`

The 5 Biggest Trainer Trends For 2023

The styles that will blow up next year.

Last Updated on September 18, 2023

Still guessing what could be the biggest trainer trends for 2023? You’ve come to the right place. There was once a time when trainers were a trend themselves, but amid the rise of Balenciaga Triple S’ and Yeezy’s, they’ve become their own category in their own right. While not everyone’s going to love them, sneakerheads are known for their canny ability to track down particular styles and subsequently collect shoeboxes like stamps.

I’m not personally at that stage yet, but I’ve learned to love their ability to look effortlessly cool while keeping you comfortable too. It’s evident that certain styles have emerged as the “it” sneakers of 2023. These trainers aren’t just worn in the gym – although sporty trainers certainly have their place. Right now, they’re appearing on the runway and on the feet of supermodels and celebrities. Without further ado, here are the freshest kicks in 2023.

Next, get some outfit inspo with 7 Ways to Wear Jeans With Sneakers.

Wear Next may receive a small commission if you click a link from one of our articles onto a retail website and make a purchase.

Retro sneakers

Kendall Jenner, Hailey Bieber, Kaia Gerber and Bella Hadid have all been photographed wearing Adidas’ Samba sneakers, fast-tracking the resurgence of the 70s-inspired kicks. The stars have teamed theirs with everything from cycling shorts to floaty dresses, proving these are one of the most versatile pairs you can buy.

SAMBA OG SHOES adidas

Samba Og Shoes, £90, Adidas – buy now

Handball Spezial Shoes from Adidas

Handball Spezial Shoes, £85, Adidas – buy now

Superstar Penstar distressed leather from Golden Goose

Superstar Penstar distressed leather, £410, Golden Goose – buy now

Gazelle Shoes, £85, Adidas – buy now

Keep it clean

If you don’t know where to start, the answer is box-fresh white styles. Chic and versatile, the pared-down sneakers will go with pretty much anything and unlike other styles, won’t date. Fashion heavy-hitters including Chloé and Saint Laurent are backing the sleek style, but you can find affordable pairs from more accessible brands including Superga and adidas.

Superga cotton-canvas sneakers, £310, ALAÏA  – buy now

Esplar rubber-trimmed leather sneakers from Veja

Esplar rubber-trimmed leather sneakers, £120, Veja – buy now

550 mesh-trimmed leather sneakers from New Balance

550 mesh-trimmed leather sneakers, £130, New Balance- buy now

Tournament leather sneakers, £330, Common Projects – buy now

Andy logo-print leather sneakers, £555, Saint Laurent – buy now

High tops

Another trend making a comeback in recent years is the high top, thanks in part to stars like Bella Hadid being pictured in them, as well as the comeback of ’80s fashion. Converse’s high tops are one of the most Googled styles, while Hadid opted for adidas’ classic pair.

FORUM MID SHOES adidas

Forum Mid Shoes, £90, adidas – buy now

Rick Owens Chuck 70 canvas high-top platform sneakers, £170, Converse – buy now

Nike Blazer Mid '77

Blazer Mid ’77, £99.95, Nike – buy now

Running shoes

I couldn’t write this report and not mention the huge trend of running trainers, and in particular, Aasics’ gel sneakers. Searches for the brand’s Gel Nimbus trainers are up an incredible 2,150% over the past 12 months, while they’re fast becoming the style I see most on Instagram, whether on the Scandi style set or celebrities.

Ub5-S Gel-Nimbus 9 metallic faux leather-trimmed mesh sneakers

Ub5-S Gel-Nimbus 9 metallic faux leather-trimmed mesh sneakers, £145.83, Aasics – buy now

Trail-Running Shoes from Nike

Trail-Running Shoes, £144.95, Nike – buy now

Speed Eco Waterproof from Merrell

Speed Eco Waterproof, £125, Merrell – buy now

Juniper Trail 2 Next Nature, £82.95, Nike – buy now

Ironman Mach X, £160, Hoka – buy now

Take a hike

Love them or hate them, since Emily Ratajkowski and Hailey Bieber have been pictured wearing Salomon’s on multiple occasions, hiking sneakers are blowing up. While they’ve been on the menswear agenda for years, they’re finally reaching women’s fashion at an alarming rate. Stylist report that searches for Solomon’s best-selling XT-6 trainers are up by 250% over the past year alone.

TLDR: if you buy one pair in 2023, make it these.

X Ultra 4, £130, Salomon – buy now

Pureboost 23 Shoes from adidas tariner

Pureboost 23 Shoes, £120, adidas – buy now

Anacapa 2 Low Gore-Tex, £140, Hoka – buy now

Cross Hike 2 Gore-Tex, £155, Solomon – buy now

 Moab 3 Gore-Tex, £140, Merrell – buy now