New trainer styles for 2026

[moresneakers]

My everyday trainers (onitsuka tigers) need replacing and I’m wondering what with. I basically wear them most days with everything and so I want them to work for most of 2026. I am not a slave to fashion but equally don’t want to be walking round in trainers that are very solidly “last year”. I looked up the next styles in trainers and felt pretty depressed - some of this list nearly made me vomit!!

anyway what new trainers would you get right now if you needed some?

https://www.whowhatwear.com/fashion/shoes/trainer-trends-2026

my eyes! My eyes!!

Most of those are absolutely hideous!!

when I saw your post I was going to say that trail running shoes seem to be the “in” thing or really slim trainers. Both of which are mentioned in that article.

Christ.

Wedge trainers were horrific when they were first about - surely they’re not coming back.

I fancy some Samba Jane’s, wore a similar pair in the early 00s.

Slimline & retro are still in.

For me, it would be a pair of Adidas, one of their 'Originals' styles. Any colour you fancy. They always look alright. That's why Sambas and Gazelles etc. have been around for decades. They aren't 'last year', they're 'any year'. If you need something a little more wider fitting or more substantial in the sole then look at their Grand Court styles or even Superstars.

Yes @GargoylesofBeelzebubi think the trail aspect is the way to go, thank you.

I don’t think Adidas are right - they are too ubiquitous and lost their cool when Rishi Sunak started wearing them. They’ve become the nondescript mainstream footwear of choice and are no longer anything interesting.

I’m tempted by the Puma ballet ones. I think they’d look good with cotton dresses and midi skirts, which is pretty much what I wear in spring and summer.

Oh, following with interest. I think Asics are a bit trendy atm but not Sambas or any of the colourful Adidas, although I like them. I hope Nike makes a comeback after being over taken by Adidas in the last 2-3 years but do not like their new styles. AF1 was so trendy for a while but is a bit tired now. I can see Golden Goose becoming bigger if they introduced slightly more affordable ranges. Love the look of them and wonder how comfortable they are.

sporty ballet flat styles are still trending, are not as 'heavy' as full trainers, and go well with skirts, dresses, shorts, balloon trousers, jeans, etc. I might buy a pair of those. I also like wedge trainers, they always feel a bit edgy. I still have some mesh adidas ones from fifteen years ago; I'll drag them out.

God they’re all so ugly! The wedge ones remind me of those ones everyone had about 10 years ago, can’t for the life of me remember what they were called. The only ones I’d consider are the Nike Rifts, I had a pair first time round and they were really comfy and ideal for in between weather days.

Wedge trainers are horrific imo - like pigs’ trotters.

Can i hijack this thread? I am looking for nice black trainers for work. Any recommendations?
stylish but not too much many thanks

I can't understand any trainers that are not comfy and practical. I tried the Asics Cecile Bahnsen ones and didn't like the shape on my foot at all. I want some of her black North Face collab boots thou.
I am sticking with my Nike Max's in various shapes. They are too comfortable to give up.
I have these for Spring: https://www.nike.com/gb/t/air-max-95-shoes-Bj8Z04QY/IB6396-001

There's something about pure black trainers, especially leather ones that is just horrible - nasty shoes

love the puma ballet. Would wear

Me too, but need to try them on first as I have strange feet and worry about my toes showing.

I have shallow thin feet. Same

I’ve just inherited DS’s all black airs. He’s only worn them since half term and has grown 2 sizes since…

These - they wouldn’t be my first choice but with wide legged trousers they’ll be fine.

Can we bring back high heels?!

Onitsuka Kill Bill never go out - I’m on my 4th pair!

I was against adidas too as so ubiquitous but I love the Japans and think they are way more comfortable than Sambas/Gazelles. I can’t quite bring myself to get the ballet pump trainers but I do like the look of the adidas taekwondo shoes. Also like the onitsuka tigers.

@patooties thanks but not smart enough for work though

i do have the onitsuka kill bill in black but the lines are yellow so again unsuitable for work + i find them very thin and thus less comfy than adidas…

Are yellow lines bad?

It’s because they look like kids school shoes

You just cannot do black upper & black sole