Women's Retro Trainers
Take on this season's biggest trainer shape. The retro trainer — or retro runner, as most of us here in Ireland would call it — is the slim, low-profile style with a suede toe, a gum sole and a stripe down the side, borrowed straight from the running shoes of the seventies and eighties. It's the trainer that's come back hardest in the last few seasons, and our collection is the biggest of any trainer shape in the shop, with brands including Another Trend, Gabor, Marco Tozzi, Paul Green and Tamaris. As with everything we sell, returns are free within 30 days if a pair doesn't suit.
What makes a trainer "retro"?
The shape, mainly. A retro trainer sits low to the ground on a thin, flat sole — no platform, no chunk — with a suede or nubuck toe cap, a slim profile and usually a gum or off-white sole. It's the opposite of the chunky trainers that dominated a few years ago, and it's why they look right with cropped trousers and straight-leg jeans where a thicker sole would fight the hem. The good ones are also very light, which is a large part of why customers who try them tend to stay in them.
Which colour should I go for?
This is the one trainer shape where colour is half the point. Where a classic white trainer is meant to disappear, a retro trainer is meant to be noticed — so burgundy, khaki, brown suede, metallics and a bit of leopard all earn their place here, and it's why this category has more colours in it than any other on the site. If you're buying your first pair, a brown or burgundy suede is the easiest to wear and goes with almost everything in an autumn wardrobe. If you already have a neutral one, this is where to be braver.
Are retro trainers comfortable?
More than their slim shape suggests. Because the sole is thin and flexible, they move with your foot rather than against it, and they're among the lightest trainers we stock. What they don't have is a lot of cushioning underfoot — so if you're on your feet all day on hard floors, a platform or a proper comfort trainer from Ara or Waldlaufer will suit you better. Where retros excel is everyday wear: walking, shopping, getting about. Many also have a removable insole, so there's room for an orthotic if you use one — check the individual product, or browse our orthotic friendly section.
Are retro trainers true to size?
It depends on the brand. These come from several different makers and each fits a little differently, so the sizing note on the individual product is the one to go by rather than any general rule. Suede toes do ease a little with wear, which is worth knowing if a pair feels snug rather than tight on the first try. If you're between sizes or unsure, give us a call on 01 8490847 and we'll advise on the particular style.
Looking for more trainers?
Browse the rest of the range:
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