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It’s been a long, bleak winter filled with constant threats of torrential downpours (courtesy of Storm Ingrid, of course), a collective fixation with a certain ice hockey romantic drama and too many layers to keep track of. However, in news that will certainly cure any lingering Blue Monday symptoms, spring is officially on the way. With it, the season is bringing a lightness, warmth and, most importantly, new trainer trends to slip into.
Unlike the saccharine heeled mules and clip-cloppy sandals that previously defined this time of year, trainers have certainly become the shoe style to covet and collect for the brighter days ahead. It’s an understandable switch, given the blue skies, freshly sprouted blooms and sprightly breezy encourages days spent out and about. (Hybernation? We hardly know her anymore.) Indeed, those glasses of rosé, new exhibition openings and park picnics won’t be drunk, visited or attended themselves, so it’s important to ensure you’re well equipped for whatever the season will bring.
This spring, however, promises new trainer trends to do it all in. After the sneaker boom that occurred following the pandemic, our choices are no longer limited to a pair of Adidas x Wales Bonner Sambas or Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66—two trainers that defined the foremost part of this decade. Now, with sportswear giants constantly expanding their ranges with exciting releases, like the sneakerina or wedge iteration of Puma’s Speedcat line, and designer brands doubling down on these sportier styles, including Roger Vivier’s technically-oriented Viv’ Zag, the next few months promise to promote functional footwear.
The spring/summer 2026 runways also indicate the novel ways in which stylish trainer outfits will manifest following the vernal equinox, a.k.a the official beginning of the season. From Miu Miu’s double-laced and low-profile designs paired with sequin-adorned apron dresses to Dries Van Noten’s glossy boxer shapes styled with grey jersey ruffles, the designer set are backing more unexpected and non-conformist ways of wearing the shoes
(Image credit: ImaxTree Launchmetrics Spotlight)
Ready to tread the path less travelled by? Ahead, the 7 key spring trainer trends of 2026.
7 Key Trainer Trends for Spring 2026
1. Technical Knockout
Style Notes: Remaining true to their original purpose, technical trainers have emerged as one of the biggest trainer trends in recent months. This really was inevitable from the moment the Salomon XT-6 began cropping up in small plates restaurants across East London instead of the hiking trails along the South Downs. However, for spring, these elements are becoming far more of an ornament than anything else. Like how the rope accessory trend had everyone channelling their inner Alex Honnold with climbing cordelette hanging from bag charms or fastened through their shoe laces, the technical trainer trend is all about embracing utilitarian elements like rubberised soles with intricate tread, pull toggles and velcro straps.
Shop the Trend:
Salomon
XT-Whisper rubber-trimmed mesh sneakers
From hikes to dinners in Hackney, this shoe has become a certified fixture.
PUMA
Speedcat Go Shoes Women
Update the beloved Speedcats for spring by switching laces for this stretchy tie detail.
PUMA
Mostro Xc Gore-Tex® Sneakers Unisex
These look intimidating, but are honestly incredibly easy to style.
2. Hybrid Composites
Style Notes: If Jacob Elordi’s recent Oscar nomination for his performance in Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein is any indication, it’s that hybrid creations are no longer considered to be a monstrosity. From sneakers disguised as loafers to trainers with Mary Jane accents, expect this spring to spawn a whole new legion of eccentric fusions. Because what’s cooler than wearing a trainer hidden in plain sight?
Shop the Trend:
COS
Suede Nylon Mary-Jane Trainers
I predict these will sell out fast.
Puma
Puma Speedcat Python Ballet Flats in Pink
ZARA
Lace-Up Sporty Ballet Flats
3. New Retro
Style Notes: Vintage is one category that will never fall out of fashion. However, there’s a fine line between wearing something archival and wearing something that’s a little outdated. The retro trainer trend straddles this line perfectly by paying homage to the slightly daggy original shape, but updating it in a way that feels contemporary. From the Nike x Jacquemus Moon shoe to the Maison Margiela Sprinter, embracing these ‘70s-inspired silhouettes without irony is a surefire way to inject humour and lightness into your ensemble. Groovy, baby.
Shop the Trend:
Maison Margiela
Sprinter Suede-Trimmed Textured-Leather Sneakers
A payday pick, if I ever saw one.
Dries Van Noten
Leather-Trimmed Suede Sneakers
Consider this as the grown up version of the Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66.
Nike Cortez
Leather Women’s Shoes
From Farrah Fawcett to Bella Hadid, this style comes celebrity approved for nearly half a century.
4. Metallic Bond
Style Notes: If you’ve been binging Heated Rivalry or the Winter Olympic Games to provide a taste of the Après-ski season without having to actually head into icy climates—I’ve recently watched Ruben Östlund’s Force Majeure for the exact same reason—then this trainer trend will surely pique your interest. With a focus on all things performance, this style recontextualises the gold, silver and bronze medals seen through these athletic television phenomena into a very wearable style. Adding some contrast to the ditzy florals and muted pastels synonymous with spring, this trend will certainly rise to the top of the podium come late March.
Shop the Trend:
Who ever said that second place was the first to lose clearly didn’t know about this trainer trend.
Balenciaga
City Studded Metallic Crinkled-Leather Sneakers
Rendering one of Nicolas Ghesquière’s most iconic motifs is simply genius.
Adidas
Stan Smith Lo Pro Perforated Metallic Leather Sneakers
Low-profile trainers will always look chic, but they look extra expensive in this futuristic tone.
5. Fresh Suede
Style Notes: There’s just something about suede. Since making its comeback a few seasons ago, the textured leather fabric has been quite hard to shake. I’m personally not complaining as I love to throw on this Bob Dylan-approved texture whenever the forecast is favourable. But for those looking to switch it up, the biggest spring trainer trends are indicating a shift towards a lighter colour palette. Leave the chocolate browns and navy blues for November and embrace airier hues like cloud white, marshmallow cream and vanilla ecru.
Shop the Trend:
Miu Miu
SL Suede and Mesh Sneakers
It doesn’t take an expert to realise these Miu Miu trainers are one of the most in-demand styles of the 2020s.
ALOHAS
Tb.56 Suede Fuzzy Light Grey Leather Sneakers
Alohas is one viral trainer brand that lives up to the hype.
Don’t forget about H&M for overlooked wardrobe staples like shoes and accessories.
6. Flexible Finishes
Style Notes: What do the Chloé Kick, COS Suede-Nylon Ballet Trainers and Miu Miu Plume satin sneakers all have in common? They’re all members of the elasticated trainer trend. With a low-profile shape and ruching that keeps the upper part of the shoe taut around the ankle, this is a style that embraces both the softness of a ballet flat and the flexibility of the technical trainer trend. Why choose one when you can wear them all?
Shop the Trend:
CHLOÉ
Kick Suede-Trimmed Shell Sneakers
Chloé’s creative director, Chemena Kamali, explained at the time of this shoe’s release that the style is a mix between a ballet slipper and a boxing shoe.
COS
Suede-Nylon Ballet Trainers
These COS shoes are the perfect mix between style and substance.
Miu Miu
Plume Satin Sneakers
The latest object of my affection.
7. Old Skool
Style Notes: If there’s one factor that underscores the most popular trainer styles from recent years, it’s the fact that they’re all reissues of older releases. Everything old is new again. Yet, rather than just borrowing the codes from previous launches, many brands are building on the success these styles had the first time around by reordering them with subtle updates. From Vans’s Old Skool lace-ups on the feet of Jennifer Lawrence to the Adidas Taekwondo doing the rounds on Dakota Johnson, you only need to look back to move forward.
Shop the Trend:
From the skateparks of Los Angeles to the streets of London.
Adidas
Japan W Leather-Trimmed Calf Hair Sneakers
Such an underrated silhouette.
PUMA
Speedcat Og Sneakers Unisex
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