Every capsule wardrobe worth its style salt needs a box-fresh pair of cool trainers to anchor it, particularly in the warmer months when you can team them with everything from wide-leg linen trousers to floaty summer dresses.
Lately, one style has dominated the fashion world – the sell-out adidas Samba, which you’ll have seen flooding your Instagram feed, and everywhere you look, for the past few seasons.
While we remain devoted to our trusty Sambas (and definitely feel loath to part with them having spent so long trying to track down a pair in our size), we’re also in the mood for a little summer refresh…
Wondering which trending trainers to invest in this season? Well, there are some hot new contenders in town, including plenty of cool new kicks that A-listers like Jennifer Lawrence, Dua Lipa and Gigi Hadid are loving. Here’s our lowdown on the trainer trends to know now…
The key trainer trends for 2024
The street style set’s new favourite trainer seems to be the adidas Handball Spezial, which has a similar shape to the Samba.
The Black Wonder Leopard White Gum style is this season’s golden ticket, having flown out of stock everywhere at the time of writing (probably on account of leopard print everything trending right now), but there are loads of other fun and neutral colours available. Top of our wish list is the fiery orange, but we also love the pretty baby blue.
adidas Handball Spezial
adidas Handball Spezial
adidas Handball Spezial
adidas Handball Spezial
Dakota Johnson, meanwhile, has been championing the retro Nike Cortez of Forrest Gump fame, wearing hers in ‘baroque brown’ while filming her new movie Materialists in New York, styled with distressed white jeans and a tonal quilted jacket.
Ever the sneakerhead, Dakota has also been wearing the vintage Nike Daybreak trainers to death on set, initially teaming them with a romantic Doen dress, before switching to blue jeans and an oversized white shirt – proof of the shoe’s versatility.
In short, if it’s Nike, it’s cool right now, so Adidas, watch out!
Nike Cortez
Our other top pick of this summer’s trending trainers? Enter the low-top, gum-sole Puma Palermo, which our fashion editor Jodie Dunworth bought instead of Sambas a while ago.
‘I went for the black and white pair with brown rubber soles, mainly because my size of Samba was never in stock (and I couldn’t afford the Adidas x Gucci Gazelles!),’ she says.
Puma Palermo
Puma Palermo
Puma Palermo
Grammy-winning singer Dua Lipa has been leading the celebrity Puma charge, loving her Palermos so much she’s an ambassador for them (the black pair even featured in the music video for her hit single “Houdini”).
Model Emily Ratajkowski is another trend-setting Puma Palermo fan, having been seen in them multiple times this summer, and they’ve also been given the fashion influencer seal of approval, popping up all over our socials. Keep things on-trend black and white and match your outfit to your shoes, a la NYC stylist Shaniqua, below.
In terms of colour trends, fresh forest green is leading the charge right now. Try the New Balance 9060s that Jennifer Lawrence loves, paired with a pretty white summer dress or jeans. Or, go punchy in red trainers, which look great with on-trend jorts (long denim shorts!) and will add a playful edge to an all-neutral ensemble.
Trainers in general are enjoying a moment in the footwear spotlight, thanks to designer collaborations like Miu Miu x New Balance and Wales Bonner x Adidas (Jodie’s preference because of their slimmer shape, which feels smarter with her go-to wide-leg trousers). So, if you’re after a new pair of ‘it’ trainers, but aren’t sold on any of the above styles, there are lots more options to explore which will still win you fashion points.
Here are five more pairs of cool trainers Jodie loves (and she knows a ‘next big thing’ when she sees one):
Adidas SL 72 Shoes
‘The aesthetic colour combination of this adidas pair already feels like a lovingly curated outfit in itself – perfect for elevating blue jeans and a crew-neck jumper.’
Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 Vin
‘I’m a firm believer that a smart trainer doesn’t have to be boring (or white!). Wear as a flash of colour in top-to-toe monochrome – it’ll bring a sporty edge to a white summer dress or a relaxed suit.’
Loewe Flow
‘Proving trainers can feel just as special as any other shoe, Loewe’s ’70s-inspired pair are made from leather and suede and feel like a touch of luxury with the added benefit of being comfortable. This is one pair you won’t be wearing on the dog walk.’
Chloé Nama
‘Chloé’s unique style of sneaker brings a feminine feel that can persuade even the most trainer-adverse shopper. Wear with double denim or sunset shades for a romantic boho vibe.’
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star
‘Sometimes only a classic will do, so make sure there’s a pair of Converse high-top trainers in your shoe collection. Their timeless shape looks great with everything from skirts and dresses to straight-leg jeans and track pants.’
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