Trainers are a style mainstay whatever the season, but summer is when they truly steal the spotlight. Think about it: we all spend more time outdoors, whether walking in the park or perusing farmers markets, and such activities call for practical footwear. While certain sandals (think worn-in leather with a cushioned footbed) also fit the bill, sneakers are the go-to choice for cool girls and comfort seekers alike.
We've been scouring the streets of London to suss out which specific trainers are currently dominating the style scene. In addition to the brands and models you would expect (looking at you, Sambas), we've spotted some surprise trends in the mix. From colourful kicks to lift your summer outfits to retro silhouettes that come celebrity-approved, these particular sneakers might not be on your radar yet—but they should be.
Keep scrolling for five summer trainer trends to slot into your rotation, and shop your favourites below.
SUMMER TRAINER TRENDS:
1. Tenniscore
Style Notes: The release of Challengers and Zendaya's tennis-tinged red carpet looks have triggered a fresh aesthetic you can sport on and off the court. Before going full Serena Williams, dip your toe into the trend with a preppy tennis trainer that looks just as good with jeans as a pleated skort and visor.
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2. Shades of Green
Style Notes: By now, we're all acquainted with the red shoe trend, but there's a new player in the game: green sneakers, in every shade. From khaki to sage to emerald—it doesn't matter where on the spectrum you land—these kicks will show you're in the know.
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3. All-Over Animal
Style Notes: Take a walk on the wild side in a pair of animal-adorned sneakers. Leopard is unsurprisingly the frontrunner of this trend, which we'll be using to elevate otherwise-simple outfits.
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4. Anything Nike
Style Notes: We've all pledged our continuous love to Adidas, but celebrities like Dakota Johnson are backing another household athleisure name, Nike. We're enjoying this month's Cortez craze, but the iconic Air Force 1 is another strong choice.
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5. Back-to-Basics Sambas
Style Notes: I'm willing to bet that every trainer-related story published in 2024 contains the word ‘Samba’. Vibrant versions of the sell-out model have stolen the spotlight lately, but the fashion pack are starting to return to simple black-and-white colourways.
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