Stylish Londoners Either Love Or Hate The New Nike Shox Z |Best Knockoff Luxury Clothing

Tori Vanbreugel is photographed outside wearing Nike Shox Z trainers in black and red with a grey jumper, burgundy skirt, patterned tights, a black bag and sunglasses.

I call the south-west side of the River Thames home so I live and breathe London style. In a quick fit check, I can spot the nuances of a different borough instantly and, generally speaking, some areas skew more classic or hipster or preppy. But one thing I’m confident that all Londoners (born, based and honorary) take very seriously is their trainer choice. Growing up, anyone who was anyone had a pair of Nike Air Force 1s to show off, but it’s been an adidas Samba supremacy in recent years, followed by a colourful wave of Puma Speedcats. Now there’s a strong new contender, the Nike Shox Z, Wholesale Replica Bag Nike Shox on the block that’s suddenly everywhere I turn.

It’s cliché to say that Londoners are always on the move but it’s true, we are, making us well-versed in optimising our footwear. Cue a slew of Nike Shox trainers that have definitely split opinion. The futuristic trainer style is defined by a technical-looking raised heel that’s crafted using impact-absorbing columns. The result? Added height and a literal spring in every step, thanks to the unique cushioning system, but not everyone is into it. Even if the disruptive design isn’t to your taste, there’s much to admire in the way Nike have embedded their innovation into every pair to maximise the wearer’s comfort.

Tori Vanbreugel is photographed sitting outside wearing Nike Shox Z trainers in black and red with a grey jumper, burgundy skirt, patterned tights, a black bag and sunglasses.

Personally, I love Nike Shox trainers, and I’m not the only one rewinding back to Lily Allen’s LDN era circa 2006 to style them. I’m seeing fellow converts, inside and outside of the fashion world, team these trainers with dresses and skirts too, alongside tracksuits and jeans, to really step up their game when working, Lime-biking, partying, going to football and more.

The Nike Shox Z is a timely evolution of the original Nike Shox trainers — I had a silver and pink pair myself — that debuted, peaked, and faded in the early-to-mid Noughties. This specific style feels retro and totally in sync with early 2026 trainer trend reports that chunky styles are on the back burner for now, although the Nike x Martine Rose Shox MR4 mules are a bold exception (also in my collection) helping to keep the hybrid sneaker trend alive. Striking surface details and colours are therefore taking centre stage and at last count, there were at least 10 different Nike Shox Z colourways; but it’s the two tone and iridescent editions, especially the black and red, that make the biggest statement.

Alexis Foreman photographs herself wearing Nike Shox R4 trainers in black with black trousers.

Black lily wears the Nike x Martine Rose Shox MR4 mules in white, grey and red with a grey jacket, red mini skirt and silver jewellery.

Even without my first-hand experience, the shift towards contemporary and vintage Nike Shox styles makes sense. They create a welcome vibe clash that 1) asserts your personality to stand out in any sneaker-obsessed city and 2) is also a genius twist on yet another burgeoning 2026 shoe trend. As the new “Z” Shox model is slimmer and more low-profile than the TL and R4 styles, these particular trainers also look like teeny tiny wedges. Unlike the other wedge sneakers currently romanticising the 2010s, the cut-out keeps them cool and not so “ugly”.

Take it from an accidental sneakerhead like me that, of all the Nike Shox styles currently capturing hearts and wallets, the “Z” is the one to go for. While all of their cost-per-wear ratios can go off the charts, the Nike Shox Z’s silhouette and colour combinations seem the least try-hard, trumping the others. Scroll on to see and shop my edit of Nike’s Shox Z trainers (I’m still deciding on my favourite).