Don't Battle Blisters—5 Summer Trainers That Are Comfortable, Chic and Can Survive 20,000 Steps

A summer outfit can really be made or broken by the footwear choice you land on to complete your look. Since breeziness is paramount when it comes to compiling a chic warm weather silhouette, I often find myself retiring my on-trend trainer collection for something a little more effortless.

Indeed, instead of lacing up my summer trainers, I’m perennially slipping into jelly sandals or elegant flip-flops as soon as the sun’s out. And if I did want to embrace a more athletic aesthetic through my ensemble, I would typically lean into a sleeker version of sportswear with track shorts, micro heels and a boho blouse à la Carrie Bradshaw.

Still, there are moments where I find myself being coaxed out of my balmy flats for something a little more structured. So, for the occasions where I want to dress down pretty tops and jeans when out at my local wine bar, or bring a softness to tailoring when wearing wool trousers or pinstripe bermuda shorts into the office, I’ll always reach for one of the best summer trainers currently on the market.

It’s true that summer isn’t typically a season we associate with stylish trainers. Blame it on the British climate, but when we’re given a rare glimpse at heat and the sun’s rays, we’re going to spend it absorbing as much vitamin D as possible but exposing the most amount of our skin. (While wearing sunscreen for UV protection, of course.) When I asked around the Who What Wear UK offices about our predilection for the best summer trainers, the resounding response was that these functional shoes were really just reserved for wearing to and from morning pilates classes, running clubs or on days where plans require you to trek from East to West.

However, I’ve noticed that both local style savants and the most fashionable celebrities alike rely on the best summer trainers to elevate even the most simple of clothes, adding an element of contrast, tension and practicality for on-the-run sophistication. As I’ve come to learn, the best summer trainers provide comfort needed for long city walks, protection against unexpected showers and the versatility to pair with everything from linen trousers to romantic dresses.

The spring/summer 2025 runways further cemented the trainer's status in the fashion hierarchy, too. Collaborations between luxury houses and athletic brands, like On X Loewe or Miu Miu X New Balance, highlight the fusion of performance and luxury. These partnerships have produced trainers that are as suitable for the gym as they are for a brunch date, and I, for one, am thoroughly impressed. These styles can, of course, be spotted on the feet of the likes of Hailey Bieber and Kaia Gerber as they head to and from the gym, but even in off-duty moments from Dakota Johnson and Jennifer Lawrence, the latest Adidas and Puma styles are proving indispensable in their summer capsule wardrobes.

Of course, the high street isn't far behind. Some of the best high-street trainers come via retailers like COS and H&M, both of which have keenly observed these trends and produced accessible versions that don't skimp on style or quality. With all this in mind, we've curated a list of the five best summer trainer styles for 2025, blending runway inspiration with real-world wearability. So, which pair will you pick?

The 5 Best Summer Trainers of 2025

1. New Balance 530 Trainers

Style Notes: These trainers are defined by chunky soles, grungy colours and an unmistakably retro vibe. Whilst they might not be to everyone's taste at first glance, there's a reason fashion editors, stylists and even the most minimalist dressers have warmed to them. If you were paying attention, you'd notice that these groups gravitate toward one style in particular: the New Balance 530 trainer. They're not only supremely comfortable, but they lend a directional twist to even the most pared-back outfit—think slouchy jeans, a vintage tee and a sharp-shouldered blazer. If you're after the best summer trainers that are as functional as they are fashion-forward, this silhouette deserves a place on your radar.

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2. Superga 2750 Cotu Classic Trainers

Style Notes: The appeal of white trainers in summer is pretty universal. They work just as well with tailored shorts as with breezy cotton dresses and are one of the few shoe styles that feel clean without looking too try-hard. Rather than anything too bulky, I find the best white trainers are more of the plimsoll variety, like the enduring Superga 2750 Cotu Classic trainers. As it turns out, Miuccia Prada and Raf Simmons also agree, with this canvas tennis shoe appearing in Prada's recent spring/summer 2026 menswear runway. These might be appropriate for Milan Fashion Week, but when you're navigating unpredictable weather, a solid white trainer can save you from a sandal-related regret. They're the kind of staple you'll see on everyone from fashion editors to commuters during heatwave journeys, and for good reason. Lightweight, versatile and endlessly re-styleable, the best summer trainers often start with a fresh white base.

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3. Adidas Taekwondo Trainers

Style Notes: When the temperature rises, ease becomes a top priority, and laceless trainers might be the most underrated warm-weather hero. Whether it's a sleek slip-on, a sporty Mary Jane hybrid or something more avant-garde, these are the shoes I find myself reaching for when the idea of bending down to retie my laces in 28-degree heat just feels like too much effort. Of this style, the Adidas Taekwondo trainers take the lead. EndorsThey're ideal for travel, walking-heavy days and even city errands where comfort is key but flip-flops won't cut it. What makes the best summer trainers isn't just rooted in style—it's practicality, breathability and how well they work with whatever's already in your wardrobe. These do all of the above, minus the fuss.

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4. Dries Van Noten Dustin Trainers

Style Notes: Retro trainers are one of the biggest trend movements currently underscoring footwear styles. Where pieces like the Puma Speedcat take cues from the Grand Prix attire of the '80s and '00s, the most subtle summer sneaker remixes motifs that would've appeared on the shoes of sprinters and long-distance stars. I'm of course referring to the Dries Van Noten Dustin sneakers. Featuring striped laces and suede touches, these arrived on the scene just as Adidas Samba fatigue was setting in. In turn, providing a much-needed antithesis to the oversaturated silhouette. Though similar in design, these quickly became viral, especially given that they were the last sports shoe designed by DVN himself. (The eponymous designer stepped down from his label after the spring/summer 2025 collection.) They quickly earned a spot in Lyst's top hottest products for that quarter, cementing itself as a timeless trainer style.

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5. Maison Margiela Sprinter Trainers

Style Notes: When multiple celebrities step out wearing the same shoe in quick succession, we pay attention. Of course, the latest summer trainer to pique our interest is the Maison Margiela Sprinter sneaker, endorsed by both Harry Styles and Jacob Elordi. The pop star wore his cream and beige version out in London, while the Australian acting wunderkind put a resort spin on the track style by wearing them in Rome, where he was holidaying between shooting his next film. Like anything from the Parisian luxury house, the Sprinters contextualise and satirically interpret design conventions typically associated with sneakers. In this case, they riff on the running spikes that appear on the bottom of 1960s trainers. They may not suit the 400-meter dash. Nevertheless, they're a bona fide head turner by any means

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