Trainers Are Always Trending, But These Specific 11 Brands Are the Ones to Shop in 2026
If you buy a pair of trainers in 2026, choose one of these trending brands, from Puma to Isabel Marant. See our picks of the best styles from each of these cool trainer brands below.
If I’m honest, I own far too many pairs of shoes. Sumptuous suede loafers sit beside scuffed biker boots; delicate flats line up neatly next to sensible, seen-it-all-trainers. It sounds excessive, but when it comes down to it, choosing what to put on your feet is actually a pretty big deal, especially when you want your outfit to look as good as your feet are comfortable.
And more often than not, I’ve found that it's a pair of on-trend trainers that answers both calls without hesitation. Comfortable, functional and crucially—stylish—trainers have far transcended their purely practical roots, but not all trainer brands are created equal. With Salomon's gorpcore styles flocking the street-style scene, to retro, slimline designs from Nike x Jacquemus and Miu Miu x New Balance, some are far more in demand than others. So when we talk about investing in trainers that say "I'm in the know", you might want to know which brands to turn to first.
And with this, I offer you a helping hand. Having sifted through the ever-changing trainer landscape, I’ve uncovered the 11 brands everyone will be wearing in 2026. So, whether you’re partial to an edgy sneakerina or a chunky "dad" trainer, I’ve got you covered. Scroll down to discover the 11 trending trainer brands of 2026.
1. Adidas
Style Notes: Let's start nice and easy, shall we? When you think of top trainer brands, Adidas is one of the biggest out there. From the minimalist-favourite Samba to slightly more fashion-forward shapes like the SL 72 and the Tokyo, Adidas sits miles ahead of the competition when it comes to on-trend, crowd-pleasing trainers. And the best part? The collaborations. Teaming up with some of fashion's coolest brands (Wales Bonner, anyone?) over the years, its trainers consistently balance a streetwear vibe with wearability.
Shop Adidas Trainers:
2. Puma
Style Notes: We loved the Palermo, admired the Speedcat, and might have been slightly too afraid to try the ballet sneaker, but Puma has always been in the mix when it comes to trending trainers. With a high-performance motorsport mood running throughout, Puma styles have been the go-to choice of some of fashion's most stylish dressers for a while now. From Dua Lipa to Emily Ratajkowski and Jennifer Lawrence, they're also celeb-approved.
Shop Puma Trainers:
Wedge trainers are back, love them or hate them.
3. Nike
Style Notes: With many Nike styles having a major revival recently, it would be remiss not to include the brand in this roundup. Jordan 1 took the streetwear game by storm a few years back, but in 2026, it's the retro styles that are popular now. With Gwenyth Paltrow and Dakota Johnson both picking up the "dated" Cortez, it's clear Nike is where chic dressers turn when in need of a trending trainer hit.
Shop Nike Trainers:
4. On
Style Notes: Designed as the new generation of running shoes, On trainers have really taken off since the brand launched in 2010. The patented "cloud technology" (the unique holes running through the soles) creates a unique point of difference beloved by those who crave a functional shoe with a stylish twist. A staple in Jennifer Lopez’s everyday rotation, you’re in great company with these.
Shop On Trainers:
5. New Balance
Style Notes: By no means a new trainer brand (it was founded in 1906, after all), New Balance continues to dominate the trainer space, with its covetable styles consistently selling out. After reviving iconic retro silhouettes like the 530 and the 327, the brand has successfully cemented itself as comfortable and cool. And, in 2026, you’d be hard-pressed to find a fashion editor without at least one of these super-comfortable styles in their rotation.
Shop New Balance Trainers:
6. Dries Van Noten
Style Notes: Dries Van Noten trainers perfectly encapsulate everything the luxury fashion brand stands for. Playful, slightly avant-garde and undoubtedly chic, these minimal, low-profile trainers have become unexpected cult buys.
Shop Dries Van Noten Trainers:
These would go with everything in a classic capsule wardrobe.
7. Miu Miu
Style Notes: The crème de la crème of high-end sneakers, Miu Miu gets trainers right every time. Narrow, low-profile and retro in shape, every style becomes a cult favourite, and I’ve been desperately wanting to add them to my own wardrobe for some time. With an IYKYK polish, the coveted New Balance collaboration is consistently seen on the feet of the sleekest dressers around.
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These would pair well with a white tee and stovepipe jeans.
8. Isabel Marant
Style Notes: With fashion leaning into a playfully nostalgic mood this season, this list would be incomplete without a truly special addition: Isabel Marant. Known for the Beckett (a part-trainer-part-wedge-heel hybrid), this revived icon has become Gen Z’s latest fixation. Edgy, divisive and undeniably (or deniably, depending on where you land) cool, fashion’s most creative are picking this statement sneaker to add an unexpected twist to their looks.
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9. Salomon
Style Notes: A direct rejection of the slightly beige, clean-girl era of recent years, gorpcore-coded Salomon trainers are as comfy as they are cool. Finding firm fans in It girls from East London to L.A., these functional hiking trainers work with leggings and summer dressers alike.
Shop Salomon Trainers:
Brown trainers have never been more popular than right now.
10. Asics
Style Notes: 2026’s answer to the chunky trainer? It has to be Asics. Blending comfort, support and statement style, Asics marathon-running styles have stepped firmly into everyday-wear territory. So whether you’re a Pilates princess or an actual runner, the brand has you covered.
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11. Veja
Style Notes: Classic, consciously crafted and French, Veja quickly became one of the most popular non-sports-related trainer brands in the UK. With a royal seal of approval (Catherine, Princess of Wales and Meghan Markle are fans), the pared-back styles have become modern classics. With a commitment to sustainable manufacturing, they're a solid choice for the eco-conscious amongst us. Plus, with on-trend colourways and modern shapes in the mix, there are fresh options for 2026.
Shop Veja Trainers:

Imani-Nia Francis-Tsolaki is Junior Fashion Editor at Who What Wear UK, where she expertly navigates Gen-Z-aligned editorial content and brand try-ons to unearth the most worthwhile pieces, while valiantly resisting the urge to add every single one to her basket.
At Who What Wear, Imani is committed to uncovering cool new brands to share with the WWW UK readership, and finding gems that make shopping accessible (and fun) for everyone.