Low Top Trainers To Look Out For

Editor in Chief of Ikon London Magazine, journalist, film producer and founder of The DAFTA Film Awards (The DAFTAs).

The classic low top white trainer has become a firm part of our daily closet while fashionistas are spending close to £1000 just to have a flick of colour or designer name splashed across what once seen to be a poor man’s sports shoe. Clearly, the humble white trainer has come a long way from the tennis court.

It seems the more simple the design the higher the price, but then as Coco Chanel once said: “Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance”, so it’s no surprise that even they are cashing in on the plain white trainer.

Don’t get me wrong, I am not anti trainers completely, however as a self-confessed, heel obsessed shoe fanatic, I can’t help but feel that there is a time and a place for everything. While “tweenage” girls with white high tops and tutu skirt sparkling dresses look adorable, I do believe that a grown woman should know better.

When it comes to formal attire there is a certain behaviour and shoe etiquette that one should adhere to, in my opinion. I appreciate that not everyone can master a towering heel. And let’s face it, too high is not elegant and in some cases can give completely the wrong impression if not worn well…if you catch my drift.

Stella Stan Smith, a vegan shoe designed by Stella McCartney and Addidas which retails at £235

But wearing a trainer – albeit the Stella Stan Smith, a vegan-friendly shoe designed by Stella McCartney and Addidas which retails at £235 – to Buckingham Palace…

No matter how on trend you think you are, for me, it just does not work. I would not call myself a royalist but I can’t help but feel this was a major faux pas.

We got the message in 2014 when you collected your 2 Golden Globes barefoot that you are not a heel-honey Emma.

But taking the crusade for comfy footwear to collect a Dameship – in my opinion – just shows a degree of disrespect. Even Meghan Markle has not gone that far yet in her quest to break royal protocol.

I am more than aware that Crown Princess Mary of Denmark was spotted earlier this week in a pair of white Nike Vapour Max Explorers paired with a bespoke dress by Danish designer Mark Kenley Domino Tan.

However, not only did she manage to retain a timeless elegance about her, but the mother of four started her visit to the presidential palace in Rome to meet President Sergio Mattarella in a classic nude pointed-toe Prada pump before changing to walk around the Roman ruins in the comfortable sports shoe to avoid stumbling or breaking.