An Ode To Trainers: Our Undying Love For Sneakers And This Season’s Must-Have Style

nike air max dia

by Arianna Chatzidakis |
Updated on

Once deemed an informal sports shoe that warranted no real fashion credentials, trainers have now firmly positioned themselves as a style staple in every woman's wardrobe. Our current love affair with them has no bounds, and we've seen them pop up everywhere from designer catwalks to business board-rooms, even reigning supreme over high heels.

Having influences steeped in culture, music, sport and fashion, it's no secret that trainers can wield considerable power and versatility, often acting as the one key accessory that can tie an outfit together, both for casual and evening looks.

The must-have trainer silhouette of the season - Nike's new Air Max Dia - boasts an airy aesthetic with a clean shape and elegant stack height. It was brought to life by a four-female footwear collective, made up of a designer, engineer, developer and product manager; a fact that draws us to them even more. The four dots on the heel of the trainers acts as a reminder that these four women brought the shoe to life.

To celebrate the launch, we quizzed five trainer-obsessed women from London to find out what exactly it is they love so much about trainers, and how they'll be styling Nike Women’s newest silhouette this Spring…

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CREDIT: Photographer: Claire Arnold, Sulekha's Instagram: @suvercetti

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'For someone who's always moving and trying to get there comfortably and stylishly, trainers win every time' - Sawda.

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CREDIT: Photographer: Claire Arnold, Sawda's Instagram: @sawdagram

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'When it comes to my fashion style, comfort is key. There's nothing worse than looking great but not feeling it. In an outfit, there are certain pieces that can determine how you feel, and footwear is definitely one of them', says Sawda.'I'll wear trainers into the office because wearing smart shoes just isn't as comfortable for the rush hour commute. I'll wear trainers on the weekend because it's the weekend and what else am I supposed to wear? For someone who's always moving and trying to get there comfortably and stylishly, trainers win every time, so it's no surprise that my Nike Air Max Dia trainers get worn at every moment possible. They fit right into my busy lifestyle.'Trainers seal the deal in a look. I love knowing that my outfit has an immediate sense of style, quality and presence because of my trainers - and that's why they make me happy!'

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CREDIT: Photographer: Claire Arnold, Sawda's Instagram: @sawdagram

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'I want my outfits to be fashionable and practical, and trainers allow for this - they make everything so much more accessible' - Lienna.

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CREDIT: Photographer: Claire Arnold, Lienna's Instagram: @liennarachel

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'Trainers allow for outfits to be stylish and practical by making everything so much more accessible. Although my go-to style is edgy and sexy, my number one priority is being comfortable and tasteful. You won't catch me wearing a dress and heels - I'll be in a suit and trainers with a bumbag strapped across my chest,' Lienna admits.'The bolder the shoe I'm wearing, the happier I am. That's why the Nike Air Max Dia's really fit into my aesthetic - their low collar and big lift makes for a really modern, out-there look. The different colour-ways also means you can pair them with almost any outfit. 'This season, I'm styling my trainers with quirky socks. The deconstructed translucent Nexkin upper on the Nike Air Max Dia's allows for socks peek through, so you can really go wild with your sock-and-trainer styling combos.'

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CREDIT: Photographer: Claire Arnold, Lienna's Instagram: @liennarachel

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'I love being part of the trainer community, created and driven by people as passionate about shoes as I am - that really fuels my love for trainers' - Tian.

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CREDIT: Photographer: Claire Arnold, Sulekha's Instagram: @suvercetti

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'My style is minimal, street and sporty, and I opt for consistent palette of cuts and textures, complemented with a pop of colour. Trainers define athleisure, which resonates with me as I'm always active and raring to go. So when I slip on a pair in the morning, I feel ready for the day ahead,' says Tian.'I feel great knowing there's a whole group of people out there who are also into the trainer game - it's like a community that's created and driven by people as passionate about shoes as I am.'At the moment, I'm styling my trainers with cargo pants, puffer jackets, and a simple cropped tee - it makes for a laid-back vibe. On formal occasions, I'll dress up trainers with a jumpsuit, accompanied with minimalistic jewellery.'

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CREDIT: Photographer: Claire Arnold, Tian's Instagram: @tianhsu

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'I've grown up wearing trainers all my life, I'm comfortable and content being in them, and that shows when I'm out and about' - Sulekha.

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CREDIT: Photographer: Claire Arnold, Tian's Instagram: @tianhsu

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'I've grown up wearing trainers all my life, I'm comfortable and content being in them and that shows when I'm out and about,' says Sulekha.'Usually I go to events like festivals where wearing trainers comes in handy, both in terms of style and practicality - I like the reassurance that my trainers won't let my ankles give in! Nobody would want to invest in an item that doesn't make them feel and look good, after all.'I'd define my style as tomboy-ish - I always wear Dickies trousers or mom jeans, paired with a graphic tee and faux fur coat. And of course, there's a trainer to complete every look I rock. My current favourite is the Nike Air Max Dia - these trainers are so lightweight and have been made with foam, making them really cushioned and comfortable.'

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CREDIT: Photographer: Claire Arnold, Jane's Instagram: @kastrokomani

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'To wear a trainer that I really like makes me feel confident in the way I walk and carry myself' - Jane.

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CREDIT: Photographer: Claire Arnold, Jane's Instagram: @kastrokomani

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'Trainers are a staple in my wardrobe because they give me a streetwear edge that I just can't get with any other type of shoe,' Jane tells us.'When I wear trainers that I really like, I can't wait to show them off, and you can really see my confidence in the way that I walk and carry myself. I love to mix-and-match my trainer collection to my outfits, so if I'm wearing casual jeans, I'll go for a high-top trainer, or if I'm wearing flared denim, I'll opt for a chunkier trainer to match the silhouette.'I really love the thick, bubble design on the sole of my Nike Air Max Dia trainers. I'm quite short, so this design element gives me added height and confidence, whilst really highlighting the shoe in the biggest way possible.'

Shop the Nike Air Max Dia trainers in-store and online at Nike for £94.95.

Also, click here to join Nike at their store on Kings Road to celebrate the launch of the brand-new Air Max Dia. It will be an evening filled with complimentary manicures, refreshments and a live DJ, plus 20% off all products purchased with the Air Max Dia.

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