Personally, I don’t like talking about dated fashion trends. Because what’s considered stylish and fashionable is wildly subjective.
For instance, the funnel-neck jackets I love might feel a touch criminal to you, but I couldn’t imagine a chicer jacket for winter 2025. It’s for this reason that I wholeheartedly support the idea of a personal capsule wardrobe. When curated well, it will fit your personality, and more importantly, personal style, which means the only person who can truly decipher what’s “in” and “out” is you.
The same goes for dated trainer trends in winter 2025—whilst the Adidas Samba, for example, continues to reign supreme as a popular sneaker choice, with so many fresher silhouettes being released in 2025, I’m personally yearning for an alternative.
At times it feels like popular trainer styles come in waves, it was only a few years ago that chunky trainers adorned with monograms were the go-to, think the chunky Gucci Ryhton or the ever-popular Balenciaga Triple S. Although there’s a maximalist timelessness to these trainers (and we wouldn’t ever advise you don’t wear them), the sleeker and more pared-back styles seen at Miu Miu and Dries van Noten are becoming cult favourites amongst fashion people, paving the way for a more low-key styles to gain popularity which are logoless and have a slimmer, elongated frame.
Noticing the shift in the trainer-sphere, a mere few weeks ago, I tried on hundreds of autumn trainers beloved by you and Who What Wear UK editors alike, and it seems we’re all on the same wavelength with the colours, silhouettes and brands we all seem to be gravitating towards. However, for further clarification, I reached out to my fellow editors, and even though we can be an indecisive bunch, there are five trainer trends we’re unanimously hitting the pause button on for now, and others we’re buying into instead. Scroll to discover them.
5 Dated Trainer Trends and the Ones We’re Loving Instead
1. Skipping: Chunky Trainers
Style Notes: For winter 2025, shopping editor Florrie Alexander is “setting my high-top trainers aside in favour of a 2025 favourite—the low-profile trainer.” With a capsule wardrobe filled with relaxed denim and smart denim, she’s using their retro edge and streamlined look to complement her staples more.”
Shop Retro Trainers:
COS
Minimal Leather Trainers
These COS trainers have been selling out fast!
Dries Van Noten
Leather-Trimmed Suede Sneakers
M&S Collection
Lace Up Side Detail Runner Trainers
It’s hard to believe that these are from the high street. The quality is second to none.
Hush
Slimline Retro Trainers
The contrast colouring and gum sole makes these so expensive-looking.
& Other Stories
Suede-Detail Trainers
The quilting adds a unique point of difference to other trainers.
2. Skipping: Neutral Trainers
Style Notes: Now, neutral trainers have always been a classic choice, but in winter 2025, we’re no longer playing it safe and are instead choosing bright colours. Adding visual interest, senior shopping editor Marina Avraam, who’s “always kept her trainers fairly minimalist”, is all about letting them be the moment this year. She tells me, “My most-worn pair so far this year has been my yellow Onitsukas” for their versatility and ability to add, as she puts it, “polish and pizzazz to the simplest outfit.”
Shop Brightly Coloured Trainers:
Loewe
Ballet Runner 2.0 Unlined
I’d pair these with a leather bomber and jeans for a low-key weekend look.
Adidas
SL 72 OG Suede and Leather Sneakers
I love the contrast of the green and yellow on this pair.
Adidas
Handball Spezial Shoes
Navy trainers are surprisingly versatile come winter.
3. Skipping: Laceless Trainers
Style Notes: Now, I know what you’re thinking, “Dad” trainers? My mind, like yours, was instantly brought back to the once-popular Balenciaga Triple S trainers, which now feels like a fever dream. But editorial assistant Brittany Davy is turning to “cooler” dad trainers, which will make her staples feel a little more elevated and edgier. From the Salomon Gore Tex to the Reebok Club-C, there are so many chic styles to choose from.
Shop Dad Trainers:
SALOMON
Xt-6 Rubber-Trimmed Sneakers
The Salomon XT-6 is a slightly lesser-known trainer silhouette, yet its particularly sporty edge and transitional ability make it one of my top choices this winter.
ASICS x KITH
Gel-Kayano 12.1 Mesh and Metallic Rubber Sneakers
Any Kith collaboration has my name all over it.
Simple yet effective, and endlessly comfortable.
M&S Collection
Leather Side Detail Trainers
The thick, cushioned sole will mean you can walk miles in these and not feel a pinch.
ZARA
Colour Block Trainers
The burgundy accents make these trainers feel even more elevated.
4. Skipping: Metallic Trainers
Style Notes: You heard it here first: animal-print trainers are set to be the next big footwear trend of 2025. We’ve seen the rise of tactile cow-print leather bags, and who could forget the ever-popular Damson Madder leopard-print jeans, which soared in popularity last year?
But in winter 2025, it’s trainers grabbing our attention. Take it from SEO writer Ava Gilchrist, who is “leaving my metallic shades for my party heels and leaning into the sultry animal prints that are currently making the rounds.” Her top picks? “The Dries Van Noten snakeskin pair is currently a top runner, but there’s also a jewel-toned-blue-and-beige pair from Wales Bonner that’s piquing my interest.”
Shop Animal-Print Trainers:
ZARA
Animal Print Trainers
Think how chic these will look with navy, cream and black clothing.
Dries Van Noten
Snake-Effect Leather Sneakers
I’m a big fan of anything Sézane.
These would look undeniably cool with a pair of jeans and a cashmere jumper.
Puma
Speedcat Ballet Flats in Leopard Print
Animal print in a sneakerina silhouette? I can’t lie, I’m obsessed.
5. Skipping: Chunky Trainers
(Image credit: @rebeccaferrazwyatt)
Style Notes: As a previous sneakerina hater, over the past few months, I’ve been significantly humbled by the excellence of this trendy shape. Part ballet flat, part trainer, it adds a fun kind of polish to jeans and makes tailored trousers feel more casual. Personally, I’m swapping classic flat trainers like Sambas for this cool silhouette.
Shop Sneakerinas:
ADIDAS ORIGINALS
Taekwondo Mei Ballet Leather Sneakers
These have been all over my feeds lately.
The silver is a nice touch.
Miu Miu
Gymnasium Ballet Flats
This Miu Miu hybrid has been flying.
Vivaia
Round-Toe Satin Sneakerina
The satin finish oozes elegance.
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