This post is in collaboration with Air & Grace in a gifting capacity.
For ages I have been looking for a white trainer that was less tennis shoe, more proper shoe. Something I could wear with both jeans and dresses, a trainer that would take me from summer into autumn nicely – nothing too lightweight, but still something fresh. I wanted to feel and look taller, dressed but still casual. Air & Grace’s platform version of their classic white trainer seemed perfect.
The Roxy comes in four colourways, one of which has this silver glitter heel detail. Cute, right? I’d probably prefer it in gold glitter but that’s just personal taste and, actually, there’s something much more understated about the silver. I love the perforated A across the side, and the fact I get an extra inch (maybe an inch an a half) height thanks to the thicker sole. I’ve worn other platform/flatform trainers before and they’ve made me clomp around like a clown – these bend with the foot much more easily, so it certainly feels more natural when walking.
Sadly, I made the mistake of wearing them without socks the first time I went out and ended up with one tiny blister from rubbing slightly above my toe joint – more likely to do with my increasingly bad bunion rather than the shoe. I’d recommend socks, at least until the trainers soften a bit. They’re made really, really well – the price reflects the quality of the design, and the leather and the final touches (like stitching, laces) are top quality. Even the sole feels and looks expensive. They’re sturdy rather than hard, but they will definitely benefit from being worn in – in just a few wears I can feel them easing off around the top, where the laces are. Everyone I’ve spoken to who has a pair of Air & Grace trainers says how comfortable they are – I got loads of DMs after sharing these on my Instagram Story to say how much people were loving them.
What I love most is how, when I wear them, I feel casual and cool but absolutely put-together. That’s not an easy combination to find in a trainer. I mean, the Roxy is working well here with jeans and a blazer – I could easily wear these to the office (once we’re back) with some black kick flare or wide leg trousers, but they’ll also look really cute with a maxi dress or midi skirt. They’ll relax a suit, yet will keep a floral print from becoming twee.
They’re a great addition to my shoe collection, especially this year when heels have been rendered pretty useless – a practical shoe that looks good, that’s what I need right now.
I’m wearing
Blazer, Jaeger at Livingston Designer Outlet (paid for in part with a gift voucher as part of a paid collaboration)
Knit, Zara
Jeans, GAP at Livingston Designer Outlet (paid for with a gift voucher as part of a paid collaboration)
Bag, Mulberry at Bicester Village (paid for with VIP discount card)
Shoes, Air & Grace (gifted)
Location: Broughty Ferry, Dundee
Side note: Air & Grace is a brand that continually pops up on my Instagram feed – not in sponsored posts, but in the grids of some of the most stylish (real) women. For a long time I’ve been considering Air & Grace as an alternative trainer brand to my usual Supergas, but they’re not cheap. In an effort to try them on for size, risk-free, I reached out to see if they would like to collaborate. They agreed, and I’m delighted to be able to report back to those of you who might also been repeatedly adding them to basket, then closing your browser undecided. I hope this post helps you.
