WHAT THE F**UGLY...
I'm not sure its a feeling of satisfaction or Holy F*** am I really that old? I'm trending before the trends..... but I do have a feeling of smugness to see the Fugly (F***ing Ugly) or dad trainer as its being labelled making a debut not only on the catwalk (thank you Balenciaga Triple S to Prada, Louis Vuitton and Gucci) but its about to become one of this season's biggest trends in everyday fashion. Not only is it my staple for daily exercise - I've accumulated many a trainer over the years but they are so mucky it would not only be pushing it somewhat but it would be a crime to wear with a pastel blue midi.
So you're probably not in the market for the Balenciaga Triple S, even if you are they are sold out everywhere apart from eBay where you'll pay from £1100 upwards.. Yikes!!! the price of fashion! That's more than I paid for my first car! ... but seriously if you're anything like me you're probably looking to upgrade or add to your trainer collection for SS18.
Here are my picks of the chunky soled, bulky and no they aren't UGLY!!! ranging from the High Street, Mid Range to Luxury (if they're available) I've also thrown in some alternatives to your Converse that aren't so much dad trainers to break you in gently.....
Zara
Always on trend and an affordable alternative that can pretty much go with anything you're likely to wear.
Nike
Designed to stretch with your foot, the Nike Air Huarache changed the face of running footwear since its debut in 1991. It still rocks the comfortable neoprene bootie and the secure heel clip of the original, but amps up its look with modern colours (pastel pink, two tone customize, khaki and in the kids this grey cheetah design)
Veja
Veja trainers are beloved of Emma Watson, adored by the sneakerheads who frequent Dover Street Market and draw huge crowds in Paris. They are a French brand of ecological and fair trade footwear and accessories working with cooperatives of small producers and social associations in Brazil and France giving a lesson in how sustainable clothing can also be super cool. I invested in a few over the last year when the sales are on and I love mine.
New Balance
New Balance 1080 V8 - designed for running, plush cushioning ensures arch support, and the no-sew design means irritation and blisters aren't an issue, so if you're on your feet all day these are a winner. On trend pastel blue with a hint of neon make this ideal for Spring Summer dresses, midi skirts and a flash of a tan.
Mid Price Range - won't be seen on every one!
Adidas by Stella McCartney
So these are more low-top from Stella McCartney’s collaboration with Adidas, made from knitted mesh with orange side panels, multi coloured rope laces, sock-style uppers with a logo panel and pink stripe details on the heel panel with mix of pastel and neon can be styled equally well with denim or dresses.
Sandro Paris
A clear favourite of mine, I cant get enough of the pink and navy combined with the orange flames running down the side. In my mind I've styled these with many outfits already.
Michael Kors
Old school style MICHAEL Michael Kors Billie Perforated Lace Up Trainers
Luxury = High End Bloggers favourites... top of the price range...
Balenciaga Triple S
Sold out online if you are in the market for some - lucky you - these are coming soon and will cost you 650 Euros not upwards of £1100 on eBay.
Louis Vuitton
LV Archlight Sneaker - Exclusively pre-launched in Louis Vuitton New Bond Street and in Harrods. You'll need to call for availability £780. The statement look of Louis Vuitton's Spring/Summer 2018 fashion show, this futuristic sneaker balances a springy wave-shaped outsole and an oversized tongue with a low cut ankle for a delicate, feminine touch.
Stella McCartney
Stella McCartney Eclypse low-top contrast-panel trainers constructed from bold contrasting panels of faux-suede and faux-leather in bright green and eye-catching leopard print. Chunky rubber soles that are pebbled and textured to resemble rock formations with patterned laces.
Converse Alternatives
If you're looking for an alternative to Converse /Ash but aren't ready for the Fugly movement just yet here are some of my favourites that are out there for SS18....
Air and Grace
One of my all time favourites is the Copeland, they not only look great with skirts but are perfect with the trackpants that are everywhere this season.
If you're looking for a distressed trainer without the Golden Goose price tag - look no further than the NEW Air and Grace Cru, a distressed finish is part of the character of this style.
Golden Goose
I don't have a high-top but God I am totally bowled over by these...
Golden Goose Deluxe Brand Slide high-top calf-hair trainers £355 At the luxury end of the market are the Golden goose light-brown and black leopard-print calf-hair Slide trainers. They're handmade in Italy with an off-white distressed suede toe and a cobalt-blue leather appliqué across the side panel, then finished with the signature logo-jacquard patch across the high tongue.
Golden Goose Deluxe High - Tops
George at Asda
From the sublime to the ridiculous a fantastic Online Exclusive: Colour Block Lace up Pumps £10
Love and kisses
stylishschoolrun
All content my own and correct at the time of writing.
