Women's Trainers
Every woman should have at least one pair of trainers in her wardrobe, and these days most of us live in them. This is the biggest collection in the shop, in leather, suede and soft fabrics, from slim retro shapes to chunky platforms, with brands including Ara, Gabor, Waldlaufer, Marco Tozzi, Another Trend and Paul Green. These are trainers built for walking, standing and getting through the day rather than for the gym — comfort footwear that happens to look good. As with everything we sell, returns are free within 30 days if a pair doesn't suit.
What's the difference between a side zip and a lace-up trainer?
Mostly convenience, and it matters more than it sounds. A side zip trainer has laces at the front for looks and a zip at the inside ankle for getting in and out — so you set the laces once and never touch them again. That's a genuine advantage if you struggle to bend, have arthritis in your hands, or simply don't want to be retying laces every time you leave the house. It's the single most popular trainer feature in the shop, and brands like Ara, Waldlaufer, Rieker and Marco Tozzi build most of their range this way. A lace-up gives you a more adjustable fit across the instep and a slightly cleaner look, and suits anyone who likes to fine-tune how tight the shoe sits.
Platform, retro or classic — which style?
A platform or flatform trainer has a thick, flat sole that adds height without a heel. It's the most current shape, it goes with wide-leg trousers and midi skirts, and on the better brands the platform is a light EVA rather than solid rubber, so they weigh far less than they look. A retro trainer is the slim, low-profile shape with a suede toe and a gum sole — the one that's come back in the last few seasons and works with cropped trousers and jeans. A classic leather trainer sits between the two and is the safest everyday choice if you want something that won't date.
Which trainers are best for wider feet or orthotics?
Trainers are the easiest shoe type to find a good fit in, because there's more depth and give than in a court shoe or a boot. If you know you need a specific fitting, Waldlaufer is the place to start — the whole range is built on wider lasts — and Jana is an H fit throughout. Gabor, Ara and Remonte offer G and H fittings. For orthotics, a good part of the range has a removable insole, and Another Trend build every pair that way — you can browse them all in our orthotic friendly section. Our size guide explains what the fittings mean, and if you're unsure, give us a call on 01 8490847.
Are trainers true to size?
It depends on the brand. With over twenty makers in this collection, each fits a little differently, so the sizing note on the individual product is the one to go by rather than any general rule. Two things do hold across the board: if you're wearing an orthotic in them, try the shoe with the orthotic in before deciding on the size, and if you're between sizes, give us a call on 01 8490847 rather than guessing — we've the stock here and it takes two minutes.
Do you stock vegan trainers?
We do. A good number of styles in this range are made without animal leather and are marked as vegan in the product name, so you don't have to go hunting. Marco Tozzi in particular make a lot of their trainers this way. You can browse everything suitable in our vegan footwear section.
How do I keep suede and leather trainers looking new?
Spray them before the first wearing, not after they get dirty — a protector spray on clean, dry suede or leather is the single best thing you can do, and it makes a huge difference to how a pale suede trainer ages. Brush suede regularly with a soft suede brush to lift the nap, and wipe leather with a damp cloth. Let wet trainers dry naturally away from a radiator. If you've a white sole, a little white toothpaste on an old toothbrush brings it up surprisingly well. We stock protector sprays and brushes in our shoe care section, and there's more advice on our shoe care page.
Looking for something specific?
Browse our trainer sub-categories:
