Normcore Trainers Are Here To Stay

By now, we’re all familiar with normcore. Coined in 2013 by New York-based forecasting agency K-Hole, the term refers to an anti-style aesthetic, making the notion of conventional dressing seem fashionable. (Jerry Seinfeld has been referenced as the unknowing king of the trend – and we love to see it). Fast forward to now, and despite some industry heavyweights pronouncing the trend dead, the appetite for a pared-back look is still very much in demand, especially thanks to brands like Balenciaga, Jil Sander and Acne Studios. Normcore’s signature staple? The nondescript trainer style, of course.

RHW balances out a perfectly polished look with a pair.

Raymond Hall

Dua always nails the brief – seen here in a pair of Balenciaga Runners.

Raymond Hall

Coming in an array of styles – such as geriatric dad trainers and retro-inspired suede runners – the minimalist footwear aesthetic verges on being considered ugly, especially to those not in the know. But with celebrity fans, including Hailey Bieber, Dua Lipa, Lily-Rose Depp, Jennifer Lopez, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Katie Holmes, it’s clear that, against all odds, the utterly basic yet divisive trainers still reign supreme.

Lily-Rose Depp is partial to a pared-back look, as well. 

Gotham

The queen of minimalist chic, Katie Holmes, loves her normcore shoes. 

Gotham

Here, Vogue shares the best normcore trainers to invest in now.