Any fashion editor worth their salt will tell you the best trainers can absolutely make an outfit, even if you’re not a sneaker lover. The right pair will add a touch of cool to everything from your favourite jeans and a tee combo to a floaty summer dress.
Once confined to gym class, trainers have become the fashionista’s footwear of choice, paired with a designer handbag of course. The likes of Balenciaga, Chloé and Prada keep creating lust-worthy styles season after season, and everyone wants in.
They’re not just pretty and practical though, they can be a legitimate investment too – see the sell-out Balenciaga Triple S trainers which have an increasingly high resale value.
SS22 trainer trends
For SS22, we’re seeing plenty of joyful pops of colour (hello Chloé Nama sneaker) as well as some serious retro vibes. Check out Nike and Fila for some great 90s-inspired styles and be warned: platforms are back. If it’s sporty you’re after, then be prepared to go high, since basketball high tops are big on the agenda right now.
Dad trainers are still going strong, and you won’t go wrong with New Balance or Skechers sneakers. Sustainability is at the forefront for SS22, and we’re seeing some great vegan options from the likes of Veja, Waes and Yatay – head to our sustainable trainers edit for even more styles.
Best running trainers
We’ve quizzed the top experts on how to choose the perfect running trainers for you, so make sure you check out our guide.

Nama sneaker in lower-impact mesh, £575 at Chloé
Having made its debut in the Spring 2022 collection, the Nama sneaker – Chloé’s new lower-impact sneaker – reflects the Maison’s commitment to reducing its impact on the environment.
The purpose of the Nama’s design is to lower our sneakers’ overall environmental impact. Through a screening life cycle assessment done in partnership with sustainability consulting group Quantis, which traces everything from the product’s raw material extraction to production, we have calculated that the Nama emits 35% less greenhouse gases and consumes 80% less water than its predecessor the Sonnie sneaker. We were able to reach these results mainly by selecting exclusively lower-impact materials and introducing recycled materials and components, which make up 40% of the sneaker’s materials in weight.

ADIDAS ORIGINALS Ozelia rubber and suede-trimmed neoprene sneakers, £85
Made from panels of neoprene, suede and rubber, these 90s-inspired shoes are set on outsized soles reinforced with the brand's Adiprene technology.

LOEWE Leather-trimmed jacquard high-top sneakers, £550
Loewe's sneakers are made from jacquard woven with the brand's 'Anagram' logo and set on bouncy rubber soles. Nodding to the brand's heritage in leatherwork, the edges are trimmed with smooth hide and both ankles embellished with debossed patches.

SHEER LEATHER TRAINERS, £139 at ALLSAINTS
These vintage-inspired white leather sneakers are great if you want a classic all-rounder.

STELLA MCCARTNEY Reclypse logo-detailed vegetarian suede and recycled mesh sneakers, £435
Every element of Stella McCartney's 'Reclypse' sneakers is made from repurposed, plant-derived or other conscious sources. Set on bio-based high-traction soles, they're crafted from logo-detailed recycled mesh with panels of vegetarian suede and leather. They're even lined in ECONYL®, a regenerative textile milled from rescued ocean plastics.

GUCCI Women’s Basket brand-print faux-leather and mesh trainers, £695
Told you basketball trainers were back.

NIKE Dunk brand-embossed leather low-top trainers, £110
These statement Nike trainers are perfect for adding a pop of colour to a white t-shirt dress.

VEJA Venturi Flannel Trainers, £140 at ARKET
These trainers from Paris-based VEJA feature a streamlined design with a robust outsole made of wild Amazonian rubber. The upper is made of recycled brushed fabric forming a flannel-like texture. Suede overlays create a dimensional look, while the cushioning in latex provides superior comfort for all-day wear.

Burberry Beige Logo Print Vintage Check Sneakers, £370
These beige Burberry logo print Vintage check sneakers feature a round toe with vulcanised rubber cap, front lace-up fastening, all-over Vintage check, a monochrome printed logo to the sidewall and chunky sole.

Balenciaga Silver Runner Low Top Sneakers, £825
Balenciaga aren't all about the Triple S sneaker. These silver Balenciaga Runner low top sneakers are designed with a worn-out effect. Featuring mesh uppers and multicoloured panels, this style has signature size detailing on the toes and heels, lace-up fastenings, pull tabs and chunky rubber soles. Logos on the vamps, tongues and backs complete this pair.