You Asked Our Fashion Editor For The Top Sneaker Trends Of 2026
Welcome back to Ask An Editor – our monthly series where we hand the reins over to you to quiz The Handbook team via Instagram Stories. Here, our Contributing Fashion & Lifestyle Editor, Astrid Carter, took on your most burning style queries hitting our DMs, from seasonal shoe trends to investment pieces. Below, she reveals her answers to the one topic you all wanted to know about…
The question
Thoughts on the new trainer trends for 2026?
Our Fashion Editor’s answer
I’m always reluctant to cheerlead just one trainer trend each season, because it comes down to so many variables. What’s your go-to style? Are you a lover of bold, punchy colour, or is minimalism more your thing? Then there is the question of what your day-to-day wardrobe looks like – the proportions, shapes, and pieces you’re actually styling them with.
The good news is that sneakers aren’t going anywhere. In fact, there is a bounty to choose from this season – from the nostalgia-heavy return of a 2010s hero to the refined, slim aesthetic that feels pulled together and polished. Here are the trainers I predict will get the most airtime this year. Pick your player.
Astrid, Contributing Fashion & Lifestyle Editor
Minimalist trainers
Think zero-to-minimal logos, a streamlined silhouette, and a strictly pared-back colour palette. For investments, think the buttery suedes and refined lines of The Row, Loewe, and Isabel Marant, but M&S and Stories have some more budget-friendly dupes. I love this style with something a bit more polished – think tailored trousers and a chunky knit – one for the minimalist girlies.
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Metallic trainers
Metallic trainers were definitely bubbling up last year, but expect to see them truly take over in 2026. This isn’t just about silver, either – we’re seeing a shift toward warmer tones like Adidas’ retro gold pair, or Onitsuka Tiger’s cult Meico 66 style in a fun powder pink. Pair them with baggy denim right now, then transition them into warmer weather by styling them with luminous white maxi skirts or cute sheer minis come spring.
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Brown suede trainers
Again, these were big hits on Insta in 2025, with brands like Nokwol and the highly coveted collab between Miu Miu and New Balance. For 2026, we’ll see plenty more iterations in every brown suede imaginable, from tan to camel and chocolate. Bonus points for multi-laces in colour-pop colours.
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High-top wedge trainers
This unexpected revival is very much giving peak 2010s – the return of Isabel Marant’s iconic Bekett high-tops. Whether you owned a pair the first time around or you’re currently borrowing them from your mum, there is no doubt that this divisive sneaker will be all over Instagram once again. While they aren’t strictly my own style, I do think they look cool when paired with heavy layers and a pared-back aesthetic. Think slouchy jogging bottoms, an oversized wool coat, and a knitted balaclava for a cosy-cool, street-style edge.
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Dark chunky trainers
Fans of the chunky, “dadcore” sneaker will be pleased to hear they are still everywhere this year. I’d veer away from the classic white and grey aesthetic and look to cooler, moodier colourways like chocolate brown with a hint of purple, khaki and pistachio, or navy and charcoal hues. As always, brands that marry tech and style are leading the way – think New Balance, Ascics and Salomon.
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Hybrid trainers
I bought a pair of the very much ‘marmite’ sneakerinas last summer and was thrilled with how versatile they turned out to be. Not quite a trainer, but not quite a ballet pump, they are both dainty and sporty all at once, pairing brilliantly with everything from dresses and jorts to baggy denim. Continuing this trend for 2026 is the sneaker-mule hybrid, whose unique proportions and cut-outs will do very much the same job for your wardrobe.
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Boxing sneakers
I had a pair of Puma boxing boots when I was 18, so this second coming is very much making me feel my age. I hasten to add that I will not be revisiting the trend myself, but there’s no doubt it can look very cool on the right person. Having said that, I do think there’s something tempting about the buttery soft Miu Miu (despite the outrageous price tag) and Axel Arigato styles. It’s a great choice if you love a sporty aesthetic, baggy cargo pants, or just want to try something entirely new.
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My fave? The pop of red sneaker
Finally, and my personal favourite, red is a huge trend this season – or rather, just a pop of it. It’s everywhere right now, from interiors to accessories. I bought a pair of the Adidas Japan sneakers last summer and have worn them to death. From inky denim to grey tailoring and everything in-between, they add a bit of personality to so many looks. They definitely play into that retro, ’70s-inspired silhouette, so if you love that vintage aesthetic, this might be the trainer trend for you.
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The products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, The Handbook may make a small commission on some products purchased through affiliate links.
