• Top 10 Statement Sneakers

The luxe sneaker trend is going nowhere. What started as a flirtation with hi-tops and wedge trainers last year has graduated to a full-blown crush on our running shoes. When Nike unveiled their Flyknit collection earlier this year, we were more excited by their colour clashes than the cutting-edge technology, and our gym shoes are now being worn to the office. Autumn’s arrival has brought even more styles into store, so here’s my rundown of the top 10 sneakers that shouldn’t be relegated to workouts.

The Nike Flyknit

It’s the shoe that inspired this hub, with its street-inspired colourways and innovative mesh texture. Designed to promote a “more natural ride” thanks to improved flexibility, it also promises breathability and support where your foot needs it most. I love the look of its second-skin fit and can’t wait to find out if it lives up to the hype. This graduated blue and green version is my current favourite, complete with a thick white sole and that unmistakeable Nike swoosh.

Markus Lupfer Low Trainers
These metallic trainers by Markus Lupfer are stretching the definition of ‘affordable.’ But if you wear sneakers constantly than they’d make a wise investment. With understated black laces and a low, flat design, all the attention falls on those gleaming metallic panels. Mixed in with bronze, gold and pewter, an oxblood strap across the toes compliments their cracked leather finish. Lupfer’s best known for his hyper feminine knits scattered in sequins, so this is a great way for our inner tomboys to grab a dose of his downtown aesthetic.

Stella McCartney for Adidas Trainers
Adidas’ long-running collaboration with Stella McCartney has always mixed sportswear with street style, and these lace-up trainers take a starring role in the latest collection. Their graphic print and contrast laces, inspired by composition notebooks, are finished with contrast panels and a foam heel, boosting their performance during tough workouts. The bold splash of colour looks great with monochrome layers, whether you’re hitting the gym or not.

Vans Leopard Trainers
Vans are legendary for their old school appeal, and a classic pair in navy or black is always a great buy. But this leopard print version is perfect for right now; animal patterns are slated to return in a big way for AW13. The lace-up design, canvas upper and white Vans sole keep it classic despite the bold print.

Onitsuka Tiger Ult-Racer Trainers
Trust Japanese brand Onitsuka Tiger to combine precise technical design with style that we want to wear outside of the gym. The bright pink laces are a brilliant pop of colour against the purple and white, while the perforated texture keeps them looking authentic. A herringbone rubber sole, lace-up closure and soft, breathable nylon upper capture the sporty spirit of the brand.

Balenciaga Printed Sneakers
One for the wishlist maybe, these trainers are affordable forBalenciaga but are still more than we’d usually spend on sporty footwear. The floral print is seriously tempting though, woven with athletic-inspired stripes of blue and black. The contrast toe and monochrome lace-up front lend them a seriously luxurious feel; if you decide to splash the cash, no-one would mistake these for a high street pair. Style them up with indigo skinny jeans and classic knits for cosy, covetable style.

ASOS DRAKE Wedge Trainers
Take a turn on the dark side with these studded wedge hi-top trainers from ASOS. The perfect way to bring boyfriend jeans into Autumn/Winter, the different layers of black channel this season’s preoccupation with moody, gothic aesthetics. The triangle studs running down the back of the heel look dangerous – and render workouts unlikely - but the wedge heel means they’ll be comfortable to walk around in all day.

Nike Air Pegasus
Nike have got the colour clash down when it comes to sneakers, and it was tough choosing only two of their designs for this list. The Air Pegasus is a classic choice for runners, still going strong 30 years after its original release, and I love the contrast between black, white and pink on this tonal pair. They’ll look great with grey marl sportswear in the gym, and everything else on the street.

Stella McCartney for Adidas Hi-Tops

I absolutely love this second Stella McCartney for Adidas pair of trainers. In grey marl jersey and beige suede, with bright yellow trims, they’ll go with everything without sacrificing colour. The hi-top means they’re probably not ideal for intensive workouts but they give good support for long walks or hikes, and they'll look great with your regular wardrobe. The perforated white front gives them a bit of old school style, but their slouchy attitude is completely modern.

Gola Liberty High Top Trainers

Liberty prints are always a winner, and these trainers from Gola are no exception. In lightweight fabric they’re probably better worn with denim than gym shorts, but the hi-top shape keeps them looking like proper sports shoes. With a heritage stretching back for more than 100 years, Gola is one of the UK’s oldest sports brands so they’re the perfect match for Liberty’s iconic florals. Soft leather trims and co-ordinated laces complete the look

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