5 Shoes Every Stylish Londoner Is Wearing This Spring

Honestly, in the five months that I’ve lived in London, I don’t think a day has gone by without seeing a pair of Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 or Adidas Sambas. On the tube, in Notting Hill, at the park—no location is off limits for sporty sneakers. Apparently, the low-top profile sneaker craze isn’t just concentrated to the island, either, but it’s certainly a favorite for English men and women alike. Perhaps because they’re innately stylish and so easy to wear with jeans. I’ve also seen Londoners style their trainers—usually in a metallic leather, suede material or vibrant color—with just about everything under the sun, from flouncy midi skirts to work trousers to sporty track pants.

One thing I’ve come to appreciate about the English is their ability to dress with a perfect blend of tradition and polish—and they do it effortlessly. A prime example of this is the timeless loafer. Reliable, sharp and stylish, loafers have remained a classic staple in the British capsule wardrobe. In London, though, they're taking the classic style to new heights. From rich burgundy leathers to soft suedes and even bold pops of butter yellow, Londoners are embracing loafers with a fresh, modern twist, moving away from the typical black, white and brown leather options.

What can I say? English women love a pair of classic black leather boots. It’s as simple as that. You have your Kate Middleton-approved Penelope Chilvers riding boots for a posh look, chunky lug sole numbers that they rely on nearly every day (because the weather is so unpredictable and they’re easy to walk in), rain boots a la Hunter and Barbour for spring getaways to the English countryside and stylish, heeled booties on occasion. They’re all practical and timeless pieces that are reached for again and again no matter the season.

Another shoe I can’t escape: Retro running trainers. Turns out, our friends across the pond adore the look of a—dare I say—dad sneaker. Can you blame them? They’re chunky, supportive, comfortable and have a vintage appearance that makes them look like they could be straight out of your mum or dad’s closet (and, according to Gen Z, that’s cool now). Don’t worry millennials, I’m proof that you can wear them with activewear and fit right in. If you want to step it up a notch, take note from British content creators and SheerLuxe fashion editors Sapna Rao and Nana, who sometimes couple them with a blazer and trousers for the office.

When they’re not wearing sneakers or running shoes, stylish British women are often rocking ballet flats. Despite their flat soles, there are plenty of options that offer comfort as well as style. Though, seeing that they opt for bold styles (think: studded, mesh and woven ballet flats) over traditional ones, I’m almost certain that style is what they’re after. The great thing about unconventional ballet flats is that not only are they versatile, but they also act as a fun accessory or personality piece.