Dan Walker defends wearing £299 trainers on Channel 5 News
What did you miss?
Dan Walker has defended his footwear on Channel 5 News, insisting they were "smart" shoes "aren't trainers".
The former BBC Breakfast star returned to host 5 News at 5 after taking time off to enjoy a holiday with his family and drew attention from viewers with his "unconventional" footwear. The 47-year-old journalist and broadcaster decided to speak out on social media to reveal he had been contacted with complaints about his shoes. Walker shared his defence of the £299 designer trainers and insisted he stood by his choice to wear them to read the news.
What, how, and why?
Walker wore his usual suit and tie to host the evening news on Channel 5 on Tuesday, 8 April along with a pair of slip-on navy leather trainers by Oliver Sweeney. He later defended his choice of footwear on social media, revealing he had had complaints from viewers.
Walker said: "So… a few viewers got in contact about my shoes on @c5news tonight. Personally, I think there are far more important things going on in the world and I don’t believe wearing these counts as a ‘disgrace’ or the dropping of ‘standards’. They aren’t trainers and I think they are smart and I love them."
The newsreader revealed the shoes were by Oliver Sweeney and hashtagged his post #shoesaddict and #shoeslover. He also replied directly to one viewer who criticised the trainers on social media platform X: "A National News Programme and he’s Wearing Trainers... I know it’s not @BBCNews But have standards gone?"
Walker hit back: "Thanks for watching David I love the shoes. I know they are ‘unconventional’ but I do think they are ‘smart’. I did once wear golf shoes on BBC breakfast because I got dressed in the dark @5_News."
The £299 footwear are called Rende Navy and are described on the Oliver Sweeney website as "Antiqued Calf Leather Cupsole Trainers."
Some of Walker's fans did not think the footwear was formal enough for the news. One follower commented: "Not appropriate for reading the news, regardless of it being channel 5. But def wouldn’t go as far as calling them a disgrace." Another said: "They don’t really go with a suit. Would look better with casual wear. Sorry but you did ask!!" And someone else replied: "Defo not a disgrace but I prefer a more classic shoe with a suit personally, I think some traditions are worth preserving."
But others were full of compliments. One said: "Hi Dan, welcome back. Personally, I think it's more about the truth of the news, than what the reader looks like." And another said: "I think they look great. What matters is what you say and your professionalism which of course is second to none."
What else happened on Channel 5 News?
Walker previously revealed he had forgotten his shirt and trousers ahead of presenting the news. The presenter, who often cycles to work, revealed he had popped into a local pub to borrow an iron after leaving his work wardrobe at home and making a mad dash to get to the studio on time.
Walker left the BBC in May 2022 after 13 years hosting BBC Breakfast, because he had signed a new deal with Channel 5. The father-of-three said: "I've never ever been motivated by money in any job that I've ever taken, and even though I've loved working at BBC Breakfast and everybody who works on the show, this is a fantastic opportunity to work with a brilliant team at Channel 5." Before he joined the BBC Breakfast team Walker presented Football Focus on BBC from 2009 to 2021.
Walker competed in the 19th series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2021 and finally left the BBC dance competition with professional partner Nadiya Bychkova in the quarter-final after weeks of evading the dance-off thanks to votes from viewers.
5 News at 5 airs on Channel 5 at 5pm on Monday to Friday.
Read more: Dan Walker
Dan Walker says 'nice to be back' as he claps back after Channel 5 viewers brand appearance a 'disgrace' (Manchester Evening News, 2 min read)
Dan Walker 'can't do much with left hand' after bike crash (Yahoo UK, 2 min read)
Who is Dan Walker and what is his 'massive' new job? (Yahoo UK, 4 min read)
Watch: Dan Walker said he was left crying in the toilets at work
