These adidas trainers are great for wide feet, plus the platform sole and pop of colour give me a welcome lift

As a fashion stylist, my job requires me to be on my feet constantly, so my footwear preference is always the most comfortable trainers. I’ve tried everything from budget-friendly brands and high street heroes like Converse or M&S, to higher-end styles from the likes of Maje and Alexander McQueen. So I feel confident to be able to advise when it comes to footwear that works for everyday life and will leave you looking and feeling good.

adidas has been a popular choice amongst trainer fans for years, so you may be more familiar with styles like the Spezial, Samba or Gazelle, to name a few. I have owned several adidas styles that I wore to death. I was a fan of the Stan Smith in particular for years, but none have been as comfortable as the VL Court Bold. I could wear these all day everyday - and I have! And I'm not alone, either, as woman&home's Ecommerce Editor and trainer enthusiast Heidi Scrimgeour is a fan too - check out her adidas VL Court Bold recommendation here.

The desire to be comfortable but also stylish is what drives my choices of trainers. I have tested this style with a range of outfit options to ensure they work in every eventuality and to see if they really are the style to try this spring… here is what I decided.

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adidas VL Court Bold: Comfort & support

I hadn’t opted for a platform sole on a trainer for a while, so I wasn’t sure how I would feel about the thick sole initially, but it’s safe to say I was pleasantly surprised as soon as I popped them onto my feet.

The platform and cushioned sole lift you, giving what feels like a barrier between your feet and the ground. I find that it prevents that annoying ache in the balls of my feet that so often comes from a day of walking around. Avoiding any niggles or soreness in my shoes is really important; there is nothing worse than being out running errands or commuting to work and having to think about where you can stop for some blister plasters.

I am happy to report that I wore these for a full day the first time I tried them, and they were great - no breaking in required! The cushioning around the ankle is both comfortable and supportive. The VL Court Bold also feels wider than previous adidas styles that I’ve worn. I have a slightly wider foot, so I tend to notice how slim the body of a shoe is, making it more comfortable across the main foot area in comparison.

When testing these trainers, I wore them out and about in different scenarios to really gauge their versatility in daily life. A full day on my feet at work as a stylist, popping to the shops, getting my steps in on a walk around my local park - my verdict is that they work in any scenario and I keep reaching for them above any of my other trainer options.

The pair I have are a suede style rather than sleek leather; the VL Court Bold comes in both variations, so I would therefore recommend treating them with a suede protector so that you feel more confident wearing them out when the weather is looking gloomy.

adidas VL Court Bold: Style

The adidas VL Court Bold initially caught my eye with the dopamine-inducing colour range that it is available in. A pop of colour on the feet can really elevate your outfit and is a fun way to add some personality to your daily wardrobe. The wide range of colour options means there’s something for everyone, whether you want to stick to a classic neutral or branch out to something more vibrant.

You may be most familiar with the adidas Samba, which really took off in popularity over the past couple of years and even won the title ‘Shoe of the Year’ in 2023. Having been initially designed in the 1950s as a football trainer, the classic style was picked up as the go-to for celebrities and influencers and was all over social media.

In comparison to the slimline design of the Samba, the VL Court Bold is chunky and has that retro look about it, having been inspired by noughties skate culture. In addition to being extremely comfortable and having that funky aesthetic, the platform aspect is a really helpful way to ensure my longer length trousers fit by giving me an additional inch or so!

One of the common dilemmas when styling up your trainers is what socks to pair with them. When wearing the VL Court Bold, it really depends on my outfit as to whether I wear an almost invisible trainer sock or a more obvious ankle sock. The good news here is that both work comfortably with this shoe style, and so it really is down to how you think it looks, rather than wearing a thicker sock for added comfort, for example.

adidas VL Court Bold: Cleaning & care

We all want to know how to keep our trainers looking box-fresh for as long as possible, and my main tip here would be the pre-wear care. Especially if wearing a suede trainer, treat it with a suede protector prior to use, just to help keep it free from scuffs and stains. I wouldn’t advise chucking these ones in the washing machine, as tempting as it can be as a quick fix.

So far, I haven’t had any major problems with marking on my pair, and they certainly haven’t creased across the toe despite how much wear they’ve had since I got them, so that’s a win in my eyes!

adidas VL Court Bold: Verdict

It doesn’t surprise me that this style is rising in popularity; the comfort is the key takeaway for me, and the flatform shape makes them stand out from the rest of my trainer collection.

I love that they add a splash of colour to even the simplest of outfits, and I’ll be continuing to wear them on a regular basis. I might even need to get another colour in time for spring!

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