5 Trainer Trends We’re Seeing Less and Less of in 2024

Whilst there has always been a place for trainers in my shoe collection, I have to admit, I've never been that into them from a style perspective. While I've always understood the allure—comfort being one of the main benefits of such footwear—I'd just never found a pair that really spoke to my aesthetic. I'm something of a classicist, so the trainers I did reach for were always canvas Supergas—timeless trainers that never go out of style and don't command any sort of attention.

That was until the trainer market became what it is today, as I type this, in 2024. My interest in them began to pique around the time New Balance 550s came on the scene a couple of years ago, the success of which on social media and its infiltration into the wardrobes of chic dressers I follow sparked something in me. Was it finally time for me to embrace trainers?

Since then we've had New Balance 327s and 330s, Asics Nimbus trainers, and, of course, Adidas Sambas (which have become as hard to get your hands on as gold dust) rise above the rest to become stylish trainer icons, their appearance also commanding what the rest of the trainer space looks like. Because of this, some trainers feel more on-trend, whilst others—trainer trends that we're once everywhere—we're seeing much, much less of. Interested in this shift, I asked our sneaker-loving editors which pairs they felt had had their day in the sun and which trainer styles they think feel most relevant for 2024 given the current climate. See what they said below.

The Trainers Our Editors Are Into This Year (and the Ones They're Not So Into)

Pausing: Block Pastel

Wearing: Black with White Accents

"For a time, pastel-coloured trainers were a big deal—I bought a pair myself as an easy way to add some subtle colour into my outfits. While I do still wear them and will never say that they're 'out' in terms of style, I have definitely done a 360 with my latest investment. Influenced by Instagram and TikTok, I snapped up an all-black pair of trainers (save for three white stripes) and, honestly, they look so chic," says Florrie Alexander, acting affiliates editor.

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Pausing: Neon Brights

Wearing: Complementary Tri-Colour

"Neon is commonplace on trainers as these colours feel inherently sporty in their own right. Lately, however, I've found myself looking towards more retro-looking, multicolour options. After seeing Monikh Dale's rare, tri-colour New Balance kicks I've been on the hunt for a lookalike pair of my own. Now, the market is full of them, which can't be a coincidence," says Remy Farrell, fashion editor.

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Pausing: Wedge Sole

Wearing: High-Tops

"Is it just me or are wedge-sole trainers just not a thing anymore? Not that I'm complaining—personally I was never really that into them anyway. However, I have noticed that, instead of adding weight at the bottom, fashion people are once again embracing high-top kicks. Converse never feel outdated but they definitely seem to be enjoying a peak in popularity right now," says Maxine Eggenberger, deputy editor.

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Pausing: Futuristic

Wearing: Retro

"We're seeing so many retro, sporty-style trainers right now, it's made even me—someone who has never really worn trainers beyond the gym—want a pair. What I'm not seeing so much of lately is super-futuristic designs," says Hannah Almassi, editor-in-chief.

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Pausing: Gold

Wearing: Silver Details

"In terms of metallics, we've seen silver enjoy a renaissance across the fashion board, and trainers aren't exempt. In place of gold hues that dominated the market for a time, now, it's all about flashes of reflective silver, which are mainly found on white and grey sneakers," says Rebecca Rhys-Evans, branded content editor.

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