The Definitive Guide to 2026’s Most Stylish Trainers

Be honest with me—how many pairs of trainers are currently lined up in your wardrobe? The gym pair, the battered runners you actually run in, the sneakers you throw on when popping out to the shop… and then, of course, your best fashion trainers. You know the ones: the box-fresh styles you reach for to pair with everything from wool trousers to jeans, the sleek all-white leather pair that solves every smart-casual dilemma, and the nostalgic kicks you’ve clung to since your teenage years (thankfully, Converse are trending once again).

And yet, despite this rotation, you’re still wondering which trainers should be next on your list. And, importantly, which trainer trends should we be investing in for the new year? Much like denim, trainers sit in that rare category of wardrobe staples that move in slow but steady trend cycles—shifting just enough to refresh your look, but never so drastically that they fall out of favour. So, in the theme of keeping things fresh, you may want to swap out those bright white kicks for a trending brown shade or perhaps an understated pair in suede. Both of which have been spied on the most fashionable faces of New York, London, Milan and Paris.

Now, in the spirit of honesty, my own trainer tally currently sits at 12. Among them: a cow-print style from Nicki Hoyne, a silver Adidas pair softened perfectly with wear, and a brown suede Dries Van Noten style—the perfect autumn trainer, I would say. While my fellow Marie Claire fashion editor Clementina Jackson has nabbed the ever-popular yellow Onitsuka Tigers, as well as yet another silver pair (it seems we have a theme). So, between us—and years of trainer investments—we’ve compiled a considered edit of the best women’s trainers to buy now.

Now, in the spirit of honesty, my own trainer tally currently sits at 12. Among them: a cow-print style from Nicki Hoyne, a silver Adidas pair softened perfectly with wear, and a brown suede Dries Van Noten style—the perfect autumn trainer, I would say. Meanwhile, my fellow Marie Claire fashion editor, Clementina Jackson, has nabbed the ever-popular yellow Onitsuka Tigers, as well as yet another silver pair (it seems we have a theme). So, between us—and years of trainer investments—we’ve compiled a considered edit of the best women’s trainers to buy now.

The Best Trainers To Invest In Now

Trending trainers

Kicking off with what everyone wants to know—the trainers that are in fashion right now—and it's a mix of cult classics and new contenders. Dries Van Noten's suede trainers have become the trainer du jour for every cool girl, with their suede leather trimmings, they're a favourite among the fashion set *and* Harry Styles. Our beloved Salomon trainers are still drawing plenty of attention, proving their staying power beyond the initial hype. And COS' sneakerina-inspired trainers have been getting plenty of airtime across social media.

Brown trainers

Ask our junior shopping editor, Amelia Yeomans, about the chicest trainers for 2026, and she'll swiftly point you in the direction of brown shades. Both polished and practical, they bring a warm-toned element to any outfit and are much easier to style than you may at first think. Just take a look at her guide to the best brown trainers to buy for extra inspo.

Vintage-inspired trainers

Vintage-inspired trainers are having a moment, not only because we're in love with the retro look, but because the most popular trainer brands are bringing back crowd favourites from years gone by. My current go-to? A burgundy Adidas Samba, which I styled with a colour-coordinating suit for Paris Fashion Week—smart casual dressing at its finest.

Luxury trainers

Luxury label trainers are now as recognisable as each brand's best-selling bag, with each famous fashion house vying for our attention. While personal preference of both look and label is key in this category, the current luxury trainers in pole position are Demna's recently launched Shift Trainers at Gucci, any bestselling Dries Van Noten style, and Louis Vuitton's Sneakerina.

Suede trainers

While suede may not be the most practical of fabrics—it's famously bad when in contact with water—it is certainly chic, especially when paired with a chic winter jacket. Case in point: Loewe's near sell-out suede trainers that have been spied on the feet of many a street styler. Just be sure to check the forecast before you step outside.

Minimalist trainers

Everyone should own a clean white trainer in their collection. Not only is it the easiest option to style (unless you solely wear all-black outfits), but their minimalist nature means they work for every occasion, slipping effortlessly into that smart-casual dress code.

Statement trainers

Statement trainers or fashion trainers are often the pairs that we don't wear everyday. Just like a statement bag or piece of jewellery, they're an item we call on to elevate an outfit, whether it's livening up a classic T-shirt and jeans or a simple midi dress. My own collection includes three pairs: a cow print, these green Adidas suede set, and a brown leather snakeskin style, all equally fashion-forward yet more comfortable than a heel.

Sports trainers

A handful of trainer trends have come through in recent years all stemming from the classic sporty style of sneakers: the dad trainer, the chunky trainer, and the runner. So, if comfort is your core focus, this is the category to cop. Although, running gear isn't all this trainer style works with—skirts, suits and jeans are no longer off limits.