Faustine Bollaert swears by the Nike Vomero Plus: the white running trainer trend for spring

Chapo: A familiar TV face has suddenly been wearing just one pair of white trainers - and it perfectly captures the mood for the coming spring.

White trainers are nothing new, but what happens when an icon from the running world turns into a full-on fashion favourite? That is exactly what is happening right now with a Nike model that has quietly moved from the joggers’ route to city streets and theme parks - worn by presenter Faustine Bollaert, who makes one thing clear on Instagram: she is not taking them off any time soon.

From the running route to everyday life: why these trainers are suddenly everywhere

For years, classic running shoes were viewed as purely functional sports kit. Great for the park, but visually fairly average. That idea is now flipping on its head. The so-called running aesthetic is taking over day-to-day dressing: chunky soles, fast-looking lines, high-tech materials - all finished in crisp white.

One big driver is simply that people are walking more. Commuting on foot, a lunchtime stroll, weekends at a theme park or around town - it is easy to clock up several kilometres a day. Paper-thin ballet flats or stiff leather shoes stop feeling realistic when you are doing that regularly. Feet start demanding cushioning, support and breathability.

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

That is where models such as the Nike Vomero Plus come in: built with running in mind, yet styled well enough to compete with the most in-demand lifestyle trainers.

Faustine Bollaert shows how the white Nike Vomero Plus works for a day out and a city look

In an Instagram Story, Faustine Bollaert took followers along for a relaxed day at a leisure attraction. In the photo: a casual outfit, a broad smile - and a pair of bright white, sharply designed Nike trainers on her feet. They are the Nike Vomero Plus, a shoe that was originally created for daily training runs.

The first thing you notice is the slightly more substantial silhouette. The sole is clearly thicker than on traditional lifestyle trainers, but it does not look clunky. The overall effect is sporty without feeling overly technical - the kind of middle ground many people have been chasing for years.

“The Nike Vomero Plus combines the comfort of a running shoe with the look of a trend trainer - that’s exactly what makes it so desirable.”

Looking at Faustine’s images, it is obvious the shoe anchors the outfit without screaming for attention. In a theme park setting - where you spend hours standing, walking and queueing - comfort becomes the real headline. It is no surprise this trainer is currently being described as an “everyday upgrade”.

Maximum comfort: what’s inside the shoe technically

The standout feature of the Vomero Plus sits in the midsole. It uses a particularly responsive foam blend that noticeably softens impact when walking and running. The result is a step that feels smoother and springier, without tipping into an unstable, wobbly feel.

• Thick cushioning layer: runs the full length of the sole, from heel to toe.
• Responsive foam: stores part of the impact energy and releases it again, making your stride feel more dynamic.
• Stable construction: helps with secure support, especially if you are on your feet for many hours.

On top, there is an upper made from a tightly woven yet breathable mesh. The fine, soft threads sit comfortably on the foot without digging in. At the same time, the shoe does not heat up excessively inside as temperatures rise. In spring - when the sun already has real strength - you notice the difference compared with heavier leather or faux-leather pairs.

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

Spring used to mean one thing: pull the ballet flats out of the wardrobe, add a pair of flat slip-ons, done. More and more people are realising, though, that ultra-flat shoes quickly become uncomfortable once the day gets longer. No footbed, no cushioning - by evening, every step can feel heavy.

Running trainers such as the Nike Vomero Plus take the opposite approach. They support the arch, absorb shock and offer more side-to-side stability. At the same time, brands are putting serious effort into designs that work outside sport and no longer look like they belong only in a gym.

Feature	Classic ballet flats	White running trainers
Cushioning	virtually none	strong, full-length midsole
Footbed	usually flat	pronounced support
Typical wear time per day	short trips	long distances, many hours
Look	very feminine, often strict	sporty, modern, relaxed

The direction is clear: comfort is no longer expected to sit behind fashion. People want to leave the house in the morning and come home without sore feet - without giving up a put-together look. White running trainers deliver that mix of practicality and style impact.

How to style white running trainers for everyday wear

Part of the appeal of Faustine’s choice is how easily this type of trainer slots into different outfits. A few straightforward pairings work almost every time:

• Jeans and an oversized shirt: the thick sole modernises an otherwise very simple outfit.
• Midi skirt with a T-shirt: the sporty shoe offsets the feminine look and makes it feel more relaxed.
• Jumpsuit or boiler suit: white running trainers read as a deliberate contrast.
• Blazer with tailored trousers: in creative workplaces, combinations like this are now widely accepted.

White works with almost any colour. If you like, you can echo the shade with a small detail - a bag, watch or cap - to make the overall outfit feel more cohesive.

What buyers should look for in running trainers for everyday use

If you want to move from classic trainers to running-style models, it helps to keep a few buying points in mind. Not every running shoe works equally well as an everyday pair.

• Cushioning: for softer ground and short runs, less padding can be enough. For lots of tarmac and long days, a more substantial sole - like the Vomero Plus - tends to suit better.
• Fit: the toe box should leave a little room so your toes do not knock when worn for hours. At the sides, you want secure support without pressure.
• Breathability: especially in spring and summer, a well-ventilated upper matters to prevent trapped heat.
• Care: white shoes only look premium if they stay reasonably clean. A protective spray and the occasional wipe-down keep them looking fresh for longer.

With higher-priced models such as the Nike Vomero Plus, which retails at around €169, it is worth trying them on in a shop, walking a little, and testing different sizes. The roll-through should feel comfortable straight away, without needing a break-in period.

Why comfort is becoming the new status symbol

For a long time, the message was: if you want to look stylish, you have to suffer. Tight shoes, hard materials, narrow heels - all of it signalled fashion. Now the picture is changing. Many well-known faces are deliberately choosing comfort-led pieces: wide-leg trousers, cosy knitwear and, yes, heavily cushioned trainers. Comfortable no longer reads as careless - it looks modern and confident.

Faustine Bollaert’s choice illustrates that shift nicely. Picking a technically advanced running shoe as an everyday trainer sends a clear signal: performance can be the point, as long as it looks good. White running trainers communicate that especially well because they stand out instantly while still working with almost any outfit.

If you are out and about a lot, the benefits are twofold. On the one hand, this kind of model helps protect joints, knees and back from constant impact on hard ground. On the other, a modern running trainer can look surprisingly smart - especially in white, with an upper kept clean. That is how you get a look that carries you from a spring stroll through to dinner at a relaxed restaurant without needing to change shoes.

For anyone planning to do more on foot next season, the buzz around shoes like the Nike Vomero Plus offers a practical route in: rather than buying another purely “fashion” trainer, it can pay to consider models that are genuinely comfortable to walk in. If you end up as satisfied as Faustine - barely wanting to take them off - you will know you picked the right pair.