We expect so much from our trainers. They're the shoe you swap into when the ballet pumps you're trying to break in are, frankly breaking you, and the style that you turn to most days.
Price: £189
Size range: UK 3-9.5 (36-43)
Fastening: Lace-up
Upper/sole material: Leather upper and lining, 4cm platform rubber sole
I admit, I'm a newbie when it comes to platform trainers. I normally stick to flat soles, and expected to feel like a Spice Girl in a pair with a 4cm platform. But the Air & Grace Sadie trainers proved me very, very wrong indeed.
If you're looking for a pair of comfortable trainers that also deliver on style and quality, these are a sleek and sophisticated option that you can wear to the office or to dinner without feeling the least bit scruffy. And they give you an extra bit of height - what's not to love? They're so much more than a back-up option to change into.
Like the logo suggests, Air & Grace make featherlight shoes and trainers that are loved by the likes of Alison Hammond and Trinny Woodall.
The brand celebrates ten years of making comfortable shoes this year, and can give huge names like adidas and Superga a run for their money when it comes to trainers.
Air & Grace Sadie Platform Trainers: Comfort & Support
I immediately did what you're definitely not supposed to do when breaking in new trainers: walk a mile in them! For a moment I thought the heel was starting to rub but it was actually my sock, and when I sorted that out, the padded suede suede heel was a dream.
The padding is the thing that really stands out here. The sides underneath your ankle and even the tongue boasts incredibly springy padding that makes them very comfortable.
I would say I think the sizing is every so slightly on the smaller side, as is so often is the case with trainers. I'm a UK 3.5 and went for a 4, but in hindsight I might have gone a size up, especially if you want to wear a thicker sock. Their range does go up to a UK 9.5, which is impressive.
Platform trainers take a minute to get used to, as there's not quite as much flexibility in the sole as you're used to, but honestly I forgot they were platform after half an hour. They're certainly heavier than flat sole trainers, but Air & Grace's patented Tender Loving Air comfort footbed (multiple layers of high-performance foam) does what it says on the tin.
Air & Grace Sadie Platform Trainers: Style
These are a sleek style and feel far from chunky when they're on. The 4cm platform sole gives you an impressive boost, and I love the perforated 'A' detailing on the side. The grained leather is incredibly soft and just looks expensive.
For my first test of these, I wore them to a post-work dinner, and I can't tell you how perfect they were for this. They feel that bit more elevated (quite literally!) than regular trainers, and just gave my simple look a bit of a lift.
I'd say they're the ideal shoes to wear with wide leg trousers, but I've since worn them a lot with my everyday denim. They work well with wide leg jeans to make your legs look super long, but I also found myself wanting to pair them with more cropped styles so I could show them off!
Air & Grace Sadie Platform Trainers: Cleaning & Care
Air & Grace has a helpful video to show you how to care for your Sadies, and they recommend the Collonil Clean & Care shoe cleaning foam.
So far any scuffs or marks on mine have come off really easily with a damp cloth and they still look pristine.
Air & Grace Sadie Platform Trainers: Verdict
At £189, the Air & Grace Sadie platform trainers are an investment, but they are incredibly well-made and are priced around the same level as similar styles elsewhere on the high street.
They really do feel like a luxury piece. From the solid platform sole to the quality packaging, the entire experience feels much more premium than buying cheaper canvas trainers on repeat. They're a stand out style too, so if you're tired of seeing the same trainers everywhere, these will set you apart. I'd definitely recommend them!
Shop The Trainers
In classic white, these will go with everything. There's a reason Trinny Woodall is such a fan of platform trainers - your legs immediately feel so much longer!
