It's time.
Knock those woolly socks to the back of the drawer, hide the winter coat in the depths of the wardrobe and get rid of all evidence of novelty Christmas boxers. In fact, best just bin them.
Spring has pushed aside the drear of winter and emerged with a sun-soaked Bank Holiday, filling our horizon with weekends in beer gardens and evenings spent eating questionably pink meat from the barbecue.
All of which means you're going to need the right footwear for the occasion. This season is far from subtle, with new models keeping material to a minimal, and reworked classis given an absurd splash of colour.
Here are the best trainers and casual footwear to make the most of the (brief) summer ahead.
New Balance M577TGY
Part of New Balance's Test Match-themed release, this "Made in Britain" 577 draws on the genteel village greens of the sport's grass roots, mixing oval-green suede leather with hints of blue mesh and yellow leather.
Adidas Stan Smith Nigo Shoes
Another summer, another iteration of the Stan Smith - this one from Japanese tastemaker Nigo. Decked out in full grain leather with laces making way for straps, it's still a classic.
Adidas Suisse 206
The clippo of this season’s releases, this 1980’s staple has returned with a fresh mesh and suede overhaul. Sure, it’s a bold choice, but you can be assured that no one else at the pub will be wearing these. Unless they’ve read this piece, of course…
Converse Jack Purcell Woven trainer
Once a tribute to a Canadian badminton champ (niche) the Jack Purcell is now a slick casual trainer with serious style credentials. A woven detail cuts up the otherwise clean leather. Unleash your inner skater goth.
Nike Roshe One NM Breeze
Reptilian skin? Mammalian pores? No, inspiration for the Roshe's grip-finding soles came from the humble Waffle. We can only assume the designers were peckish while at the easel. An impossibly light, slick design, to be worn without socks.
Le Coq Sportif R 1400 Flowers Trainer
Say it with flowers. Well, floral print at any rate. The low profile R 1400 returns with a suitably summery overhaul, mixing up the usual canvas build for a look that will separate the bold from... those who don't like flowers on their shoes.
Reebok Inferno
Reebok's versatile Inferno has gained a bubblegum tone for the summer months (or rather, it's been decked out in energy blue, blazing pink, and flat grey). Reflective detailing will help pick you out after nightfall, or come in handy if you need to track them down in the early hours after an impromptu paddling session.
Adidas ZX Flux Slip-On
Subtle? You'll be wanting the black or white versions of ZX Flux Slip-On. The more adventurous amongst you will be wanting this eye-offending number. Decked out in colours we didn't even know existed, the high-tech slip-on features the slogan "I Want, I Can" across its elastic straps. We don't know what it means either.
Asics Gel-Kayano Trainer "Reflective"
Earlier this year, Asics dropped an internet-filling list of new looks for the summer, with this Reflective model the pick of the bunch. Plush suede, plastic details and a vibrant orange tongue, they're not to be worn with any other purple. Okay?
Triple Lo White by Acne Studios
A slice of sports luxe perfection the Triple Lo White from Acne Studios is far from suitable for a Saturday jog around the block. A tennis shoe (after a fashion) constructed from Italian leather, they're the most "different" look in our list.
Nike Air Max 90 Anniversary
To celebrate its 25 years of Air Max 90 dominance, this graphic-covered beauty is a must for Nike obsessives. Lightweight, with shimmering plastics and leathers offsetting the fabric print, you'll need to move fast on these before they sell out.
SNEAKERSNSTUFF X LE COQ SPORTIF FLASH “DUNDERKLUMPEN”
Their aren't many trainers whose very inception was inspired by a classic movie. Sure, you've probably never heard of it because it's a Swedish movie from 1974 called Dunderklumpen about magic toys, but that doesn't mean you should ignore these vibrant foot warmers.
Puma TRINOMIC R698 TRAINERS
One of Puma's most slick sports shoes, a deceptively lightweight trainer available in various colourways that slip neatly into the current retro-revival trainer trend. And an absolute steal.
THOM BROWNE WOVEN-GROSGRAIN AND LEATHER SNEAKERS
Looking like a luxe reimagining of Adidas' Superstar range that's managed to get lost in a European gift-shop, these leather sneaks from Thom Browne are a smart pair of trainers for times where the 'big three' standards just won't cut the mustard.
vans U AUTHENTIC
The Vans Authentic range needs no introduction in terms of it's style staple credentials. Mix up your block colours with their flamingo bursting Hawaii print Van Doren Authentic range.
Y-3 QASA HIGH
The Y-3 Qasa might very well be an acquired taste but there's no arguing that they're not a statement piece, especially when you opt for their high-fashion floral infused range. Trainers for the brave.
Nike Free Socfly Trainers
If Dr Evil wore trainers he'd probably be rocking a pair of these. A minimalistic, design focused silhouette that combines a mesh laceless construction with cross foot strapping. Bonkers, future trainers.
Reebok PUMP RUNNING DUAL TECH
Kevlar, honeycomb cushioning and air support - the modern Reebok Pump has more features than the average family hatchback. Resplendent in orange, this will suit the serious runners or serious posers.
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN BRACE TRAINERS
Mismatched Formica colours, combined with premium nubuck leathers, Puma's continued collab with fashion powerhouse McQueen is luxe-sport perfection.
Nike Air Rift
It might look like a sandal/boat shoe car crash but the Air Rift is a total running game changer. Launched in 1996 as Nike's first foray into the market, it was a complete reimagining of what a running shoe should be. A technical trainer that you'll struggle to beat.
Puma XT2
A recently reissue of the classic XT" silhouette, punctuated with the Trinomic badge. A hipster trainer for rappers, baristas and weekend joggers alike.
Saucony COURAGEOUS PREMIUM
A Saucony icon, the Courageous Premium is an 80s throwback shoe for serious sneakerheads. Suede uppers and comfort lead padded collar and tongue. More everyday kicks than hardcore running trainers but a sneaker staple nonetheless.
