Lars | Wide-Fit Knitted Trainer

A lace-up trainer with a knitted upper, a wide toe box and an orthopaedic footbed.

The width is the point. Most trainers are built on a last that tapers hard through the front, which is fine for an hour and less fine by the end of a day — the little toe is the one that pays for it. This one is cut wide through the forefoot, so the toes sit flat rather than being pushed together, and there is no pressure across a bunion.

The footbed is orthopaedic, with a contoured arch that holds the foot through the step instead of letting it roll inward. That is what takes the strain off the feet, knees and back across a long day, and it is why these suit anyone who spends a shift standing rather than sitting.

Designed with neuropathy, bunions and posture in mind. The wide forefoot, the arch support and the cushioning underfoot work together, which is what makes each step feel steady rather than jarring.

The upper is knitted in one piece rather than cut and stitched from panels. That removes the seams that normally run across the top of the foot, which is exactly where a new shoe rubs first. It also means there is nothing to break in — the knit gives from the first wear, so no blisters and no fortnight of waiting for them to soften.

The brogue pattern is worked into the knit rather than punched through leather, so the shoe reads as a smart derby from across a room and wears like a trainer on the foot. That is the whole idea — it goes with chinos and it goes with jeans, and it does not look like gym kit with either.

Lightweight through the sole, on an anti-slip grooved tread.

The knit breathes, and that cuts both ways. Good through summer and in a warm office; less good in heavy rain. This is not a waterproof shoe.

Nine colours, UK 6 to 15.