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7 Trainer styles to try in 2026

I’m quite excited about this one, as trainer styles have had a real update for 2026, and I’m a big fan of new trainers. Of course, you can stick with what you have, but if you’re looking for a little footwear update that’s both cool and comfortable, then this post is for you too.

Some have come back in style again, as is the way of fashion; some are brand new; and some you can take inspiration from to update a pair you already own. So, let’s get straight on with it as we’ve got seven new trainer styles to look at today.

SLIMLINE TRAINERS

All Saints Liam Low Top Raffia Trainers

I noticed these new slimline styles filtering onto the high street last year. Inspired by runway shows by the likes of Dries Van Noten and Prada at the back end of 2024, they’re perfect if you want something low-key and sleek but don’t fancy a loafer. I’d say they’re smart enough for most offices – although seeing as I haven’t set foot in an office since before lockdown, you might pull me up on that.

  1. & Other Stories Cropped Oversized Cotton Shirt
  2. Monica Vinader Nomad Small Gold Hoops
  3. Me + Em Sharp Shoulder Blazer 
  4. Uniqlo Jersey Barrel Trousers 
  5. Arket Crescent Split Suede Bag
  6. Jigsaw Merino Cocoon Jumper
  7. Bimba Y Lola Suede & Fabric Trainers 

DOUBLE LACED TRAINERS

Miu Miu x New Balance Periwinkle Blue 530 Sl Suede Trainers

This is definitely the Miu Miu effect. But really, you don’t even need to buy a new pair of trainers, let alone a designer pair (says she who did buy a pair, but to my credit, I got them from Vinted at a steal, with the receipt and everything!). To get the look, just buy yourself a couple of pairs of laces and then swap them to complement any outfit. My only advice is to look for laces that are 60–70cm in length, as you don’t want them too long if you’re doing 2 different types on each shoe. I get mine from this company. They have a great selection of colours, and they’re at a very good price.

  1. Uniqlo Square Neck Camisole Bra Top
  2. Orelia Bubble Initial Gold Necklace 
  3. Hush Melinda Supersoft Funnel Neck Jacket
  4. Dehanche Hollyhock suede belt
  5. Me + Em Exaggerated Crop Lightweight Denim Jeans 
  6. Bimba Y Lola Large Suede Shopper Bag 
  7. Organic Basics Fine Knit V‑Neck Sweater
  8. Nokwol Atlas Low-Top Trainers

BRIGHT COLOURED TRAINERS

Hush Suede Slimline Retro Red Suede Trainers

This isn’t exactly a new trend, but the way we’re wearing bright trainers has changed slightly. Whereas before we might match our trainers to another item in our outfit, now we’re adding a random-coloured pair to an otherwise simple look. Red and yellow seem to be the colours that work best for this. Your feet will be the feature.

  1. Zara Striped Oxford Shirt 
  2. Hugo Women’s Pilot Round Sunglasses
  3. And/ Or Funnel Neck Puff Sleeve Jacket
  4. Reformation Cary High Rise Slouch Jeans 
  5. & Other Stories Braided Leather Shoulder Bag
  6. Casetify Need this Phone Case
  7. M&S Retro Runner Trainers

TECHNICAL TRAINERS

Salomon XT‑6 Sneakers

If you’re looking for an update that’s still super practical, then the technical trainer is for you. When I say ‘technical’, I basically mean the Salomon XT‑6 trainers. I can vouch for these myself as I have a pair. I’m sure they would work just as well hiking a trail in Panama as they did pounding the streets in Paris. They also have elastic instead of laces, which is perfect for lazy oafs like myself.

  1. M&S Cotton Rich Tipped Detail Knitted Top
  2. Ray Ban RB2198 square acetate aviator sunglasses
  3. Mango Oversized Denim Parka (use code LTKUK10)
  4. & Other Stories Pleated Barrel-Leg Trousers
  5. M&S Large Mesh Tote Bag
  6. Camera Design Phone Case 
  7. Salomon XT‑6 Trainers 

SATIN TRAINERS

ASOS Desire slim sole lace up trainers in blush

From the practical to the very much impractical. You’re definitely not going to be wearing a pair of satin trainers like these halfway up a mountain, but if you’re of a more delicate persuasion and want a smarter, more ladylike alternative to your regular pair of trainers, these are for you. I think you could even get away with this style at smarter events, like a wedding or a christening. Your feet would thank you even if the bride doesn’t.

  1. & Other Stories Gathered Blouse
  2. Orelia Pearl Drop Huggie Earrings 
  3. Arket Single-Breasted Blazer 
  4. Mango Straight linen-blend trousers
  5. True Decadence floral grab bag
  6. Merit Signature Lip Blush 
  7. Hoff Bridge Satin Trainers

RETRO TRAINERS

Adidas Japan leather-trimmed suede sneakers

You could check out the Adidas Japan style if you want an update. Or if you still have your Adidas Sambas but put them aside once Rishi Sunak wore them, fear not. The cool girls of the world have decreed they are acceptable once again. Personally, I never stopped wearing mine, but I know full well the chagrin of seeing someone you feel is not on your dress-sense wavelength sporting the same item as you. I never wore my Top Shop dress (that I had previously loved) again after I saw Gail Platt from Corrie wearing it at the Rovers Return.

By the way, I discovered this bralette from Pieces last year. It’s exactly the same as Skims but for half the price, and it washes better too. 

  1. Never Fully Dressed Choose Love Miley Shirt
  2. Pieces Bra top
  3. & Other Stories Technical Nylon Hooded Parka
  4. Citizens of Humanity Annina Wide Leg Jeans
  5. Mango Small Suede Bag 
  6. Adidas Samba OG Trainers 

SNEAKERINA TRAINERS

Adidas Taekwondo Mei Ballet Pumps

Possibly the most divisive of the seven styles I’ve picked for you today. The ballet–trainer hybrid, or ‘sneakerina’ if you will, won’t be for everyone, but I’m warming to them. I wouldn’t go the whole hog by winding ribbons halfway up my leg, but I could be persuaded to dip a toe into a simpler pair.

  1. Zara Double Knit Jumper
  2. Daisy London Sunburst Shield Charm Earrings 
  3. Soeur Khaki Embroidered Cap
  4. M&S Cotton Rich Funnel Neck Bomber Jacket
  5. Zara Oversized Cargo Trousers 
  6. Hush Oversized Leopard Tote Bag
  7. Puma Speedcat leopard ballet flats 

I hope this has given you some new footwear ideas.

Kate x

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