Why bright retro dopamine-inducing trainers are the perfect addition to your January wardrobe

Onitsuka Tiger, Adidas and New Balance trainers. Add to Basket online story. Stylist.co.uk.

Credit: Courtesy of Brands

Fashion


Why bright retro dopamine-inducing trainers are the perfect addition to your January wardrobe

By Lucy Reber

2 years ago

All products on this page have been selected by the editorial team, however Stylist may make commission on some products purchased through affiliate links in this article

3 min read

Bold and colourful retro trainers are just what you need to give your January wardrobe and mood an instant lift. Lucy Reber picks three of the best.  


It’s January, it’s chilly and we’re all a bit skint. Christmas is over and it very much feels like we should be getting our lives together, whatever this may look like for you. There is a lot of new-year-new-me chat around, and despite obviously being in favour of anything that improves people’s lives, I can’t help thinking what we really need in January is a bit of light-hearted frivolousness. 

On that note, I think I have found the perfect addition to our January shopping baskets and wardrobes too. A retro trainer. Specifically in bright, dopamine-inducing hues.

We all know about the sell-out success of the white Adidas Samba and the appeal of the retro trainer is set to grow for 2024. “Retro sneakers have seen a huge surge in demand,” says Libby Page, market director for Net-a-Porter. “Searches for Adidas’s Samba styles have increased by 80%, requiring multiple reorders. This includes the collaborations between Wales Bonner and Adidas, with each drop almost selling out in all sizes upon launch. We’re also thrilled to announce the launch of Onitsuka Tiger on Net-a-Porter in 2024, which I believe will have the same response from our trend-driven customer.” Stylist’s very own Holly Bullock has picked out the Onitsuka Tiger trainer as the next viral shoe on her list of hot things for 2024.

Sonia Lysonred Adidas Gazelle sneakers, on October 07, 2022 in Berlin, Germany.

Credit: Photo by Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images

So not only is the retro trainer clearly a big trend, but it’s also comfortable. Exactly what our January selves are most in need of. A bold and colourful trainer is the perfect finishing touch to a cosy, quiet luxury-inspired look, with an outsized woollen coat, slogan cap and simple grey joggers – as seen in this perfectly pitched street style shot. 

And while we may all be on a strict January budget, a pair of trainers is a way we can elevate a plethora of looks for under £100 – depending on the style you go for. I’ve invested in a pair of bold green Adidas Originals and my wardrobe is already feeling the benefit. They’ve added a spark of joy to my minimal monochrome work looks and off-duty weekend style too.

Treat yourself and embrace happy feet.   


Onitsuka Tiger Trainer

Onitsuka Tiger EDR 78

You know you’re onto something when you can’t stop thinking about an outfit you saw someone in the street wearing.

In this instance, it was a chic office worker in a pared-down navy suit, worn with an oversized shirt and bright yellow Onitsuka Tiger trainers. 

It just worked and now I am desperate for a pair. 

Shop EDR 78 trainer at Onitsuka Tiger, £80

Buy now

adidas Originals SL 72 RS Women's

Adidas Originals SL 72 RS

Adidas makes perfect shoes for now. This chic green and yellow colourway is reminiscent of the sell-out Wales Bonner x Adidas collaboration (back in stock soon at Matches Fashion, apparently) that I have on my wishlist. 

I love the idea of this with a semi-smart tonal green look: a khaki trench, simple white T-shirt and wide-leg pleat front trousers. 

They would also look amazing with a ribbed-knit dress; John Lewis has an amazing one for the new season. 

Shop Adidas Originals SL 72 RS at Size, £80

Buy now

New Balance Made in USA 998 Shoes in orange

New Balance Made in USA 998 Shoes

Orange is a joyous colour, and I just love the mix of it with the bold green and blue as seen here. These trainers will look just as good with a simple grey tracksuit or a flowing cotton dress come summer. 

A smart addition to any wardrobe. 

Shop Made in USA 998 Shoes at New Balance, £220

Buy now


Add To Basket is a new franchise from Stylist, headed up by our fashion director, Lucy Reber. 

Every two weeks, she’ll zone in on the piece you should be buying and why it’s going to elevate your wardrobe in an instant. 

Follow her for more style advice @le_reber.

Lucy Reber, Stylist Magazine's Fashion Director. Shot by Victoria Adamson.

Credit: Victoria Adamson


Images: Victoria Adamson; Getty; courtesy of brands

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