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
Stella McCartney’s version of the boxing boot has become a favourite among influencers and the sartorial set.
The ever-controversial adidas Taekwondo shoes caused a sensation when they started trending off the mat.
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.
2. Retro Looks
The old-school Puma Speedcat of the 80s, as worn by F1 drivers of the time, has made a triumphant return spotted on the likes of Dua Lipa and Bella Hadid.
Wedge sneakers were everywhere in the 2000s thanks to Isabel Marant, and with the revival of boho chic it’s making a comeback into our wardrobes.
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.
READ MORE: Must-Have Style Investment Pieces
3. Fashion Meets Performance
Gone are the days of sacrificing comfort for style, now you can wear your favourite performance sneakers outside of the gym.
Mix the bright and bold colours of your favourite trainers with more classic pants and button-down shirts.
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.
4. Designer Kicks
A guest wears the Loewe Flow Runners at Paris Fashion Week.
The Miu Miu x New Balance collaboration has taken the world by storm thanks to its expert combination of style and comfort.
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.
5. Outdoors inspo
Consider it sustainable, because in 2025 your shoes can take you from the catwalk to the hiking trails. They’re a shoe for every occasion.
Contrast the more outdoor look to your sneakers with feminine silhouettes and fabrics such as lace, leather and tulle.
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.
READ MORE: Tried & Tested: New Running Shoes From Asics, PUMA, Salomon & Under Armour
6. Bold And Beautiful
Quiet luxury is a thing of the past, say hello to statement sneakers to mix up your wardrobe.
Whether it’s embellishments on sneakers or eye-catching silhouettes, trainers are far from boring in 2025.
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.
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!
This article by Isabelle Knevett was originally published on Women’s Health UK – additional reporting and products added by the Women’s Health SA team. Women’s Health participates in various affiliate marketing programmes, which means we may get commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.