Ladies Trainers
Most of us live in trainers these days, and this is one of the biggest collections in the shop, in leather, suede and soft fabrics, from slim retro shapes to chunky platforms. Brands include 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. Shop with us in Skerries, Co. Dublin, or online with free delivery on orders over €69 and free returns within 30 days.
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 real advantage if you find it hard to bend, have stiff 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: Ara and Waldlaufer build most of their trainers this way, and Gabor, Jana, Marco Tozzi and Caprice have plenty too. 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, and it goes with wide-leg trousers and midi skirts. A retro trainer is the slim, low-profile shape that's come back in the last few seasons, and it 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. You'll find each shape in its own section below.
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 wider fitting, Waldlaufer is the place to start, since every Waldlaufer style starts at an H fitting, the wide fitting. Jana and Remonte trainers are an H as well, and Gabor and Ara offer G and H fittings on selected styles. 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 so many 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 have the stock here and it only takes two minutes.
Do you stock vegan trainers?
We do. A good number of styles in this range are made without animal leather, and it's stated in the product details of every one. Marco Tozzi and Jana make many of their trainers PFI vegan approved, and there are vegan styles from Xti and Refresh too. 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 wear, 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, wipe leather with a damp cloth, and let wet trainers dry naturally away from a radiator. 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:
