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.
-
I Know Parisians Would Love These 29 Stylish Nordstrom Fall Sale Items (FYI, They're Going to Sell Out)Elevated staples to shop on sale before Black Friday.
-
I Was a VIP Nordstrom Stylist, and I Just Got Back From France—I Wore These 7 Items to Look Chic in ParisParisian-inspired looks.
-
Looking Parisian in Paris Is Only Doable If You Own These 12 Fall Wardrobe EssentialsBuy them; look French. It's as simple as that.
-
I Know I'm Going to See This Specific Parisian Outfit All Over NYC and L.A. This FallExpect to see everyone wearing some variation of this easy, cool look.
-
6 Fashion Pieces I Regret Letting Go (and What I Learned)The pieces I should have kept and why they still haunt me.
-
This Is the NYC Way to Wear the Anti-Trend Jeans Color French Women Are Obsessed WithAs seen on NYC It girl Irina Shayk.
-
Yes, Ballet Flats Look Good With Skirts, But They Look Even Better as Part of This Parisian-Approved ComboVery '90s.
-
No One Wears Jeans Like Chic Parisians Do—7 Effortless Outfits I'm Copying From the French This FallGet inspired.
