Lockdown may be over, but we’re still enamoured with trainers. According to fashion index Lyst, a pair of pink velvet Gazelle trainers, part of a collaboration between Adidas and Gucci, ranks as the second most popular fashion item of the last three months – higher than Balenciaga’s Le Cagole bag and Jean Paul Gaultier’s ‘naked’ dress. 

Sure, we’ve always loved sporty shoes, but the rise of hybrid work – and a loosening of office dress-codes – means we’ve never leaned so much on the humble sneaker, for work and play. 

What styles are hot right now? If you’re not willing to go the Adidas x Gucci route (at €650 per pair they’re a bona fide investment), the latest styles from Loewe x Paula’s Ibiza have just as much ‘it’ trainer status. Equally, New Balance continues to be a sweetheart of the fashion scene thanks to its bold colours and comfort-first styles. Alternatively, Nike’s Air Force 1 runners in shades of mustard and red are a fun way to trial the colour block trend at €130; get them at Brown Thomas.

Main image: Jason Lloyd Evans.

Venturi trainer, Veja, €155, at & Other Stories.

Logo-print canvas and leather high-top sneakers, Saint Laurent, €525; www.net-a-porter.com. 

Air Force 1 Shadow trainers, Nike, €130, at Brown Thomas. 

LT Court trainers, Reebok, €110; www.arket.com. 

2002R mesh and suede trainers, New Balance, €130; www.matchesfashion.com.