I've Done the Research—These Are the Trainer Styles Fashion People Are Backing This Winter

Making decisions about footwear is a constant back and forth between comfort and style, and never is the balance more in question that during the winter months. The very on-trend knee high boots with towering heels or delicate velvet ballet flats may look exceptionally good when paired with a knitted dress or wide-leg jeans, but if your day involves pounding the pavement and rushing through downpours to get to your next meeting, you may start to regret your choice of shoe. This is just one of the many reasons why I'm eternally grateful that trainers have gone from functional footwear to bonafide fashion essential.

As we all know by now, the popularity of trainers these days means the options are truly endless. On top of the original trainer legends like Nike and New Balance, high-end designers have entered the sneaker chat, with Loewe, Isabel Marant and Alexander McQueen all making cult styles. The challenge is simply knowing which silhouette is your perfect fit.

From my extensive research, I've identified a handful of key trends that our favourite fashion tastemakers appear to be embracing this winter. And the good news is, most of them are classic styles that will look particularly on trend this season, but that you're sure to love forever. From warm brown tones to retro silhouettes, there's a trainer trend to suit every fashion personality, and every one is guaranteed to elevate your winter wardrobe. Win-win.

Scroll on to see the best trainers for winter and shop the best pairs to help you nail each trend.

SEE THE BEST TRAINERS FOR WINTER, ACCORDING TO A FASHION EDITOR:

1. Suede Trainers

Style Notes: It may not be the most practical winter footwear trend, but suede keeps popping up this season, and that includes the world of trainers. Keep things sleek with suede trainers in neutral hues, or follow Claudia's example and opt for a bright pair to liven up your winter looks.

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2. Winter Whites

Style Notes: White trainers are a true wardrobe essential—a footwear workhorse that works well in all seasons. If you're still missing your perfect pair, now is the time to remedy the issue. You'll be stunned to discover how often you can rely on a trusty pair of white trainers to round out nearly every look.

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3. Athletic Styles

Style Notes: Champions of comfort will be thrilled to hear that practical athletic styles are very much in fashion this season. In fact, the chunkier the better. Look to fresh brands like ON, Saloman and Hoka for Gen Z-approved silhouettes, or opt for a more retro look courtesy of Nike.

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4. Pop of Pattern

Style Notes: Get double fashion points this season by opting for a pair of trainers in one of this season's top prints: leopard. These playful trainers are great for injecting some fun into your winter wardrobe, and will go with everything from jeans to mini skirts.

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5. Retro Silhouettes

Style Notes: Look to the Nineties and early Noughties this season with throwback sneaker silhouettes. Chunky, multi-textured and in classic, versatile colours, these are the trainers you need to create that effortlessly cool, off-duty model look.

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6. Brown Hues

Style Notes: If there's one neutral colour that's topping the fashion charts this season, it's brown. From light tan to rich chocolate, these brown tones are the perfect complement for so many winter ensembles.

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