The coolest and most comfortable sneakers for women of any age, according to a stylist.

Sneakers.

You know you need them. You know you want them. But there's so many choices out there, it can get confusing.

Never fear, your personal shopper (me) is here! 

You've probably been wearing plain white sneakers for a long while now and they're a classic for a reason. But adding a new colour or style is the quickest way to zhoozh up your wardrobe. 

You'll still be comfortable, while also being chic. 

Before we start, let’s make one thing clear: these sneakers are not to wear when exercising. These are sneakers for when you're out and about every day. When you want to look casual and chic. When you want to be comfortable. When you want to add a little casual flair to a more tailored look. 

What to look for in sneakers. 

There are a few different styles to choose from. The plain almost vintage sneaker, the chunky sneaker, the classic canvas or coloured sneakers.

Helpful fashion tip: The camel sole on sneakers makes them so versatile as they will easily suit all the camel and neutral in your wardrobe. A black sole? Unless you have a predominantly black wardrobe, it can be quite limiting. 

My top recommendations.

Adidas Stan Smith, $170.

Image: Adidas, The Iconic.

So comfortable and good for when you want plain and simple.

Adidas Samba Beige/White Sneakers, $180.

Image: Adidas.

They go with all the neutrals and camel.

Adidas SL 72 OG Suede Sneakers, $203.

Image: Adidas, Farfetch.

This vintage sneaker in brown is a lighter style and more elegant.

Adidas Originals Samba OG, $180.

Image: Adidas, HYPE DC.

Because you’re asking, I think the original Adidas Sambas are still great and on trend. There is a reason these classic ones are so popular. They come in three colours (white, black and brown) so they pretty much match everything you own. 

New Balance 327, $160.

Image: New Balance, The Iconic.

I like the burgundy details on this shoe and i’s THE colour of winter. The Adidas Gazelles are cool but the New Balance 327 are seriously comfortable. 

Zara Trainers, $105.

Of course it doesn’t have to cost a fortune to look chic and there are a lot of affordable sneakers around. In fact, one of the most comfortable sneakers I have ever worn are from Zara a few years ago. I loved them so much I bought a second pair on sale. These are so similar and totally cool. 

Cotton On Bri Retro Sneakers, $59. 

These fabulous sneakers from Cotton On come in a range of different colourways for a super affordable price point, I love the white. 

Seed Heritage Annabelle Sneaker, $139.

Seed Heritage always has really good quality sneakers that match the season's trends at an affordable price point (and they're on sale at Myer right now!) 

Hint: If you have issues with your feet, also check out Bared or Frankie4, which are podiatrist approved.

How to wear sneakers. 

Let’s face it, sneakers look best with pants (rather than skirts), from jeans to wide legs to leggings.

With wide-leg jeans, chinos and pants make sure they are long AND worn sitting over the sneakers.

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Keep straight jeans shorter. Roll them up if you like. A big wide cuff is also cool. You want to see the ankle and the sneakers.

Try to match the colours of your outfit back to a colour in the sneaker. However, if you go for bright red, blue or green shoes, then a plain neutral outfit works too. 

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If you crave some colour, then sneakers are the way to do it! Keep the clothes monotone and add the coloured sneakers as the main focus.

How to style sneakers.

When wearing sneakers in winter, it's all about layering. Sneakers love and adore LONG coats, they're a match made in heaven. Try throwing on a knit, pleather pants and a long, long coat plus sneakers = cool chic.

Sneakers also love big slouchy sweaters, a puffer jacket and leggings.

It's all about balance. If you’re wearing the oversized trend, then a chunky sneaker balances out the volume on top.

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For a professional look, try sneakers with a white tee, chic double-breasted blazer and tailored long pants. 

For a casual weekend look, sneakers look great with joggers and a parka but I am not telling you anything new, because since COVID it’s all we’ve been wearing right?

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Remember comfort is key, and when you feel good, you look good. It’s worth investing in this trend right now because you’ll get fabulous cost per wear: your feet and wallet will love you for it. 

FiFi Milne is a former fashion editor, now personal shopper and wardrobe detoxer. She won the Nobel Purchase Prize in 2023. She loves to share FiFi Fav Finds on her blog The FiFi Report (which incidentally should be in the Guinness Book of Records as the longest running fashion blog, starting in 2001. When she is not shopping, she is asleep. 

At Mamamia, we independently curate and write about products we rave about in our group chats and think you should know about too. If you purchase a product we have recommended, we may earn a small commission. 

Feature Image: Instagram @shopwithfifi.