6 hottest trainer trends for 2025, according to WH's Fashion Editor
It's undeniable: trainers are an unmovable, non-negotiable staple in our wardrobes. Long gone are the days of commuting in comfortable trainers only to swap them for pinching, poking heels to 'look more put together' (she says sarcastically). Now, a good – and clean, please – pair of sneakers is no longer a rare sight in the workplace.
But, like everything else, trainer trends can be hard to keep up with. While we always champion finding a pair of timeless shoes that suit your style and can be worn repeatedly, you might still need a bit of inspo.
2025 is all about personal style, so this is your chance to go big and bold (no more plain-white, thanks very much). We're also stepping away from the slightly overwashed Samba silhouette of the past. Once a politician (looking at you, Rishi) hops on the trend, it’s kind of dead in the water...
So, if you're looking to invest in a new pair of trainers to become your tried and trusted this year, you've come to the right place. These are the top trainer trends to keep an eye on this year – and how you can incorporate them into your own wardrobe.
No longer do your feet have to suffer in the name of style. Hurray!
The top trainer trends to watch in 2025
1. Sporty silhouettes
In 2024, fashion could not get enough of sport. From the running sunglasses that became the go-to frames of the fashion-forward, to boxing boots heading down the runway, sport has never been more in vogue. It's a trend that's not going anywhere, and we'll continue to see sport-inspired silhouettes in trainers outside of the gym.
Nike’s newly reintroduced Air Superfly has made a comeback after 25 years, bringing a running-inspired design to everyday outfits. Boxing boots are here to stay, thanks to Stella McCartney and Loewe, while Adidas’ iconic indoor training shoe-turned-style-staple, the Samba, remains a firm favourite. However, we’re now opting for fun colours and bold patterns to stand out from the crowd.
Samba OG
In The Ring Boxing Boots
Hammer Street Sneakers
Giannis Immortality 4 Basketball Shoes
2. Retro looks
Fashion comes around in cycles and retro sneaker styles are the shoe du jour. Luckily, a lot of brands are reinventing vintage styles like adidas' SL72s, Gola's enormous array of heritage styles, and Saucony's newly released Trainer 80 – we're throwing it back but staying in style.
TikTok has blown up with Gen Z's obsession with those cult Isabel Marant sneakers of the 2000s, and we've seen them cropping up at fashion weeks across the globe. Not to mention old-school classics that never left the lexicon – here's looking at you Converse All Stars and Vans Old Skool.
SL 72 OG
SL 72 OG
Race Leather Sneakers
Race Leather Sneakers
Bekett Sneakers
Speedcat OG Sneakers
Bekett Sneakers
Speedcat OG Sneakers
3. Fashion meets performance
One of the best bits of fashion news we've heard so far this year is that it's officially cool to wear your favourite performance trainers outside of training. Hello, comfort! This is helped in part by how many brands are putting serious consideration into the looks of their trainers while keeping up the quality of cutting-edge fit-tech.
Take Asics' beloved Gel-Nimbus 10.1, while they are a fashionable choice that has become a fan favourite from the brand, they're also designed with technical details that can withstand light jogging and walking. Other brands that have their finger on the fashion pulse include On, Lacoste, and Saucony.
Gel-Nimbus 10.1
Cloud X 4
Condor 3
Elite Active Sneakers
4. Designer kicks
Sure we might not be able to splash out on a spenny designer bag, but a pair of trainers? Yea, we can splurge. Designer brands are not slowing down on tapping into the trainer trends. Whether they're collab-ing with performance sports brands like Loewe x On, Stella McCartney x adidas or Miu Miu x New Balance, or even just dropping their own sneakers for the masses, they offer an affordable entry point for those looking at the luxury space. Sure, they're a touch more than your usual gym trainers, but they have a certain je ne sais quoi about them.
x Stella McCartney Ultraboost 5
Cloudtilt LOEWE 2
x New Balance 574
x Wales Bonner Samba Millennium
5. Outdoors inspo
The great outdoors is officially 'in'. Outdoor-focused performance shoes are the latest trainer trend to sweep the world of fashion. With lines to get into the Salomon stores, Arc'teryx is a viral sensation and brands who use GORE-TEX throughout their designs are ones to watch.
Contrast the bulky, chunky look to the shoe with straight-leg jeans and a neat button-up, or offset the masculine look with flowing skirts and dresses.
ACS
Moab Speed 2 GORE-TEX®
MTE Crosspath Shoes
Verto GORE-TEX® Alpine Shoes
6. Bold and beautiful
It's the year of personal style, so if you tend to stray away from the minimalist trend and love your fashion loud, this is your moment. Opt for bold and bright trainer colours and patterns, or look to brands like Cecilie Bahnsen or Simone Rocha, who are thinking outside of the box with mule and Mary Jane styles adorned with florals and beads.
Adorn your current favourite pair with charms and lace, or look for unique textures, colours and patterns to mix up your everyday shoe wardrobe.
Go big, go bold!
x New Balance FFT Trainers
x Cecilie Bahnsen x Gel-Terrain
ProGrid Triumph 4
Tb.490
More trends to try:
Sporty Spice-inspired tracksuits are back and here's how to style them this winter
Need a wardrobe update? Turn to your birth chart for inspiration...
Pitch perfect rugby shirts and jumpers that prove sporty style isn't going anywhere
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