Why am I wasting your valuable shoegazing time with these ordinary-looking Converse, You might well wonder. But look inside the classic shoe shape and you'll see that this style differs from the others in that it's lined with soft, fluffy and above all WARM fleece. So if you normally live in your Converse, but are having to leave them on the shoe rack while the weather goes through its current tantrums, this could just be your answer. I find that the standard sort are far too thin withstand the British winter, and would love a pair of these smart denim low-tops to add to my collection.
Related: David Tenant-style pinstripe Converse | Converse rainbow loveheart hi-tops
If you're a fan of Onitsuka Tiger, you'll be pleased to hear that the stylish Japanese label has introduced another limited edition collection: this time, featuring a fabric printed in a traditional kimono pattern for the latest edition of its 'Mexico' shoe. I've seen this effect used in trainers before, but never so stylishly as Onitsuka has done here, and being a Japanese brand lends a degree of authenticity you won't get from other labels. I love the way the iconic gold stripe contrasts here on the black. Smart.
The ladies' running shoes cost £60 and are available exclusively at Schuh
Related: Onitsuka Tiger limited edition UV Tokyo Skyline trainers | Onitsuka Tiger 'Ultimate 81' trainers from Office
I've been keeping an eye on Simple shoe's Eco Sneaks range ever since it appeared in the states a few years back, and am delighted to see that the sustainable sneakers are now available here in the UK. Now, I'm just hoping that santa will grant me a wish and send me these festive-looking, tartan-lined trainers in 'blood Mary', which also happens to sound very like my favourite Christmas morning drink! As well as loving the relaxed and chunky style, I'd love the feeling of wearing something with such a long and varied life cycle on my feet: the soles on these are from old car tyres. £58.72 from Simple Shoes.
Related: Simple Shoes' eco-friendly GT Jane | His or hers ethical trainers by Hemp Icon
Red jersey seems to be a very 'in' fabric for all sorts of accessories at the moment, and it works a treat on these cheery casual flats from Topshop. They're a classic basketball shape that your wardrobe will take an instant liking to, and we all know about footwear's endless love affair with stars... Pick up this credit crunch special for £15 at Topshop
Related: Casual Friday: Dunlop jersey flat in grey and red | Casual Friday converse cherry print low plimsolls
Click image to enlarge
UK company Above and Below have made some trainers from old bus seat covers and they actually look quite fetching.
The sneakers have been made in collaboration with First Transport and the Transport Recycling In Partnership (TRiP) and are hi-top basketball type shoes with panels of bus seat fabric on the sides. I think they look rather good and you can't immediately tell the fabric comes from a bus seat. Take a closer look though and I can't help but imagine lighter burns, tinny songs played on mobile phones and graf-ed up windows.
[Image: Ray Tang/Rex Features]
Rocket Dog's 'Retro Rocker' range is really ringing my bell at the moment, with its pearlised 'crinkle patent' fabric and crazy colours that bring to mind the glory days of the likes of TLC et al.
Fortunately, you won't need an equally dazzling wardrobe to carry off these shoes, which look great under a pair of jeans and are available in a range of colour combinations. Thanks to their shininess, they're also weatherproof; a handy side-effect at any time of year.
Related: Casual Friday: Onitsuka Tiger 'Saiko' trainers | Topman sale black hi-top trainers
David Tenant may have put down his sonic screwdriver for good (boo!) but he's still our favourite Doctor, and also our favourite wearer of Converse. His favourite pinstripe style hi-tops are available in ladies' sizes too, and are a godsend for anyone who has to dress smartly but wants to avoid looking stuffy. They has the reverse effect on jeans, giving a smarter twist to your outfit on those days when you need your shoes to do the talking. £34.99 at Shoe-Shop.
Related: Converse '60s tie-dye hi tops | Converse rainbow loveheart hi-tops
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