Faustine Bollaert wears the white Nike Vomero Plus trainer for spring

Standfirst: A familiar television face has suddenly been seen wearing just one white trainer model – and it perfectly captures the mood for the coming spring.

Everyone knows white trainers, but what happens when a running-shoe icon unexpectedly becomes a fashion favourite? That is exactly what is happening with a Nike model that has made its way from jogging routes to city streets and theme parks. Presenter Faustine Bollaert has made it clear on Instagram that she will not be taking these shoes off any time soon.

From running route to everyday wear: why these trainers are appearing everywhere

For years, traditional running shoes were viewed solely as practical sports footwear. Useful in the park, perhaps, but hardly a style statement. That perception is now changing completely. The so-called running aesthetic is moving into everyday wardrobes: substantial soles, energetic lines and high-tech materials, all in crisp white.

The reason is simple: more and more people are getting about on foot. Commuting, lunchtime walks, weekend trips to a theme park or around town can quickly add up to several kilometres a day. Thin ballet flats or stiff leather shoes simply cannot keep up over time. Feet need cushioning, support and ventilation.

The trend for 2026: trainers should perform like a running shoe and look like a fashion piece.

This is precisely where models such as the Nike Vomero Plus come in. They are engineered for running, yet their appearance can easily hold its own beside the most sought-after lifestyle trainers.

Faustine Bollaert shows how this white Nike trainer works for a day out and a city look

In an Instagram Story, Faustine Bollaert gave her followers a glimpse of a relaxed day at a leisure attraction. The image showed a casual outfit, a broad smile and a pair of brilliantly white, contemporary Nike trainers on her feet. They were the Nike Vomero Plus, a style initially created for daily training runs.

The shoe is immediately recognisable for its slightly fuller shape. Its sole is noticeably thicker than those on classic lifestyle trainers, without looking bulky. The result is sporty rather than overly technical – the balance many people have been looking for for years.

The Nike Vomero Plus combines the comfort of a running shoe with the look of a trend trainer – which is exactly what makes it so desirable.

Looking at Faustine's photos, it is clear that the shoe anchors the outfit without overpowering it. At a theme park, where people often spend hours standing, walking and queuing, comfort becomes a real advantage. It is little surprise that this trainer is currently being described as an “everyday upgrade”.

Maximum comfort: the technology inside the shoe

The key feature of the Vomero Plus is in its midsole. It uses an especially responsive foam compound that significantly softens impact while walking and running. As a result, every step feels gentler and more springy, without becoming unstable.

• Thick cushioning layer: runs along the entire sole, from heel to toe.
• Responsive foam: absorbs part of the impact energy before returning it, making each stride feel more dynamic.
• Stable construction: delivers reliable support, especially when you are on your feet for many hours.

It is paired with an upper made from closely woven yet breathable mesh. The fine, soft threads sit comfortably against the foot without causing pressure. At the same time, the inside of the shoe does not become excessively warm as temperatures rise. This is particularly noticeable in spring, when the sun already has real strength, compared with heavier leather or synthetic-leather styles.

White running trainers as a fashion trend: why they are replacing classic ballet flats

Spring once meant taking ballet flats out of the wardrobe, adding flat slip-ons and considering the outfit complete. Increasingly, people are finding that these ultra-flat shoes quickly become uncomfortable when the day goes on. Without a footbed or cushioning, every step can feel heavy by evening.

Running trainers such as the Nike Vomero Plus take a different approach. They support the arch, absorb shocks and offer greater stability at the sides. At the same time, brands are placing far more emphasis on designs that work in everyday settings and no longer look suited only to a sports hall.

The direction of travel is clear: comfort no longer has to come second to fashion. Anyone leaving home in the morning wants to return in the evening without sore feet, while still looking put together. White running trainers offer exactly that combination of everyday practicality and style appeal.

How to style white running trainers for everyday wear

Part of the appeal of Faustine's choice is that models like these are remarkably easy to style. A few straightforward combinations nearly always work:

• Jeans and an oversized shirt: the chunky soles give an otherwise simple outfit a contemporary update.
• Midi skirt with a T-shirt: the sporty shoe softens a feminine look and makes it more relaxed.
• Jumpsuit or all-in-one: white running trainers create a deliberate contrast in style here.
• Blazer with tailored trousers: these combinations have long been accepted, particularly in creative workplaces.

White naturally works with almost every colour. For a more cohesive outfit, add a small white detail through accessories such as a bag, watch or cap.

What buyers should consider when choosing running trainers for everyday use

Anyone moving from classic trainers to running models should keep a few points in mind while shopping. Not every running shoe is equally suitable as an everyday shoe.

• Cushioning: less padding is enough for very soft ground and short runs. For lots of pavement and long days, a more substantial sole such as the one on the Vomero Plus is advisable.
• Fit: there should be a little room at the front so that toes do not knock against the shoe during extended wear. At the sides, it should hold the foot securely without pinching.
• Breathability: particularly in spring and summer, a well-ventilated upper is vital to prevent heat building up.
• Care: white shoes only look refined when they remain reasonably clean. A protective spray and occasional wipe-down will preserve their fresh appearance for considerably longer.

For higher-priced models such as the Nike Vomero Plus, which retails at around €169, it is worth taking a short test walk in store and trying more than one size. The rolling motion should feel comfortable immediately, without requiring a breaking-in period.

Why comfort is becoming the new status symbol

For a long time, the idea was that being fashionable meant suffering. Tight shoes, rigid materials and narrow heels were all seen as signs of style. Today, the picture is reversing. Many famous faces deliberately wear comfortable pieces: wide-leg trousers, cosy knitwear and heavily cushioned trainers. Being comfortable no longer appears careless; it looks modern and self-assured.

This shift is easy to see in Faustine Bollaert's case. Choosing a technically advanced running shoe as an everyday trainer conveys a clear message: function can shine when it looks good. White running trainers communicate that idea particularly well because they catch the eye immediately while working with almost any outfit.

Those who spend a great deal of time out and about benefit twice over. On the one hand, this kind of model protects joints, knees and the back from repeated impact on hard surfaces. On the other, a modern running trainer can look surprisingly “dressed up”, especially in white with a well-maintained upper. The result is a look that works seamlessly from a springtime stroll to dinner at a relaxed restaurant.

For anyone planning to do more on foot next season, the trend around shoes such as the Nike Vomero Plus offers a practical option: rather than buying new fashion-only trainers, it is worth looking at models designed for running. If, like Faustine, you end up so pleased with them that you barely take them off, you have made the right choice.