I’ve been thinking about trainer trends recently—not because they’re something I reach for every day, but precisely because they’re not. When I do wear them, I want them to feel just right, which has made me more aware of the styles I’m naturally gravitating towards and the ones I’m not as excited to put on anymore. It’s not that any particular pair has suddenly lost all appeal—personal style doesn’t work like that—but it’s interesting to notice how certain trends (particularly shoe trends) start to feel less relevant to different people over time.
With that in mind, I asked my colleagues which trainers they’re feeling less drawn to for spring/summer 2025. This isn’t about declaring anything “out” (if you love them, I will always support you in wearing them), but rather a reflection on how our tastes evolve. Nor does it mean that they’ll be purging them from their capsule wardrobes either—it’s more that they wouldn’t consider investing in them afresh for one reason or another.
Unsurprisingly, the responses were mixed—what feels “dated” or less appealing to one person might still be a favourite for someone else, and that’s part of what keeps fashion interesting. So, if you’re curious to know which trainer trends our editors are pausing on this year—and, just as importantly, the styles they’re excited to embrace instead—you’ll find their honest thoughts below.
6 Trainer Trends Our Editors Won’t Be Investing in in 2025
Pausing: White Trainers
Wearing: Bright Trainers
“Don’t get me wrong, white trainers will always be a classic wardrobe staple and I still wear mine all the time, but, in my opinion, adding a pop of colour with your trainers (or even experimenting with a tonal brown if you’re a neutrals loyalist) feels much fresher for spring/summer 2025. A bright trainer can instantly make a plain T-shirt and jeans outfit look special.” — Emily Dawes, Senior Shopping Editor
Shop the Trend
NIKE
Cortez Vintage Leather-Trimmed Brushed-Suede Sneakers
ADIDAS ORIGINALS
Japan Suede-Trimmed Leather Sneakers
Pausing: Platform Trainers
Wearing: Streamlined Trainers
“From Sambas to Speedcats, it’s clear that slim silhouettes have taken over from their platform counterparts when it comes to in-the-know trainers. The more streamlined shape not only has a retro feel that feels very 2025, but also has an ease of styling that suits all pairings from leggings to wide-leg trousers to flowing skirts.” — Florrie Alexander, Shopping Editor
Shop the Trend
Adidas
Taekwondo Trainers
JW PEI
Ferne Streamlined Lustrous Sneakers – Silver
Pausing: Silver Trainers
Wearing: Animal Print Trainers
“Silver trainers were big news last year, with searches rising to 300% on Google. However, I think animal print will be even more popular in 2025. It’s a trainer that’s fun enough to add interest to your outfits but the neutral tones make them feel a lot less ‘out there’ than metallic styles. I’ve already got my eye on Adidas’s leopard SL 72s (which are finally back in stock!) but expect to see other chic iterations such as cow print and even snakeskin.” — Brittany Davy, Editorial Assistant
Shop the Trend
ADIDAS ORIGINALS
SL 72 Og Leather-Trimmed Leopard-Print Calf Hair Sneakers
M&S Collection
Leather Leopard Print Trainers
Pausing: Neon Trainers
Wearing: Brown Suede Trainers
“I’ve never been a trainer person, but this year’s influx of very sleek-looking suede pairs (particularly in elegant brown tones) have swayed me to finally invest in a new pair. Thanks to their versatile hue and expensive connotations (I can thank the suede upper for that), they work better with my dresses, skirts and tailored trousers than I could have imagined. For me, neon flashes feel very dated by comparison to these smart sneakers.” — Hannah Almassi, Editor in Chief
Shop the Trend
PROENZA SCHOULER
Track Paneled Suede Sneakers
AUTRY
Reelwind Low Suede and Shell Sneakers
Pausing: Wedge Trainers
Wearing: Gum Sole Trainers
“I’m not saying I thought these trainers were ‘in’ prior to now, but there’s just something about wedge trainers that will always feel dated to me. Probably because I was there when they first started trending back in the Noughts. Preferring to keep my kicks on the simpler side, a gum sole is enough for me.” — Remy Farrell, Fashion Editor
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MAISON MARGIELA
Replica Leather and Suede Sneakers
ADIDAS ORIGINALS
Samba Lt Nubuck and Suede-Trimmed Leather Sneakers
Converse
Run Star Trainer
Pausing: Crystal-Adorned Trainers
Wearing: Retro Sporty Trainers
“There’s a time and a place for sparkle, but featuring on trainers just isn’t one of them (in my opinion at least). Metallic finishes, yes, but full-on encrusted crystals definitely feel a decade or so past their expiration date. Instead, I’m into the retro, sportier trainers on the market this season; pairs with sweeping go faster stripes or strategically-placed perforations or stitching that makes them look as if they’d fit right at home in an ’80s gym class.” — Maxine Eggenberger, Deputy Editor
Shop the Trend
Miu Miu
Gymnasium Technical Fabric and Suede Sneakers
ZARA
Padded Running Trainers
TOTEME
The Sport Leather-Trimmed Suede and Twill Sneakers
