September is universally recognized as a bustling time of year for nearly everyone. As the relaxed days of summer begin to fade into distant memories, the daily routine of work, school, and autumn commitments quickly falls into a familiar rhythm. For one of the world’s most in-demand fashion models, however, September represents a whirlwind like no other. As the hazy days of summer bleed directly into the high-octane frenzy of Fashion Month, Bella Hadid can regularly be found sweeping between global style capitals for a flurry of high-profile events, runway shows, and fashion-week-adjacent gatherings.
Naturally, staying comfortable while navigating the inevitable chaos of the fashion calendar is of the utmost importance for someone constantly on the move. Given her demanding schedule, it came as little surprise to see the supermodel swap out her usual rotation of sophisticated slingbacks and classic loafers for a practical, supportive pair of trainers. What did come as a surprise, however, was her choice of footwear. Rather than opting for the ubiquitous pairs from major sportswear giants like Nike and Adidas that currently dominate the street style scene, Hadid decided to skip the familiar big names entirely. Instead, she stepped out in an under-the-radar pair of shoes from a relatively niche brand that many everyday consumers may not have heard of yet.
Sidestepping the industry behemoths, Hadid was spotted wearing a sleek pair of dark chocolate-brown and black trainers from the emerging sustainable footwear label Vivaia. Opting for the brand’s Square-Toe Jogger Sneakerinas, which retail around £147, she styled the unexpected footwear choice with knee-grazing black socks, a classic little black dress, a tailored single-breasted jacket, and a casual baseball cap. The resulting ensemble struck a carefully balanced chord, delivering a chic, effortlessly cool off-duty look that seamlessly merged athletic comfort with high-fashion sensibility.
For a relatively young label attempting to carve out space in a competitive market crowded by massive athletic corporations like Nike and Adidas, Vivaia’s growing adoption by top-tier trendsetters is particularly notable. In addition to Hadid’s recent endorsement, the brand has also captured the attention of other prominent style icons, including veteran actress Kelly Rutherford and Oscar winner Anne Hathaway. While established sportswear giants typically lean heavily into a distinctly athletic aesthetic—designing trainers with high-performance running soles, visible air units, and sporty mesh panels—many of Vivaia’s distinctive footwear styles deliberately blur the line between traditional trainers and delicate ballet flats.
These hybrid designs often feature slender, refined silhouettes, subtle satin finishes, and, in several notable iterations, delicate ribbon laces that replace traditional athletic cords. Essentially, they function as a supportive, highly comfortable alternative to classic ballet flats while maintaining a far more polished and elevated appearance than an average pair of gym shoes. For fashion enthusiasts looking to emulate the model’s off-duty aesthetic, the exact chocolate-brown and black trainers worn by Hadid, along with a wider selection of the brand’s popular jogger sneakerinas, casual sneakers, and satin-finished styles, offer a fresh footwear alternative for the autumn season.
The appeal of these hybrid styles lies in their versatility, allowing wearers to pair them effortlessly with everything from tailored outerwear and little black dresses to relaxed denim. Whether rendered in classic neutral shades, rich autumn tones, or subtle textured finishes, the growing popularity of these unexpected footwear choices highlights a broader shift in contemporary street style toward comfort that does not compromise on elegance. As Fashion Month continues to unfold across the globe, it remains to be seen whether other top models and industry insiders will follow Hadid’s lead and embrace these under-the-radar labels over traditional athletic mainstays.
