My Love for Trainers
I’ve always preferred trainers as my staple footwear. During my younger days, I did flirt with heels, wore wedges on vacations, and I occasionally don sliders while gardening. However, it’s trainers that truly capture my affection and loyalty. From running shoes, waterproof trainers, hiking footwear to fashion-forward options like women’s black trainers, men’s white sneakers (yes, I do have large feet), or unisex vibrant trainers—I’m here for all of them. I seek comfort, flat soles, practicality, versatility, and of course, a cool look.
Is that really too much to ask for?
As we’re transitioning from spring to summer and the weather seems to be getting on track, I’m eager to break away from my usual safe choices of black and white trainers and embrace a more colorful spectrum. It’s perfect timing since Adidas gifted me a card to use on their site—a nice perk of being a blogger. And when it comes to vibrant trainers, Adidas is simply the greatest.
Together with my teenage daughter—because naturally, she’d want to be part of this free trainer quest—we’ve selected five colorful Adidas trainers to brighten our wardrobes for the summer. Hopefully, this will encourage you to infuse more color into yours as well.
Handball Spezial Women’s Shoes
Last year, I purchased a beautiful green and pink dress, which I wore on a summer trip to Lake Garda. Since then, I’ve become utterly obsessed with this color combination. I’ve even incorporated both hues into the branding for my new blog strategy business because of how much I adore it. Discovering a pair of bold and lively green and pink Adidas trainers felt like fate—they simply had to be mine!
Originally designed for indoor sports like handball due to their excellent traction on indoor court flooring, Handball Spezial trainers feature a combination of soft nubuck with suede overlays and mudguards, making them both lightweight and durable. Perfect for quick movements and speed, this was back in the 70s when trainers were primarily worn for sports. Today, however, sports trainers like Adidas Handball Spezials have morphed into iconic fashion statements, especially when as vibrant as these!
Adidas excels at blending retro styling with a contemporary urban flair while maintaining functionality and comfort in their design. That’s what I cherish most about them. Wearing these trainers is a declaration of visibility and making a strong fashion statement. Whether paired with jeans for a casual vibe or adding a punch of color with a monochrome dress, they’ll be the first thing people notice about your outfit. And I’m all for that!
Grand Court Alpha Shoes
Years ago, if I had to choose between a colorful pair of Adidas trainers or pristine white ones, the white ones would win easily. I can’t even remember how many pairs of white trainers I own. My husband often despairs every time I sneak a new pair into the house, but can a girl really have too many white trainers?
The truth is, I’ve come to realize that one can’t have too many colorful trainers either because there are just too many delightful options out there, like these striking electric blue Grand Court Alpha shoes. They’re absolutely stunning.
Granted, you can’t get this particular colorway in the Grand Court Alphas right now. Although the color exists in other styles, and you can find Grand Court Alphas in various colors, so it’s worth checking out. Adidas frequently updates their trainer colors to stay on trend, and they offer an extensive palette. Just search the website and filter by color to find a trainer that matches your style and personality.
About the Grand Court Alphas…
While the iconic three stripes are a massive giveaway for Adidas shoes, these trainers, in particular, seem even more quintessentially Adidas. Their chunky, almost cartoon-like style makes them unmistakable.
These classic trainers provide a stylish vibe for urban outings, like running errands. The Cloudfoam midsole cushions make them incredibly comfortable, allowing for all-day shopping sprees. They feature a super soft lining that snugly hugs your feet, while the rubber outsole keeps a bounce in your step. This is a no-blister zone!
They’re sleek, sporty, and effortlessly stylish, ranking high among colorful Adidas trainers.
Gazelle Shoes
My first pair of Adidas trainers was a pair of black Gazelles. I was 15, right in the heart of the classic 90s footwear era. I got them through my mom’s catalog, back when catalog shopping was a trend. I spent six months paying them off with my paper route earnings, but it was so worth it. I felt like the coolest kid around. Back then, during the Oasis-Blur indie pop wars, Gazelle trainers were the shoe to have. Without them, you were a nobody, and I wanted to fit in.
It’s a true testament to a brand and its design if a trainer remains popular more than 50 years after first appearing. Like the Handball Spezials (and most of Adidas trainers), Gazelles transformed from training shoes into iconic fashion staples.
The timeless T-toe design (characterized by a T-shaped section at the front) includes a suede upper with synthetic leather overlays and a rubber outsole featuring a honeycomb tread pattern for excellent grip.
While this burgundy pink combination isn’t currently available on the Adidas site, there are still plenty of other color choices. I love pairing these with wide-legged jeans and a printed tee for a smart-casual dinner with friends, or with a black cropped jumpsuit for drinks at a pub garden.
Adidas Handball Spezial Kids Shoes
My teenage daughter has been longing for a pair of Handball Spezial trainers for as long as I can remember. When I texted her—because that’s how parents and teens communicate these days, right?—to inform her that my Adidas gift card had arrived and I was gearing up to blog about colorful trainers, she was by my side almost before I’d sent the message!
The upside is that she still fits into kids’ sizes, maximizing our gift card budget. Yes, it’s free money, but who doesn’t want the best bang for their buck?
These are essentially the same as the adult Handball Spezials I’ve picked for myself, albeit in a kids’ version. She opted for a more muted color choice: Night Indigo/Orchid Fusion/Gum (as Adidas so creatively names their colors). These trainers will coordinate well with many items in her overcrowded wardrobe, which is a win for me as a mom because I know she’ll get good use out of them.
Like me, my daughter prioritizes comfort in shoes. She dislikes shoes that pinch, need breaking in, or make her feet feel constricted. But as a style-aware teen, appearance matters just as much. The 70s retro style with its grippy rubber cupsole and soft suede upper offers her the best of both worlds. When you can satisfy a teenager’s taste, you know you’re doing something right!
Gazelle Indoor Shoes
Another thing my daughter loves is the color pink, particularly the soft pastel shade of these sneakers, so for her, they are a dream come true. They’re perfect for summer and will definitely make it on our holiday packing list in a few weeks.
It brings me joy knowing she’s the same age I was when I got my first pair of Gazelles. My teenage self would be thrilled to see her favorite shoes remaining stylish over the years.
So, what’s the difference between the indoor version and the regular Gazelles?
The "indoor" designation refers to a modified gum rubber sole, ideal for indoor settings like wooden surfaces or polished sports hall floors where scuff marks are undesirable. It’s a softer, more flexible sole, offering cushioning similar to wearing comfortable slippers—but with the appearance of a trendy trainer.
They boast many features of the original Gazelles, with enhanced comfort, making them a versatile choice for both indoor and outdoor use. Despite the indoor label, they can handle the outdoors just as well. Just make sure to wipe them clean before entering the house!
Ending Thoughts
Switching from safe, neutral-colored trainers to vibrant and bold ones that make a statement can seem significant. Understandably, one might worry about their versatility compared to white pairs that ‘go with everything.’ However, if aiming to make an impactful style statement this summer, colorful trainers are the way to go!
You’d be amazed at how versatile vibrant trainers can be. I’ve found myself wearing them more often than anticipated, as they’ve become central to my outfits. I’m almost at a point now where I pick my trainer for the day first, building my outfit around it. It simplifies decision-making and adds a splash of color to life.
If you’re eager to brighten your wardrobe this summer, do explore Adidas’ exciting range of colorful trainers online and let me know which ones you decide to get!
Note: All Adidas trainers were gifted by Adidas for reviews.
About the Author
Becky Stafferton is a dedicated content creator, web publisher, and blog strategy coach who constantly promotes a realistic, sustainable, and positive approach to leading a healthy lifestyle. When not writing, she’s often running through muddy puddles, crafting list after list, having a good rant, talking in funny voices to her dog, renovating her countryside home, and educating small business owners on harnessing blogging’s power for success.
