Not Sambas, Not Stan Smiths—These 8 Designer Trainers Are Set to Go Viral in 2026
Summer is finally here, but if you're looking for a shoe that's a little more substantial than a strappy sandal, 2026 is a very exciting year for sneakerheads.
Okay, I'll admit it: until recently, I didn't own many pairs of trainers. For years, one pair of white Converse was enough to throw on with my casual jeans outfits, but it was one special pair (the Stan Smiths from the very first drop of the Adidas X Gucci collab, to be precise) that changed my entire outlook. No longer the reserve of gym and airport 'fits, I began to see statement trainers as their own moment. Logos! Colours! Prints! Detailing! Just as my many pairs of heels could work for any outfit, so could the right pair of designer trainers.
Don't get me wrong: this isn't a ploy to get you to pay through the nose for something that would normally be half the price, but I think there is some merit in the attention to detail designer trainers have. Sure, some of fashion’s most hyped styles over the past few years have gone back to basics; take the Adidas Samba, for example, but when it comes to the pairs that get the fashion crowd excited, we're looking for a little more. There's a reason your feed is suddenly full of Vibram Five Fingers and Isabel Marant Becketts, after all...
On the hunt for a trainer that would be comfortable, versatile and fashion-forward, I started looking through designer collaborations and luxury launches to see which styles would tick every box. From Gucci to Miu Miu, Maison Margiela to Loewe, it's clear that designer trainers are bigger than ever, and brands are keen to deliver styles that can replace your everyday Nikes, not just gather dust in their box.
Video: @rayan.xasan
Wondering which designer trainers are coming out on top for 2026? Whether you prefer slimline silhouettes, gorpcore toggles and zips, athletic runners or pretty sneakerinas, there's something in this list for you. And now, as the temperature rises with a sunny summer ahead, you can expect to see these trainers paired with everything from jorts to romantic dressers instead of solely relying on sandals. Ready to dive in? Keep scrolling to see and shop the coolest designer It trainers on the market this summer.
1. MM6 X Salomon
Style Notes: If you missed out on Maison Margiela's Tabi-toed trainer collab with Reebok a few years ago, don't fear. Diffusion line MM6 has teamed up with sought-after brand Salomon on a trekky, sporty hybrid that has already been doing the rounds on Instagram. If you love classic Salomons, there's a lot to like about these, and they'll fare just as well on a hike as they do on the high street.
Shop Salomon X MM6:
This vibrant chartreuse will look so fresh with neutrals and brights.
Logomaniacs, eat your heart out.
All-black always feels slick.
2. Loewe X On CloudTilt Hi
Style Notes: Another popular return after a smash-hit run, Loewe has again teamed up with activewear brand On for another iteration of the Cloudtilt, this time in a high-top style. Performance trainers don't get more stylish than this, and even though you're more likely to spot these in the gym than styled with a cute summer dress, the Loewe logo still elevates them to "fashion insider" status.
Shop Loewe X On CloudTilt:
Perfect with black leggings.
Top of my list as my next gym trainer.
Such a nice summer colourway.
3. Jil Sander X Puma K-Street Sneaker
Style Notes: The Jil Sander X Puma collab dropped earlier this year to a very, very warm reception amongst trainer fans and the fashion crowd alike. The brand's signatures are all present: pared-back minimalism, sleek silhouettes and premium quality, but it's also fun to see Simone Bellotti's interpretation of casual cool take the form of this undeniably chic sneaker.
Shop Jil Sander X Puma K-Street Sneaker:
These are every minimalist fashion person's dream.
Khaki is having a moment in summer 2026.
How to do pops of colour in a luxe way.
4. Dior Couer Trainer
Style Notes: You may not have noticed Dior's Cœur trainer creep into the new-in section, as it didn't get a spotlight release, but I have a feeling this pretty pair is going to do very well on the street-style circuit come fashion month. Delicate, refined and in a springy floral print, this is the kind of trainer that will go perfectly with full skirts and floaty dresses when you're ready to retire your flip-flops.
Shop Dior Couer Trainer:
One for the romantics.
5. Nike X Jacquemus Moon Shoe
Style Notes: After the first drop sold out almost immediately (and you can only find it now on the resell market for at least three times the RRP), the second drop of the Jacquemus X Nike Moon Shoe came with a chunky wait list. Those fortunate enough to get their hands on a pair of these retro runners were amongst the first to sport the form-fitting silhouette that is now all over the high street, too. There are a few precious sizes left in stock, but I have a feeling they're not going to stick around for long.
Shop Nike X Jacquemus Moon Shoe:
Such a delicious neopolitan shade.
A new classic, if you ask me.
So good with dark-blue denim.
6. Dolce & Gabbana X Diadora
Style Notes: Now to a designer collab so new, you can only pre-order: Dolce & Gabbana X Diadora. Diadora has been making a name for itself recently, with its JW Anderson trainer collab only landing a few months ago but predictably clearing the shelves. Its latest project is with Dolce & Gabbana on a fierce run of leopard-print kicks and football cleats designed to cause a stir.
Shop Dolce & Gabbana X Diadora:
I wouldn't be surprised to see these on a Kar-Jenner soon.
Where fashion and football collide.
Leopard-print trainers are officially sticking around for another year.
7. Cecilie Bahsen X ASICS
Style Notes: It's a big year to be a Cecilie Bahnsen fan. After impressive collabs with Uniqlo and The North Face, her second team-up with Asics is on a Gel-Quantum 360 trainer: an ultra-feminine take on the brand's most popular silhouette. After seeing them on the runway and on Copenhagen's best-dressed, I'm convinced that the best way to wear these is with a big Cecilie Bahnsen skirt and red socks for a fun high/low mix.
Shop Cecilie Bahnsen X Asics Gel-Quantum 360:
Such a cute shade of pink.
Black trainers with go with every pair of socks imaginable, but you could also wear them on their own.
8. Miu Miu X New Balance 530 SL
Style Notes: The Miu Miu X New Balance collab was one of the biggest sneaker drops of recent years, and although the shoe that launched a thousand copies was harder to catch than gold dust, a quiet launch of some online exclusives meant another opportunity to get your hands on a pair in Periwinkle Blue, Hazelnut and Sage Green. Not in your size? You may have more luck with the Sézane drop.
Shop Miu Miu X New Balance 530 SL:
Brown suede is always going to be popular.
Is it me, or do green trainers suddenly make a lot of sense?
Trainers the same colour as denim will go with everything that your blue jeans do.
