While there has always been a place for trainers in my shoe collection, I have to admit, I’ve never been that into them from a style perspective. While I’ve always understood the allure—comfort being one of the main benefits of such footwear—I’d just never found a pair that really spoke to my aesthetic. I’m something of a classicist, so the trainers I did reach for were always canvas Supergas—timeless trainers that never go out of style and don’t command any sort of attention.
That was until the trainer market became what it is today, as I type this, in 2024. My interest in them began to pique around the time New Balance 550s came on the scene a couple of years ago, the success of which on social media and its infiltration into the wardrobes of chic dressers I follow sparked something in me. Was it finally time for me to embrace trainers?
Since then we’ve had New Balance 327s and 330s, Asics Nimbus trainers, and, of course, Adidas Sambas (which have become as hard to get your hands on as gold dust) rise above the rest to become stylish trainer icons, their appearance also commanding what the rest of the trainer space looks like. Because of this, some trainers feel more on-trend, while others—trainer trends that we’re once everywhere—we’re seeing much, much less of. Interested in this shift, I asked our sneaker-loving editors which pairs they felt had had their day in the sun and which trainer styles they think feel most relevant for 2024 given the current climate. See what they said below.
The Trainers Our Editors Are Into This Year (and the Ones They’re Not So Into)
Pausing: Block Pastel
Wearing: Black with White Accents
“For a time, pastel-coloured trainers were a big deal—I bought a pair myself as an easy way to add some subtle colour into my outfits. While I do still wear them and will never say that they’re ‘out’ in terms of style, I have definitely done a 360 with my latest investment. Influenced by Instagram and TikTok, I snapped up an all-black pair of trainers (save for three white stripes) and, honestly, they look so chic.” Florrie Alexander, acting affiliate editor
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Pausing: Neon Brights
Wearing: Complimentary Tri Colour
“Neon is commonplace on trainers as these colours feel inherently sporty in their own right. Lately, however, I’ve found myself looking towards more retro-looking, multicolour options. After seeing Monikh Dale’s rare, tri-colour New Balance kicks I’ve been on the hunt for a lookalike pair of my own. Now, the market is full of them, which can’t be a coincidence.” Remy Farrell, fashion editor
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Pausing: Wedge Sole
Wearing: High-Tops
“Is it just me or are wedge-sole trainers just not a thing anymore? Not that I’m complaining—personally I was never really that into them anyway. However, I have noticed that, instead of adding weight at the bottom, fashion people are once again embracing high-top kicks. Converse never feel outdated but they definitely seem to be enjoying a peak in popularity right now.” Maxine Eggenberger, deputy editor
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Pausing: Futuristic
Wearing: Retro
“We’re seeing so many retro, sporty-style trainers right now, it’s made even me—someone who has never really worn trainers beyond the gym—want a pair. What I’m not seeing so much of lately is super futuristic designs.” Hannah Almassi, Editor in Chief
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Pausing: Gold
Wearing: Silver Details
“In terms of metallics, we’ve seen silver enjoy a renaissance across the fashion board, and trainers aren’t exempt from that either. In place of gold hues that dominated the market for a time, now, it’s all about silver reflective slivers, which are mainly found on white and grey sneakers.” Rebecca Rhys-Evans, branded content editor
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Next Up, It’s Official: These 5 Trainer Trends Are Set to Replace White Sambas in 2024