Sorry, Sambas—This Is the Exact Trainer People in New York, Copenhagen and Paris Are Wearing Now

As a fashion editor, I’ve developed a knack for predicting which trainer trends are set to take off.
Whilst there are some obvious indicators—a celebrity fan is always a strong clue—there are also more subtle signs. One of my favourites tells? When I see the same item emerging across multiple style capitals. Recently, I’ve spotted a new trainer doing just that.
Appearing everywhere from New York to Copenhagen to Paris, Adidas's Taekwondo trainers are showing all the tell-tale signs of the next It trainer. Offering something undeniably fresh, these sneakers feature a silhouette not too dissimilar to the brand's once sought-after Samba trainers. This may be a shape fashion enthusiasts are already well acquainted with, but the Taekwondo serves up an even sleeker look set on a slim sole with a laceless design.
They might feel new for spring/summer 2025, but like so many of this year’s soon-to-be popular trainer styles, the Taekwondo draws inspiration from the brand’s archives. First introduced in the '80s, the original design was crafted with function in mind, featuring laces covered with a leather flap for neatness and to meet the demands of the Taekwondo martial art.
Fast forward to 2025, and these archival designs are being embraced by modern wardrobes, though the laces are all but gone on many styles. Tapping into the sports-inspired trainer trend that's been steadily gaining momentum, Adidas’s Taekwondo trainers are now leading that charge. Pairing effortlessly with relaxed shorts and track pants, these kicks are also equally at home styled with more elevated staples such as dark-wash jeans and slip dresses.
Whilst the Taekwondo has become famous for its lace-free design, the line does offer a few styles that feature laces, if you're not quite ready to ditch them entirely. Sleek, versatile and chic, Adidas’s Taekwondo trainers just might be 2025's answer to Sambas.
Read on to discover and shop the Adidas Taekwondo trainer trend and see our other favourite Adidas trainers below.
SHOP ADIDAS TAEKWONDO TRAINERS:
Style with sporty shorts or pair with straight-leg jeans.
This cow print is so cute.
SHOP MORE ADIDAS TRAINERS:
This light-beige colourway is perfect for daily styling.
Style with jeans or pair with casual track pants.
These are growing on me.
The mustard colour is enough to sell ,e on these trainers.
Natalie Munro is Who What Wear UK’s news writer and has worked in the fashion industry since she graduated with a degree in Journalism from the University of the Arts London. Natalie’s experience in the industry spans journalistic and styling roles that have seen her work for publications including British Vogue, Conde Nast Traveller, Vogue Ukraine, AnOther Magazine and Elle UK.
With an interest in uncovering the latest fashion trends, Natalie takes a leading role in identifying news for Who What Wear UK. Reporting on a daily basis, Natalie focuses on trends on and off the runway, as well as street style and celebrity fashion. Natalie also creates content for Who What Wear’s social channels including TikTok and Instagram on a weekly basis.
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