Trainers have always been a staple in my wardrobe, but as a millennial, I've spent years playing it safe and gravitating towards classic white trainers—the kind that go with everything and never stand out.
But lately, something's shifted. Blame it on the rise of statement dressing or the way Gen Z has completely redefined what "cool" looks like, but suddenly, trainers aren't just an afterthought—they're the main event.
Scrolling through my feed, it's impossible to ignore that trainers are taking over. The spring/summer 2025 runways only confirmed what I’ve been suspecting for months: trainers are bigger, bolder and more expressive than ever. At Miu Miu, we saw sporty silhouettes styled with ultra-feminine pieces, proving that trainers can be just as directional as a sky-high heel. Gucci leaned into nostalgia with retro-inspired kicks that felt straight out of the early 2000s, whilst Loewe showcased minimalist, sculptural trainers that blurred the line between fashion and art. There's no one-size-fits-all approach anymore, and I, for one, am fully embracing the change.
I still love a classic, but I can't deny the appeal of a chunky sole or a bold colour. And it's not just me—across generations, the way we wear trainers is evolving. Millennials like me have traditionally leaned into sleek, low-profile styles, whilst Gen Z is all about statement-making sneakers that feel fresh and playful. Even retro pairs that were everywhere in the '90s and early '00s are making a huge comeback, and Gen Z is fully embracing these cult styles, proving once again that fashion is, at its core, cyclical.
So, where does that leave us for 2025? Whether you're loyal to your minimalist trainers or looking to experiment with a trendier pair, the new crop of statement sneakers offers something for everyone.
The bottom line? Trainers are no longer just the practical choice—they're the new footwear expression. Below, I've broken down the five key styles that are making waves right now, along with the pairs that are currently topping my wish list.
5 Statement Trainer Trends for 2025
1. Designer Collabs
Style Notes: The trainer world has fully embraced the power of a luxe collaboration, and some of the most exciting drops right now are coming from high-fashion-meets-sportswear partnerships. Whether it's Cecilie Bahnsen's ultra-feminine take on Asics or Loewe's sleek reimagining of On Running's performance sneakers, these collaborations feel fresh, directional and worthy of the hype.
The beauty of these trainers is their versatility—depending on the collab, they can be worn in an ultra-minimalist way or as part of a bold, maximalist look. I love styling them with a mix of sporty and girly elements—think a vintage-style tracksuit jacket over a delicate slip dress or a pleated midi skirt with a boxy sports tee.
Shop Designer Collab Trainers:
Floral detailing meets functional design.
A perfect mix of Scandi cool and retro sportiness.
A bold running shoe with luxury appeal.
Retro meets contemporary in the best way possible with these Adidas X Wales Bonner Sambas.
2. Bold Coloured Trainers
Style Notes: Colour is back in a big way, and nowhere is that more evident than in the trainer world. Gone are the days of sticking to neutrals—this year, the brighter the better. Whether it's a bold mix of primary shades or softer pastel blends, multicolour trainers add instant personality to any look. Leaning into the playful energy of this trend, I love pairing multicolour trainers with unexpected textures and silhouettes. A ruffled miniskirt with a sporty windbreaker? Why not? This trend is all about having fun.
Shop Bold Coloured Trainers:
Comfort meets statement-making design.
I can't have a colourful trainer roundup and not feature the ever-popular Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66.
Modern, sleek and a wash of colour.
A playful, vibrant take on the classic Speedcat silhouette.
3. Retro Trainers
Style Notes: The nostalgia train isn't slowing down anytime soon, and that means retro trainers are officially back on the agenda. The resurgence of old-school classics like the Adidas Samba and Nike Cortez speaks to our collective love for all things vintage. These styles were once athletic essentials, but now they're footwear staples in their own right. If you’re leaning into the full throwback aesthetic, try wearing retro trainers with a vintage-style sports jacket and a micro mini or layering an oversized football jersey over a sheer dress. This trend is all about embracing nostalgia but making it feel modern.
Shop Retro Trainers:
A classic that works with everything.
A modern classic—sporty, sleek and endlessly versatile.
An '90s-inspired design that's stood the test of time.
A high-end take on the retro trend, these Loewe sneakers are also high on my wish list.
4. Extra-Chunky Trainers
Style Notes: Love them or hate them, chunky trainers are here to stay. The "dad shoe" trend might have started out as a niche streetwear moment, but it's now fully embedded in the fashion mainstream. This season has seen even bigger exaggerated soles and oversized proportions—it's all about making an impact. Chunky trainers work best when they're balanced out, so I like pairing mine with streamlined silhouettes like straight-leg jeans or a fitted minidress to keep the proportions in check.
Shop Chunky Trainers:
Autry is new on my radar, and it's safe to say I'll be buying my first pair soon.
A wearable take on the dad trainer.
So cool.
A perfect mix of retro and futuristic design elements.
5. Textured Suede Trainers
Style Notes: Suede trainers are making a quiet but powerful comeback, offering an alternative to the usual leather or mesh styles. The softer, more tactile finish adds depth and a slightly retro feel, making them a great choice for those who love classic silhouettes but want something a bit different. Suede trainers bring a little richness to even the simplest outfits, and I love them with slouchy knits and wide-leg trousers in the colder months or with lightweight dresses and ribbed socks when the weather warms up.
Shop Textured Suede Trainers:
The slightly unfinished composition is super on-trend right now.
The brown suede and leather mix really makes an impact whilst keeping things streamlined.
The colour of the season.
The ultimate cool sneaker, elevated by buttery suede.
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