I bought these £49.50 M&S trainers instead of a designer pair

Ever fallen in love with a pair of trainers only to discover they're way out of your price range? You're not alone.

I recently came across a pair of trainers that ticked all the boxes: they were stylish, comfy, and on-trend. The only problem? They were a cool £450.

And if that last detail was the deal-breaker for you too, don't worry, because I didn't let my lack of appropriate bank balance keep me away from achieving the look for myself.

I scouted the internet and stumbled across a well-loved brand much closer to my budget: Marks & Spencer.

That's right, our favourite high street brand came through for us again in the form of these uber comfy and luxury-looking Lace Up Leather Star Trainers.

And best of all? They're under £50.

Not only do they look pretty chic, they're also the ideal spring footwear. So far, I've worn them with floaty floral dresses, leggings and a jumper, even an oversized knitted dress too, and they've upgraded each and every single outfit.

£49.50 at M&S

They're actually comfortable (don't worry, I've already put them to the 'brunch and leisurely meander' test, as well as stomping to and from the office in them), they're achingly cool and they're sure to stay on-trend year after year.

I wouldn't want to waste your time listing all the compliments I've received while wearing them, but there have been a fair few – and the gasp that the price reveal elicits makes me feel all the more the smug.

Oh, and add in the fact that they're made from responsibly sourced leather and you've got yourself a winning pair.

Am I sorry not to have nabbed myself a more luxury pair then? I can safely say, no – and my bank account agrees.

It's easy to see why even the Princess of Wales is a fan of Marks & Spencer's trainer collection, the royal previously wore an affordable (yet sadly, no longer available) £29.50 pair of white sneakers by the brand in 2020.

What the reviews say:

Don't just take my word for it though, the trainers have already received over 250 reviews on the M&S website.

Some happy shoppers have even gone back and bought their second pair already, so we'd snap these up while they're still in stock.

• "I just love these trendy, pretty and very comfortable trainers."

• "Bought a pair of these a couple of seasons ago, these are my second pair. Have them in all colour combinations. They are really comfy and look great with jeans or dresses!"

• "Fashionable, fun and a great fit. Love these trainers, true to size and comfortable from the get go. Great design, sturdy without being chunky."

• "Lovely quality, comfortable and I like the fact on this style of trainer the bit that fits around your heel is high enough to not feel like it slips down all the time, little pricey compared to what I normally spend but they will last as M&S shoes always do – very happy."

• "Second pair of these! Absolutely love them, comfortable, look great and excellent price for leather trainers."

Shop now: Lace Up Leather Star Trainers | £49.50 from Marks & Spencer

£49.50 at M&S

And these aren't the only great M&S trainer option for upgrading your spring wardrobe. The brand have a ton of trendy chunky trainers for under £50 well worth a browse.

5 other M&S trainers to upgrade your spring wardrobe

Leather Lace Up Side Detail Trainers | £45

Lace Up Trainers | £25

Leather Lace Up Trainers | £45

Lace Up Side Detail Trainers | £35

Lace Up Chunky Trainers | £29.50

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