Last year,Net-a-Porter sold ten times the amount of trainers it did in 2012. That's a huge increase in sales in just six years, which is testament to the ever-increasing popularity of trainers. Once, fashion seemed a slave to high heels and it was rare to see editors in flats, let alone trainers. Now though, they're some of the most coveted items, with everyone from Prada to Chanel making them. It's because of this that Net-a-Porter has decided to launch the #Sneakerset, entirely dedicated to trainers of all shapes and sizes.
Some of the most-hyped collaborations of the past couple of years have revolved around trainers. When Nike teamed up with Sacai, for instance, Net-a-Porter sold 2000 pairs within just three hours of the launch. Similarly, the Adidas x Khaite trainers are one of the shopping platform's fastest-selling exclusive styles to date. So, in order to keep up with the overwhelming demand for kicks, Net has invested in over 500 new pairs , some of which are part of exciting collaborations from some very famous faces.
There will be six new product drops and eight new collaborations, all modelled by 12 creatives from around the world. From South Africa to India via LA, there's a host of young faces, all showing how they wear their trainers in their everyday lives.
Elizabeth von der Goltz, Net-a-Porter's global buying director, said: 'The oversized ‘Dad’ sneaker has been dominating the street style scene for several seasons and the latest styles from Reebok x Victoria Beckham and newly launched brand Shoes 53045 will definitely keep this trend alive. In addition, this season we are seeing a strong return to cleaner silhouettes and retro styles – a sleeker option to pair back with elevated basics or a sharply tailored suit to give your look a cool and bold twist.'
'Sneakers are an integral part of our buy and some of our favorite styles this season come with a refreshing and laid-back Californian vibe, from luxury brands Chloé and Isabel Marant or with a feminine approach with designs from Converse x AMBUSH and Cecile Bahnsen x Sophie Bille Brahe.'
While Net-a-Porter has sold tens of thousands of Veja trainers – the French brand that is renowned for its ethical credentials – its other biggest-selling trainer brands include Nike, Golden Goose, Adidas Original, Alexander McQueen, Gucci, Common Projects, Converse and Prada.
Looks like we've now all got an excuse to put comfort over anything else, then.
SHOP: The Best Trainers
The Best Trainers For Women 2022
1 of 25Nike Air Force 1 Shadow, £109.95
A classic Nike silhouette with a twist you need in your everyday rotation all year round.
2 of 25Adidas Samba Leather Shoes, £65
The Samba has become a stone-cold classic and comes Bella Hadid approved.
3 of 25VEJA Esplar Trainers, £100
A great pair to add to your white trainer collection to go with everything from sustainable brand Veja.
4 of 25Play Comme des Garçons x Converse All Star '70 High, £130
Converse lovers level up with this super fun collaboration with luxury fashion brand Comme des Garçons, sporting the iconic PLAY red heart.
5 of 25BALENCIAGA Track Panelled Trainers, £725
Move over Balenciaga Triple S, the Track is taking over.
6 of 25Asics Gel-Preleus, £100
An undefeated 'dad trainer', these Asics will take you way beyond the gym comfortably.
7 of 25Reebok Club C Mid II Vintage Shoes, £85
Lace up OG Reebok style when you throw on these Club C Mid II Vintage shoes.
8 of 25Nike Dunk Low Retro White Black, £172 +
The IT trainer of the moment, we present the Nike Dunk Low. Available in a variety of colourways, the Nike Dunk is a silhouette you need to get your hands on for an effortlessly cool touch to your outfits.
9 of 25New Balance Made in UK 991, £190
New Balance will never go out of style, this women's sneaker upholds the core principles of comfort, fit and innovation and is built to last, so you can wear it proudly for many years to come.
10 of 25OFF-WHITE Vulcanized Leather Trainers, £355
As a streetwear brand, Off-White c/o Virgil Abloh knows a thing or two about trainers, and its Vulcanized low tops are one of the label's most beloved styles.
11 of 25SUPERGA 2750 Cotu Classic, £57
In production since 1911, Superga's classic tennis shoe is the very definition of smart casual.
12 of 25Nike Air Max 95, £152.95
Taking inspiration from the human body and '90s athletics aesthetics, the Nike Air Max 95 mixes unbelievable comfort with heritage style.
13 of 25GUCCI Screener GG-Logo Leather Trainers, £675
Gucci updates a classic 1970s sportswear style with numerous house codes to create these beige Screener trainers.
14 of 25VEJA Nova Pierre High-Top Trainers, £95
If you're a fan of a high top trainer, these Veja Nova Pierre's are a great sustainable kick to bag.
15 of 25New Balance 550 Au Lait, £132 +
The New Balance 550s have quickly become a must-have for any trainer fans and new colourways are sure to delight for summer 2022.
16 of 25Axel Arigato Marathon R-Trail, £230
Quickly establishing themselves as a cult-favourite trainer, Axel Arigato perfectly merge components of classic athletic shoes with retro detailing inspired by '90s styles.
17 of 25Adidas Superstar Shoes, £80
Yep, they're back in. The Superstar has been a must-have silhouette in the trainer industry for years and is now a lifestyle staple for streetwear enthusiasts.
18 of 25SAYE Modelo '89 Vegan Caramel, £120
Vegan, organic and recycled. Saye's goal is to serve you with cool trainees you'll want to wear for years while continuing to become a zero-waste brand by using bio-based and recycled materials.
19 of 25REEBOK X MARGIELA CL Memory Of Shoes, £280
These Reebok trainers were designed with Paris-based fashion house Maison Margiela, following the philosophy that deconstruction and heritage go hand in hand.
20 of 25Nike Jordan 1 Retro High Hyper Royal, £282 +
Nike Jordan 1's are hard to come by and a silhouette not to be missed out on. The iconic high top has been a classic for years and will continue to be following multiple collaborations and new colourways, including re-releases.
21 of 25New Balance 327, £100
The New Balance 327 provides nothing less than a complete reimagination of our running heritage and makes the perfect trainer for busy days.
22 of 25CONVERSE All Star Ox 70’s High-Top, £79.98
Fitted with higher foxing and added cushioning compared to the classic Converse high top, these support your every step for a comfortable day of wear.
23 of 25Adidas Stan Smith Shoes, £75
For over 50 years and counting, Adidas Stan Smith Shoes have continued to hold their place as an icon. This pair shows off a fresh redesign as part of Adidas' commitment to use only recycled polyester by 2024.
24 of 25Nike Dunk 1985 Hi-Top Leather Trainers, £115
For a fun trainer look no further than the acid wash Nike Dunk.
25 of 25Axel Arigato Clean 90 Triple Animal, £180
The Clean 90 Triple Sneaker offers a minimalist silhouette detailed with contrasting back tab, tongue, toe and lace ends for a subtle edge.