By Niamh ODonoghue
07th Jun 2018
07th Jun 2018
Sometimes a trend happens that’s so nonsensical and outlandish it causes small clusters of stars to collide in deep space. The impact causes a ripple effect which seeps from high-end designer studios to our favourite high-street stores and online boutiques. It drifts passed you unnoticed – or so it seems. Your fashion subconscious, you see, is always busy at work and one day you look in the mirror only to discover you’re wearing that thing you said you never would.
Enter the dad trainer.
This season, Balenciaga, Vetements, Prada and Louis Vuitton are all selling trainers that look like they could (should?) be locked away in your dad’s wardrobe. Chunky, grotesque and a bit ridiculous, they’re the ultimate retro trainer, and the world can’t get enough of them right now. One quick hashtag search on Instagram and my screen is crowded with chunk-zilla, brightly coloured, laced and Velcro trainers. Their popularity, for the most part, is thanks to Instagram’s fashion elite; Pernille Teisbaek, Eva Chen and Susi Bubble. Their influence has turned this ghastly trend on its head and now, chubby lace-ups paired with delicate slip dresses or boyfriend jeans is totally acceptable.
How to wear them? Do it with a sophisticated pencil skirt; hitting the sweet spot between office casual and street-style star. Tailored shorts and high-hitting trainers will offer you respite during hot days (and keep you buoyant!). Pair with pretty socks for a springtime sartorial update. Let chunky outsoles be the life of the party this year in equal parts futuristic and retro nineties (see Calvin Klein, below). When you’ve picked out your favourite pair from our edit below, head back up top and see how our favourite street-style heroines are styling their dad trainers.
Switch chunky trainers, €41.99 at publicdesire.com
Carla sneaker by Calvin Klein, €503.75 at shop.nordstrom.com
Air Max 98 in barely rose, €179.95 at maha-amsterdam.com
Nike Sportswear M2K Tekno, €105 at nakedcph.com
Nike Air Max 95 special edition, €170 at vooberlin.com
Ciara chunky trainers, €42 at topshop.com
Burgundy derby trainers, €115 at uterque.com
Flame trainers, €237.77 at sandro-paris.com
Harriet sneaker, €279 at ganni.com
Platform velcro fastening sneakers, €39.95 at mango.com
Fila disruptor, €129.95 at fila.de
Rs Ozweego III runner sneakers by Raf Simmons for Adidas, €245 at farfetch.com
Fluo Stella trainers, €425 at stellamccartney.com
Burgundy stars all over trainers by Senso, €199 at seagreen.ie
White/black women’s defy sneakers, €76.50 at madisonstyle.com
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