By now, we’re all familiar with normcore. Coined in 2013 by New York-based forecasting agency K-Hole, the term refers to an anti-style aesthetic, making the notion of conventional dressing seem fashionable. (Jerry Seinfeld has been referenced as the unknowing king of the trend – and we love to see it). Fast forward to now, and despite some industry heavyweights pronouncing the trend dead, the appetite for a pared-back look is still very much in demand, especially thanks to brands like Balenciaga, Jil Sander and Acne Studios. Normcore’s signature staple? The nondescript trainer style, of course.

Rosie Huntington-Whitely balances out a perfectly polished look with a pair.
Photo: Raymond Hall/GC Images via Getty Images

Rosie Huntington-Whitely balances out a perfectly polished look with a pair.

Photo: Raymond Hall/GC Images via Getty Images

Lily-Rose Depp is partial to a pared-back look, as well.
Photo: Gotham/GC Images via Getty Images

Lily-Rose Depp is partial to a pared-back look, as well.

Photo: Gotham/GC Images via Getty Images

Coming in an array of styles – such as geriatric dad trainers and retro-inspired suede runners – the minimalist footwear aesthetic verges on being considered ugly, especially to those not in the know. But with celebrity fans, including Hailey Bieber, Dua Lipa, Lily-Rose Depp, Jennifer Lopez, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Katie Holmes, it’s clear that, against all odds, the utterly basic yet divisive trainers still reign supreme.

The queen of minimalist chic, Katie Holmes, loves her normcore shoes.
Photo: Gotham/GC Images via Getty Images

The queen of minimalist chic, Katie Holmes, loves her normcore shoes.

Photo: Gotham/GC Images via Getty Images

Here, Vogue shares the best normcore trainers to invest in now.

New Balance x Casablanca XC72 suede trainers

HK$1,083

Balenciaga Runner mesh and faux-leather trainers

HK$9,400

New Balance Made in USA 990V3 suede and mesh trainers

HK$1,666

Loewe Flow leather runner trainers

HK$6,100

Saint Laurent Andy logo-print leather sneakers

HK$4,500

Adidas Originals + Net-A-Porter Stan Smith vegan leather sneakers

HK$1,000

Nike Air Max 95 trainers in off white and brown

HK$ 1,586.99

Isabel Marant Bryce suede-trimmed perforated leather sneakers




HK$2,325

Stella McCartney Reclypse logo-detailed vegetarian suede and recycled mesh sneakers

HK$3,425

Veja SDU rubber-trimmed vegan suede and recycled mesh sneakers


HK$750