Lauren Cunningham
It's no secret that suede is having a major moment right now. Thanks in large part to the return of the boho aesthetic—a trend spearheaded by Chemena Kamali at Chloé, and since adopted by practically everyone else—the soft, fuzzy, luxurious leather material has taken over everything from our jackets and bags to our boots in recent months. And, it's coming for our trainers, too.
Versatile, chic, and bang-on-trend, suede trainers are the new-season wardrobe addition we never knew we needed—but now can't stop thinking about. They're perfect for the everyday, elevated enough to still look smart, and can be seamlessly styled with everything from floaty dresses to oversize tailoring and casual denim, particularly in their sleeker, slimline iterations. Just look to their many celebrity and street style fans for proof.
Of course, it was the trainers from Miu Miu and New Balance's collaboration that dominated cool girls' feet at the most recent Fashion Week—even though it's been more than two years since the style first launched. The fact that they are still in such high demand, and go for increasingly eye-watering prices on resale sites, is testament not only to this specific design's enduring appeal, but the continued rise of the suede trainer trend as a whole.
Meanwhile, Dries Van Noten's minimalist suede sneakers, the Miu Miu Plumes, Puma Speedcats, Larroudé Stellas and Autry Windspins have also been steadily rising the ranks of popularity—and Zara has come through with a selection of more wallet-friendly options, too.
If you tend towards a more low-key style, we'd recommend opting for suede trainers in classic beige or rich chocolate-brown. They'll pair perfectly with casual denim and add depth to head-to-toe neutrals. Or, if you're after a more statement-making style, opt for a bright red trainer with a black ensemble to add a fun pop of colour.
Whichever route you take, adding a pair of suede trainers to your daily wardrobe rotation is a sure-fire way to ensure you're bang on trend this season. Just keep them well away from rain...
Shop the Best Suede Trainers
These have been flying off shelves ever since they dropped, and we've already added to basket.
Jeffrey Campbell's suede trainers look much like the cult Proenzas, but for less than half the price (and in more colours).
We love these retro-inspired trainers in soft-brushed, camel-coloured suede. Wear with white jeans and a beige knit for a quiet luxury vibe.
We predict Miu Miu's suede Plume trainers will be the brand's next sell-out style.
A pop of red will liven up any outfit, but these minimalistic suede shoes also come in eight other shades.
Once Bottega Veneta gets on board with a trend, you know it's bound to be huge. The brand's just-dropped suede trainers have already sold out in most colourways, so you'll have to be quick.
Looking to step into the suede trend without the faff of caring for the fabric? Suede detail trainers offer the best of both worlds.
These suede trainers are the style spotted on a huge number of street stylers.
Adidas Originals bring a retro vibe to the suede trainer trend.
Bimba Y Lola has nailed the brief with these pale brown, soft suede sneakers with a streamlined silhouette.
Rihanna was recently snapped in the brown colourway of these suede Puma Speedcats.
Larroudé is fast becoming the cool girl's go-to shoe brand, and its suede Stella style comes in a variety of stylish shades.
