Pink trainers work when the pink acts as neutral rather than a statement. Sounds confusing but once you see one well done you know what I mean. Generally, the pink that makes the cut falls somewhere between dusty rose and faded terracotta rather than anything primary or bubblegum coloured, as that muted register looks considered instead of costume. It should feel like it was mixed into the leather or suede as opposed to sprayed on top – which is normally the giveaway between a trainer that will look good in two years time and one that will date after a season.
Construction is more important than one might expect from something so seemingly frivolous. Look for pairs that hold their shape around the toe box, have a sole with enough substance to not fold under sideways when you’re walking and where the panelling breaks up the pink with white grey or tan so the shoe has some place for the eye to rest. Suede versions soften the colour further and look smarter underfoot, while smooth leather or canvas gives it cleaner lines and feels slightly more directional.
Steer clear of colours that rely purely on pink making the decision for you as they’ll likely fight everything else you own rather than working with it. Styling them is simpler than you’d think. Pale or dusty pink trainers work against denim, tailored trousers, khaki and grey perfectly. All of these shades calm the colour down and allow them to do the job of a white trainer, but with more warmth. They’re also particularly good with black as it sharpens up pink rather than fights with it. Really where they run into trouble is with loud prints or florals, so you’re better off keeping the rest of your outfit plain and allowing the shoe to provide personality.
In terms of occasion, these are a daytime shoe with excellent range. They’ll run you through a coffee pick up, afternoon in the gallery, a white collar office that allows trainers or a long day of walking around town with equal ease, because they actually are comfortable and not just convenient. They’re also great for breaking up an outfit that might otherwise feel too stiff, pairing a tailored trouser or sharp coat with something that adds warmth without ruining the overall polish. It’s that restraint that keeps me coming back to them, a shoe that has enough colour to feel intentional but never so much that you feel like it’s making decisions for you.
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