New for 2026 at Modshoes, the Gola Elan is one of those trainers that just seems to work with everything. We chose it because of its clean, low-profile design and because Gola have produced some of the best colour combinations around.

The Evergreen, White and Gum colourway works particularly well with denim, chinos and many of the new 66 Clothing pieces arriving this year. It has a classic 60s sports trainer look without feeling over the top.

Gola is one of Britain’s oldest sportswear brands, founded in Leicester in 1905. The Elan itself takes its inspiration from classic training shoes of the 1960s and 70s, making it just as at home today as it would have been back then.

Our Thoughts

I’ve been wearing these myself and they’ve quickly become one of my favourite trainers. They’ve been on holiday with me to Benidorm and San Sebastián, where they’ve spent full days walking around without giving my feet any problems.

One thing I particularly like is the fit. They are noticeably wider across the front than many Adidas trainers. I often find Adidas models, particularly the Italia, quite tight across the toe box, whereas the Elan gives your feet much more room without looking bulky.

There was no need to break them in either. I wore them straight from home onto the plane and spent the first day of my holiday walking in them.

Like most trainers, they contain man-made materials, so on the hottest days abroad I’d probably swap into one of our summer shoes or suede desert boots, which tend to breathe better. For spring, autumn, evenings or everyday wear though, these are superb.

What To Wear Them With

The Elan works with just about everything. We’d wear them with jeans, chinos or shorts, together with polos, T-shirts, lightweight knitwear or one of our jackets.

When To Wear Them

• Weekends
• City breaks
• Holidays
• Evenings out
• Pub gardens
• Casual office wear
• Everyday walking

Sizing

These are very forgiving, so we’d recommend sticking with your usual size. I normally take an 8½ but comfortably wear an 8 in these.

If you’ve struggled with Adidas trainers feeling narrow across the front, the Elan is well worth a look. The toe box is noticeably roomier without making the trainer feel oversized.

Things To Know

• Very comfortable straight out of the box.
• No break-in period needed.
• Wide, forgiving fit across the front.
• Comfortable enough for all-day walking.
• Good driving shoe.
• Like most gum soles, they can feel a little slippery on very wet cobbles.

Product Details

• Evergreen suede with White leather Wingflash.
• Classic gum rubber sole.
• Textile upper.
• Man-made sole.
• Sizes UK7 to UK12.

Upper Textile
Sole Man Made
Sizes UK7 to UK12

Mens Sizing

We use the following size conversions. Please be aware that different designs are designed to be bigger than others. We try our best on the product page to mention sizing.

Men’s Sizes

Please Note that are shoes are made mainly in Spain & Portugal and Euro to UK Conversion means that the shoes normally come up a little big. The reason is that a 43, is more like 9 and 1/4.