for. 

Low-tops are trainer classics that sit nicely below your ankle and cushion your heel. Of course, they're ideal for exercise as they have complete freedom of movement and won't restrict you or cause overheating when you're jogging or playing a sport.

They're also a lot easier to get on and off than hi-tops, which tend to be narrower and have a few more laces to contend with. They may not have the same ankle protection, but as long as you're not playing professional-level sport or you're nursing an ankle injury, they should do their job.

Low tops can be great staple pieces as they look great with almost anything, and can even be quite dressy if you get the right pair. You can have lots of fun styling them!

You want trainers that look nice, but you should also pay attention to the material the upper is made from to make sure they do their job. If you run out in the rain, for instance, you don't want to pick a pair that aren't waterproof! Here's the lowdown on the main materials. 

Leather, or faux leather, was the original trainer material, but it's very much back in fashion now. It will make your trainers durable and keep your feet dry if you're walking or jogging out in the rain. It's also much easier to clean, plus, you can keep white trainers in tip-top condition by buying a shoe whitener. 

The major downfall to this material is that it's not as breathable as fabric, so you might find your feet become sweatier if it's a hot day or you're exercising. Plenty of trainers now use a mix of leather and fabric, which is worth looking out for if you'd like the protection that leather offers as well as some breathability. 

Most running shoes are made from – or incorporate – mesh fabric as it's highly breathable and has good temperature control so it will reduce how sweaty your feet get when you're exercising. It also keeps the shoe feeling light, as it's easier to move around when you're not wearing a heavy shoe.

The mesh fabric does offer some protection against the rain, but they're normally not fully waterproof. Running around with your feet feeling wet isn't pleasant, but all is not lost – you can use Vaseline or waterproofing sprays to give your shoe protection against the rain.

Lots of trainers are made from a woven cloth fabric because it's durable, breathable and its thick material won't stretch out of shape. Canvas or textile shoes are also flexible so you can freely move around in them, which is useful for both day-to-day life or exercise. Not forgetting that they also look great! 

A bonus is that you can usually throw these shoes in the washing machine to get them clean without much hassle. The only downside is that this fabric doesn't offer a lot of ankle support in low-top designs as the collar is often very thin. If you want better support, look for designs that mix textile fabric with a leather collar.

Trainers come in all sorts of designs nowadays, from plain colours to patterned hearts, flowers and funky leopard prints. You've made it to adulthood so you probably have a good sense of your style preferences, and shoes should be no exception to this. You want to feel comfortable in every sense of the word when you wear them! 

If you have a simple, minimalistic style, try some running shoes in a sleek neutral colour that will look chic worn with a clean-cut monochrome outfit. On the other hand, if you're artistic and want your creativity to bleed into your wardrobe, try a fun pattern or a bright colour that will let your personality shine through.

You've read through our tips, so now it's time to see our recommendations. We've put together a good selection with a great mixture of classic designs and fun prints. You're sure to find a pair that matches your style!

Good footwear is key for everyday comfort, but it's only one part of your outfit. So why not find some new jeans to match? Whether you're a long-term skinny jean lover or you fancy trying out a new style like flares or mom jeans, check out our denim guides below for some inspo. 

When you're wearing the right trainers your feet will feel comfy, keeping your life running in the right direction! From laces to shaft height, we've given you lots to think about when choosing your next pair. If you follow our guide and stick to our recommendations, you're sure to find your best trainers yet. 

Author: Rosa Fairfield