Not Asics, Not Salomon—5 Adidas Trainer Styles Gen Z Is Wearing Instead
You can never go wrong with a pair of Adidas trainers. Scroll for the five styles Gen Z is wearing now.
As one of Who What Wear UK’s resident Gen Z fashion editors, I’m always quick to note when a new shoe trend begins to emerge amongst the fashion set. So far this year, it's been a particularly mixed bag. With so many aesthetics and "cores" floating the social media-fuelled zeitgeist (think 2000s athlesiure or 2016 as the real 2026), the start of the year suggested anything but a trainer takeover. From the return of the thong heel to an influx of heeled ballerinas, the silhouettes spotlighted feel softer, and we thought a dainty approach to footwear was set to prevail this year. Yet a mid-week scroll through the feeds of my favourite fashion people under 29 painted a different story. Trainers aren't dead to Gen Z, and one sneaker brand proves just that: Adidas.
For so long, it was the Samba. Loved for its clean lines and versatility, it arrived as a breath of fresh air in an era dominated by large, chunky silhouettes. Since then, Gen Z has been Adidas-obsessed. From the retro-runner-shaped SL72 (a best-seller that comes celebrity-approved by Bella Hadid and Emily Ratajkowski) to the Campus and the Samba 2.0 (revived thanks to collaborations with musician Bad Bunny and Hermès menswear creative director Grace Wales Bonner), each style has become like gold dust in its own right amongst trainer enthusiasts everywhere.
Fast forward to spring 2026, and a variety of newer Adidas styles are shaping Gen Z's footwear rotation. Be it the sleek yet sporty Tokyo or the under-the-radar Taekwondo, each is buzzing amongst the Gen Z style set ahead of summer. Read on to shop the five Adidas trainers they’re choosing right now.
The Five Adidas Trainers Gen Z Adore Right Now
1. Taekwondo
Style Notes: A shoe rooted in martial arts, the Adidas Taekwondo lives up to every part of its name. Defined by a low-profile, laceless design, these slip-on-and-go trainers have a nostalgic 2000s-street-style essence (which could be why It girls like Iris Law, Jennifer Lawrence and Dakota Johnson adore them). Available in the classic shape and the sneakerina Mai design, we've seen them styled with everything from capri leggings to track pants and loose trousers.
Shop Adidas Taekwondo Trainers:
White with black detailing is so versatile.
If you're a sneakerina girl, you won't want to miss out on the viral Taekwondo Mai.
From the recent Stella McCartney collab.
2. Handball Spezial Loafers
Style Notes: Hybrid trainers are officially a thing, and the Handball Spezial Loafers are Adidas’s latest rendition of the trend. Part loafer, part trainer, they carry all the familiarity of a tried-and-true loafer, but reworked with the cushioned gum sole and signature three-stripe design of the ever-popular Spezial. With an IYKYK feel, whether paired with a maxi skirt or longline denim shorts, these trainers are for polished dressers who want to blend comfort and style.
Shop Handball Spezial Loafers:
The brown suede makes this pair.
This black pair is selling out fast.
Looking for a new way to wear leopard print? These might be perfect.
3. Superstar II
Style Notes: Having been discarded as "dated" for a while, Adidas Originals Superstar II are back in style once again in 2026. A ‘90s classic on its way back, these trainers' shell toe and serrated stripes make them instantly distinguishable. Whilst they’re not a far cry from the pairs we owned 15 years ago, the energy feels completely renewed. It's another style that's benefited from fashion-name collabs, from Molly Mae-Hague's latte colourway to the muted toes of the Sporty & Rich collab, the Superstar II is so back.
Shop Adidas Originals Superstar II Trainers:
The original will never steer you wrong.
This silver colourway has been all over my social feeds lately.
The revival is makes me wish I'd kept my pair from school.
4. Tokyo
Style Notes: The Tokyo is one of Adidas's most in-demand styles. A simple yet quietly cool design, the signature cross-back adds dimension, setting it apart from classic silhouettes. Available in both the classic design and a Mary Jane version with an elasticated strap across the foot, these trainers have an It-girl edge and look particularly good with a two-piece matching set.
Shop Adidas Tokyo Trainers:
Available in 19 colourways!
I love this warm chocolate-brown pair in grained leather.
These would look polished with cigarette jeans and a floaty blouse.
5. Samba
Style Notes: Despite some declaring them "dated", Gen Z is still turning to the OG Samba. With a narrow silhouette and streamlined design free from bells and whistles, the Samba has solidified itself as a footwear staple. They're versatile enough to pair with everything from skirts to leggings and jogging bottoms, and their comfort goes unmatched.
Shop Adidas OG Samba Trainers:
Clean and classic.
FarFetch has almost all the coveted Wales Bonner styles right now.
The cow-print is so cute.
