As a lazy dresser, if I can't immediately see how a new trend fits into my wardrobe, I usually write it off. That’s why I tend to ignore most trainer trends—I might love them on someone else, but since I already struggle to find trainers that suit me, I stick to what I know. However, if a style has Parisian approval, I might just give it a second look.
Looking to the French is a fail-safe way to gauge what’s actually cool and likely to last, especially when we're bombarded with dozens of new trends every season. Speaking generally (and at the risk of stereotyping), the French seem to have a knack for identifying what’s timeless and worth investing in, picking and choosing trends with enviable precision. So when I noticed five trainer trends getting the French-girl stamp of approval, I had to dig a little deeper.
Certain models from specific brands are clear favourites among the French style set—from a cult Japanese label to a luxury fashion house leading summer's sneaker game. For these top picks and more covetable kicks, keep scrolling to shop your favourites.
The French Trainer Trends to Take Note of For 2025:
1. Miu Miu Trainers
Style Notes: Miu Miu might be Italian, but it's been wholeheartedly adopted by France's style-savvy population. They're certainly not the only ones—the Plume and Gymnasium models, in particular, are a global fashion phenomenon.
Shop the Trend:
These will go with every outfit and make it instantly more stylish.
An everyday shoe you'll never tire of.
Navy feels très Parisienne.
2. Brown Suede Trainers
Style Notes: Brown trainers and Parisian style are a natural match. This versatile, neutral hue always exudes sophistication and complements the effortless, understated looks synonymous with French fashion.
Shop the Trend:
Now this is a trainer I can get behind.
Alohas has released so many desirable sneakers recently.
Quick—these ones always sell out fast.
3. Gorpcore Trainers
Style Notes: Gorpcore might seem like an unexpected choice for Parisians, who are widely viewed as beacons of elegance and timeless style. Yet their effortless cool and finger-on-the-pulse attitude is exactly what this tech-inspired trainer trend embodies.
Shop the Trend:
Beautifully ugly.
A slightly more wearable option, if you're just dipping your toe in the gorpcore trend.
Love them or hate them, you've never seen anything like them.
4. Onitsuka Tiger Trainers
Style Notes: Onitsuka Tiger might be the ‘it’ sneaker brand of 2025, but the French fashion crowd has figured out how to make these Japanese kicks feel enduringly chic.
Shop the Trend:
Comfy and versatile, these are worth every penny.
This yellow version has already done the rounds on Instagram.
Mexico 66 is the most popular model, for good reason.
5. Retro Trainers
Style Notes: It’s no surprise that trainers leaning toward the classic end of the spectrum are a French favourite. Retro models—lightly updated over the decades—are a common sight on the streets of Paris.
Shop the Trend:
Just a hint of burgundy for good measure.
These will remain wearable all year round.
This colourway adds to the retro feel.
-
Get With the Program: The 6 Summer Denim Trends We're All Wearing Instead of Baggy JeansThe summer's hottest batch yet.
-
Bermuda Shorts, Bloomers, and Cutoffs, Begone—Expert Dressers Only Care About These Elegant Shorts*The* shorts of the summer.
-
I'm Manifesting Chic Summer Outfits—25 Affordable and Stylish Walmart Deals That Fit the BillJust about everything is under $25.
-
5 Shoe Color Trends All the Cool French Girls Are Wearing This SummerNo black shoes in sight.
-
Set Aside the Strapless Minidress—This Is the Trend to Choose If You Want to Look ElegantFrench Riviera approved.
-
Parisian Style Means Chic—French Women Would Be So Into These 42 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale ItemsEffortless and elegant picks.
-
Low-Rise, Lacy, and a Little Bit Delulu: Welcome to the Gen Z Pop Girlie SummerPut your headphones (and miniskirts) on.
-
The Summer 2025 It-Girl Wardrobe: 7 Highly Specific Items They're All WearingAka the season's most wanted.
