10 Summer-ish Sneakers That Don't Feel Like A Cop Out
Just because your sandals haven't done as many steps as you'd have liked this summer doesn't mean you have to crack out the boots just yet. These trans-seasonal trainers from Nike are the perfect choice for now and next season.
A disappointing summer has meant that all those sandals we bought during the spring sales haven't seen the light of day. Remember when we rushed to purchase our favourite sliders and mules before the summer got off to a start? And then it’s here, you blink, and it’s gone - and hardly a whiff of an open toe. But luckily for us, nothing makes you look cooler than a pair of box-fresh trainers, whatever time of year.
We've seen the internet testing out the 'wrong shoe theory' for a while - awkwardly clashing shoes with outfits for a look that shouldn't quite work but totally does. And considering that sandal season is quickly going out the window, closed-toe trainers are the perfect shoe to start wearing with our summer styles to get some extra wear into the new season. So whether you’re still making the most of those linen dresses, noughties-style skirts or summery ‘fits that you’ve only worn a handful of times, let us point you in the direction of trainers that will go with everything you want to wear while still remaining infinitely more practical than the barely-worn flipflops sat by your front door.
As with any major trainers purchase, we headed straight to Nike. The sportswear and sneaker brand is responsible for always keeping our feet feeling their best while working out and looking even better when we're not, so selecting the perfect pair of trainers from their new season line-up is the easiest task you could imagine. However, whittling it down to just one was not - so we've collated 10 of our favourites below instead. As we decide what to wear while this unpredictable weather continues to wreak havoc with our plans, we've chosen a selection that still feels suitably summery while also remaining perfectly suitable to wear into next season too. They're also the perfect designs to style bare legged with dresses as they are with denim, depending on the day. That way it doesn't feel like we've turned our back - or feet - on summer completely.
Scroll on to discover our picks below.
Nike
Nike Cortez Leather
£89.95
Nike
Nike Air Force 1 '07 Women's Shoes
£119.99
An easy-to-wear neutral sneaker that can be worn with a multitude of different looks, these Air Force trainers are the perfect mix of flat and chunky. Style with some boyfriend jeans and a simple tee, or rock with a midi skirt and flimsy top.
Nike
Air Jordan 1 LowWomen's Shoes
£119.99
In a variety of different colours, these Air Jordans are quintessential Nike – and that’s why we love them. Whether you’re bold and funky and fancy going for red or green, or a little more minimalist and want to keep it monochrome, the shoebox is your oyster.
Nike
Nike Zoom GP Challenge 1
£134.99
Although these are technically a tennis shoe, you don’t need to be heading to Wimbledon Centre Court to rock these comfy and low sneakers. With an all-white base and green accents, these nearly neutral trainers can be styled with everything from smart trousers to this season's trending pleated white mini skirts (thanks Zendaya).
Nike
Nike Air Force 1 '07
£87.99
In a dreamy colour combination, these lemony-fresh sneakers combine coconut milk with lemon wash, pale vanilla and light bone for a sumptuously chic finish. This pair of classic Air Force 1s look oh-so vintage, meaning they’ll pair perfectly with many of today’s trends like cargo pants or asymmetrical midi skirts a-la Y2K.
Nike
Women's Dunk Low Total Orange
£119.95
These super sporty low dunk sneakers are the perfect way to usher in autumn… yes, I’ve gone there. In the perfect pumpkin hue, these Total Orange trainers combine rich textures with premium leathers for a slick finish that’s totally timeless. Wear with everything from casual looks at the weekend to more funkier office ‘fits, and don’t forgot to wear them when you grab a PSL later this month too.
Nike
Nike Gamma Force
£89.99
A light and airy take on a classic, this pair of low sneakers are the perfect everyday shoe to wear with literally every single item in your wardrobe. Whether you’re dressing up for a swish event or keeping it casual while running errands, these sneakers are a total need.
Nike
Nike Air Max 90 Women's Shoes
£0.00
If you’re a fan of Nike Air Max sneakers, then this wild take will leave you gasping. Even heftier than your classic Air Maxs, these chunky 90s trainers are a real statement and will be the sneakers in your shoedrobe that you will keep reaching for time and time again. Team with an elegant slip dress for a clashed finish, or simply wear with a baggy suit for a laidback look.
Nike
V2K Runner
£109.99
The V2K could be pulled straight from an early '00s running catalogue - and that's not a bad thing.
Nike
Nike Air Force 1 Low By You
£134.95
A classic monochrome sneaker isn’t a want, it’s a need. And these Air Force 1s can be customised to suit you and your own personal style with the By You feature – so, if you’re a colour queen, switch it up! Whether you want them in satin, or perhaps you want to stay classic in canvas or get luxe with leather – no matter what you choose, these AF-1s are all about you.
Nike
Women's Cortez Vivid Sulphur
£83.00
In a slightly alternative colourway, these chunky Cortez sneakers are super traditional. From heritage running to fashion phenom to film star, the Cortez has continued to deliver decade after decade, and this edition goes big on vintage vibes with suede accents and shimmery woven textile. With the classic old-school look, sponge-soft midsole and see-saw detailing, style these with baggy cargo pants or floaty midi dresses for a chic boho look.