It can’t just be me that’s over summer and very ready for autumn? I mean, after what’s felt like a never-ending heatwave that’s forced me to live in just my plain black linen trousers and sandals, I, for one, cannot wait for the chance to be a little more experimental with my outfits. My first port of call? Getting my heavier denim out, of course, and recently, I’ve noticed one particular jeans style being paired with a cool trainer trend that I cannot wait to try out. And if you know anything about my own personal style, then it will come as no surprise that I was inspired to try out this chic formula by the stylish over-50s.

Spotted earlier this month at the US Open tennis championship, Nicole Kidman wore a pair of cropped jeans with white-and-black trainers, finishing off the look with a smart button-down shirt and suede bag to dress this combo up. This outfit formula has inspired both my off-duty and office wardrobe for the upcoming autumn season. It’s easy to throw on, comfortable and not to mention exceptionally easy to dress up or down, depending on your top and accessories choices. But the best part? This cool combo can be worn in any denim wash and trainer colour of your liking. Me personally? I’ll be taking a cue from Nicole Kidman and styling my classic blue cropped jeans with two-tone trainers for casual days out with friends, but switch these up for a darker denim wash and plain black minimal trainers for the office. The styling possibilities are truly endless.

So if you too are ready to pack away your summer separates to make room for something just a little more autumn-appropriate, keep scrolling to shop the best cropped jeans and white and black trainers to get Nicole’s look at home. Happy shopping!

Shop Cropped Jeans and Two-Tone Trainers

September is a busy time of year for almost all of us, as summer holidays begin to feel like distant memories and the daily grind of work, school and commitments finds its rhythm. For one of the world's most in-demand models, though, September is a whirlwind like no other. As summer bleeds into Fashion Month, Bella Hadid is suddenly sweeping between cities for a flurry of fashion-week-adjacent events. Naturally, staying comfortable whilst navigating the chaos is of the utmost importance, which is why I wasn't surprised to see Bella swap her usual slingbacks and loafers for a comfortable pair of trainers. What did surprise me, however, was that she skipped the ubiquitous Nikes and Adidas in favour of an under-the-radar pair from a brand I'm sure many people won't have heard of yet.

Sidestepping the big names, Bella stepped out in a pair of dark chocolate-brown and black trainers from Vivaia. Wearing the Square-Toe Jogger Sneakerinas (£147), she styled them with knee-grazing black socks, an LBD, a single-breasted jacket and a baseball cap for a chic, off-duty look.

For a relatively new label competing with behemoths like Nike and Adidas, Vivaia's adoption by Bella—alongside celebrities including Kelly Rutherford and Anne Hathaway—is particularly notable. Whilst the established sportswear giants tend to give their trainers a distinctly sporty edge, many of Vivaia's pairs blur the line between trainers and ballet flats, with delicate silhouettes, subtle satin finishes and, in some styles, ribbons in place of traditional laces.

Essentially, they're a comfortable alternative to ballet flats that feel more polished than your average trainer. If you're tempted, read on to shop the exact trainers Bella was spotted in, as well as discover my edit of the best Vivaia trainers to shop now.

Shop Bella's Trainers:

Shop Vivaia Trainers:

Sneakers are a wardrobe staple no matter what stage of life you're in. Even the sneakers women wear during any given season are often the same. What can differ is how women of different age groups style them. While women in their 20s love wearing sneakers with dresses and skirts, I often spot women age 50 and up wearing them with two other popular items: leather bomber jackets and relaxed jeans. Naomi Watts is just the latest example.

While arriving in Spain for the San Sebastian International Film Festival last week, Watts was photographed wearing a black leather bomber jacket slung over one shoulder, relaxed-fitting bootcut jeans, and Adidas Samba Sneakers, completing the look with a light-blue sweater, silk Hermès scarf, and slouchy Chanel Flap Bag. As you'll see, it's an elegant, low-key way to style sneakers that would work no matter what age group you fall into and what type of sneakers you prefer. Keep scrolling to see the chic outfit on Watts for yourself and shop the three key pieces—sneakers included, of course.

The Sneaker Outfit on Naomi Watts

On Naomi Watts: Hermès scarf; Chanel bag; Adidas Samba OG Sneakers ($100)

Shop Leather Bomber Jackets

Shop Bootcut Jeans

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It isn't easy for me to admit this as a shoe connoisseur, but until recently I only owned one pair of trainers. Granted, that pair of trainers was a Loewe X On Cloudtilt, but unless you saw me in the gym, you'd be far more likely to spot me in a kitten heel or knee-high boot. Flash forward a couple of years, and I now have a small (but well-curated) collection of trainers that serve different purposes, and far from being the finishing touch to an outfit, they’re often the starting point.

From slimline sneakers to bold designer collabs, each pair tells a different story, and if you too have been charmed by the humble trainer, this year’s new releases are giving our wardrobes plenty to get excited about. The latest drops from the likes of Adidas, Nike and Salomon continue to prove that the sneaker landscape is more varied than ever, but it's the buzzy, designer collabs, limited-edition runs and upcoming exclusives that have my full attention right now. So, whether you have a penchant for retro runners or are ready to embrace something a little more directional, I’ve rounded up the best 2026 releases for the latter half of the year. Scroll for the edit.

1. Celine X Reebok

Style Notes: After months of "freaky footwear", these might have been the one shoe that we didn't see coming, but the Celine X Reebok collaboration is set to make a strong case for the trainer’s place in a polished wardrobe. Bringing together Celine’s pared-back Parisian aesthetic with Reebok’s retro sportswear heritage, these slouchy kicks put a fashion-forward spin on an everyday classic. Sleek, understated and effortlessly wearable, they have just enough nostalgic athletic appeal to stop them looking like your run-of-the-mill white trainers. If you’ve been looking for the pair that will quietly elevate your everyday outfits, this could well be it (if you move quickly enough to get your hands on a pair, that is).

Shop the Celine Freestyle Lo:

2. Gohar X Asics Gel-Ds Trainer

Style Notes: New York design duo Gohar (better known for their quirky tableware, textiles and jewellery) have reworked the Asics GEL-DS trainer, blending its mid-2000s track-and-field DNA with the delicate proportions of a ballet flat. Naturally, they added a distinctly Gohar twist, this time in the form of stainless-steel piercings, contrast laces and an eclectic scattering of pearl charms, resulting in a part-ballet-shoe, part-technical-trainer that looks unlike anything else on the market right now. It’s the sort of fashion-meets-function pairing that feels perfectly timed for the low-profile trainer resurgence, and proves that sporty doesn’t have to mean straightforward in Gohar's world.

Shop the Gohar X Asics Gel-Ds Trainer:

3. New Balance 204L

Style Notes: Looking for the perfect transitional trainer? New Balance’s 204L has "summer to autumn" written all over it. This Size? exclusive takes the brand's low-slung silhouette in a playful direction by swapping the usual technical mesh for green and seersucker gingham (summer, anyone?), and pairing it with tactile brown suede (that's your dose of autumn). Already a favourite on the influencer circuit, this grounded yet cute trainer is surprisingly easy to style, whether paired with relaxed denim, cargo trousers or a floaty dress, making it a strong contender for anyone looking to update their usual go-to trainer.

Shop the New Balance 204L in Brown and Gingham:

4. Cecilie Bahsen Blaise Sneaker

Style Notes: Although they haven't landed quite yet (you'll have to wait until 25 September), Cecilie Bahnsen has followed up on what was a hugely popular Asics collab with her own standalone sneaker, the Blaise—a Browns exclusive. This slim-lined, metallic-hued style comes in both pink and blue, but it's the charming details that make them truly Cecilie. Beads! Flowers! If you spent your summer in Bahnsen-coded sports jackets, puffball dresses and sandals, you're going to love this closed-toe shoe for the colder months too.

5. Isabel Marant Bekett Ring Trainers

Style Notes: Millennials everywhere will remember the impact that Isabel Marant's Bekett trainers had on fashion when they first dropped in 2010. Singlehandedly reinventing the shape and structure of what we considered to even be a "sneaker", this hybrid style spawned 1000 copies, but only the OG has stood the test of time. Relaunched in 2022 and updated again for 2026, the Bekett Ring sports a nostalgic keychain charm and luxurious new colourways, so for those who didn't desperately want a pair the first time around (I'm looking at you, Gen Z), now is your opportunity.

Shop the Isabel Marant Bekett Ring Sneaker:

6. ASAP X Puma Straycat

Style Notes: When he isn't busy fronting campaigns, on the Met Gala steps, headlining shows and being Rihanna's husband, of course, A$AP Rocky is known to turn his hand to design. Taking inspiration from a 2005 PUMA trail silhouette, Rocky has given the archival design a modern makeover, combining rugged, distressed details with motorsport-inspired touches for a unisex trail-shoe-racing-trainer hybrid. Just when you thought you'd seen every gorp-core trainer possible, this statement shape, double laces and a bold colourway make the Straycat feel like the kind of "ugly" trainer that the fashion crowd love for elevating even the simplest jeans-and-T-shirt outfit. Speedcat, who?

Shop the ASAP X Puma Straycat:

7. Miu Miu Bubble Sneakers

Style Notes: Not a fan of slimline trainers or sporty styles? Miu Miu's Bubble sneakers are the playful answer to 2026's gorpcore new wave. Revived from the brand’s early-2000s archives, the distinctive silhouette is defined by its sculptural, bobble-like sole, but it's the crystal embellishments that take this shoe from "mountaineering" to Miu Miu. Available in pared-back technical iterations as well as the sparkling pairs, this is balance between practical and peculiar that Miuccia has become known for. Wear with layered tees and a midi skirt or your favourite jeans for an instantly fashion-forward update to everyday dressing.

Shop the Miu Miu Bubble Sneaker:

A little over a year ago, I was lucky enough to join two brands I've long admired—Nike and Kallmeyer—on a trip to Indianapolis for WNBA All-Star Weekend, where the latter hosted one of its signature Café Kallmeyer soirées to celebrate women's sports, and did so with the support of a giant of the sports world, one that's consistently supported women, whether that's their athletes or a little girl on a field or court somewhere. Together, they created a haven amidst the chaos of the WNBA's biggest weekend (during the league's biggest, most popular year to date), spurring conversations and bringing people together from both sports and fashion to connect.

"As you know, our relationship with Nike has been a very organic one," Danielle Kallmeyer, the founder of Kallmeyer, explains as she juggles both this launch and the upcoming debut of her spring/summer 2027 collection. "I was introduced to women's basketball several years ago, and not only fell in love with the game, but fell in love with the community that surrounds it," she says. "The way that a diverse community really rallies around supporting women, women of excellence, gender equality, pay equality—all the themes that mean so much to us." As a result of entering this fandom, Kallmeyer was able to meet and become friends with both athletes and creatives in the sports ecosystem, taking her from a mere spectator and appreciator of the game into something bigger. Eventually, a relationship with Nike was born.

But Café Kallmeyer in Indianapolis was just the beginning. Today, their impactful partnership entered its sophomore year, and this time, it's all about tennis.

On Tuesday, the morning of the Women's Singles Quarterfinals, Kallmeyer and Nike dropped a reimagined take on an iconic Nike Centre silhouette, adding a look of understated elegance and sophistication to the style through Kallmeyer's distinct perspective. "Through Kallmeyer's lens, the Nike Centre is transformed into an understated lifestyle expression, elevated through tonal neutrals, rich textures, and thoughtfully considered details," a press release from the brands states. The idea was to design something that felt as multidimensional as tennis has become—a sport that lives at the intersection of sports, culture, and fashion. "The collaboration reflects how today's athletes and creatives move seamlessly between sport, fashion, and culture," the release continues.

Like the first collection, this second go stems from Kallmeyer's experience as a fan. "I was fortunate enough to be at Amanda [Anisimova]'s match at the last US Open, which was part of my early obsession with tennis and the [tournament], she explains. "She's such an incredible fighter and an amazing player, and is so entertaining to watch." A year later, the designer tapped Anisimova, as well as Salon 94's Jeanne Greenberg, to star in her second campaign with Nike. "It was such an exciting honor to be able to shoot her, especially with an icon like Collier Schorr, and then to have someone who I've admired from the art world, Jeanne Greenberg, be part of this campaign as well, really tells this full-circle story of how fashion and culture inform sports, and how sports inform fashion and culture," Kallmeyer says.

The timing of the launch is perfect, too. "I also love tennis, particularly the US Open, because it really does feel like the end of summer overlaps with [New York] Fashion Week, which really feels like the beginning of fall," Kallmeyer says. "It feels like this amazing convergence of seasons at such an exciting time." And who knows, perhaps we'll see a pair of the new Nike Centre x Kallmeyer sneakers on the runway at the show next week. At the least, I'd be willing to bet that a few pairs will be spotted on the streets of New York outside of shows.

Nike Centre x Kallmeyer will retail for $160 on September 8 at Nike, Kallmeyer, SNKRS, Shopbop, Net-A-Porter, and FWRD.

Kallmeyer x Nike Tennis Centre Sneakers

A good pair of shoes rarely disappears overnight, so worry not, white sneakers aren’t going anywhere. They're too easy, too versatile, and too much of a closet staple to write off. But every so often it's worth pausing on the default buy to make room for something else, and there are a few shoe trends I’m eyeing for this season that sound way more exciting.

That doesn't mean retiring the styles you already own, keep wearing them. This is more about where to spend your next shoe budget: my ideas include nostalgic low tops, Bottega Veneta inspired netting, once-loved comebacks, and a few other pairs that deserve a spot in the rotation too. Ahead, six trends worth knowing before your next sneaker purchase is another basic white one out of habit.

Retro Low Tops

Lately, the slimmest sneaker in your closet is suddenly the one that looks current again. Low-profile retro runners are quietly replacing every chunky sneaker in sight. Here’s a style you’ll never bore of.

Feminine Touch

I never thought a sneaker could look like it came from a lingerie drawer or a ballerinas closet. Fall's pretty pairs use actual lace fabric, bows, and everything that reads feminine energy. The ideal upgrade to your favorite sneaker silhouette.

Worn In

Do your favorite sneakers actually look better after a few years of real wear? Fall's worn-in styles are built to look like they already have a story. They pair especially well with anything a little too crisp, since they take the edge off a polished outfit instantly.

Netting

Shockingly, mesh and gym style sneakers are starting to look more luxe than leather styles thanks to the work of Bottega Veneta. Their netted sneaker style has kick started many other brands bringing out mesh and see-through fishnet panels for an ‘80s comeback.

Unexpected Color Combination

Since when did clashing colors start looking like the whole point? Fall's boldest sneakers are pairing textures and colors that shouldn't work together, think leopard print next to bright green or suede against nylon, and somehow it does.

Nostalgic Style

The sneakers that got you through middle school...yeah they're back, and they look better now than they did then. Classic Vans, retro Converse, even OG Adidas styles are having a real moment this fall.

With a new season upon us, there's a lot of discussion about what the top fall trends of 2026 will be. However, it shouldn't be lost on us that sometimes the chicest looks are the ones made up of elevated wardrobe basics. Case in point: Lily Allen's jeans-and-white-sneakers outfit.

Last week, Allen was photographed strolling through NYC wearing ultra-wide-leg jeans with a cropped quarter-sleeve top, a leopard-print bag, and white sneakers.

In theory, crisp white sneakers can be paired with any denim style; however, if you want the shoes to look as modern and fresh as possible, consider skipping more structured or restrictive cuts like skinny jeans. Instead, opt for Allen's street-style-approved ultra-wide-leg jeans. This pairing works because the loose drape of wide-leg denim flows effortlessly over the sneakers, creating a laid-back ensemble.

Keep scrolling to see Allen's look and shop the best ultra-wide-leg-jeans and white sneakers for the season ahead.

As Seen on Lily Allen

On Lily Allen: Prada Aimèe Bag ($4000)

Shop Ultra-Wide-Leg Jeans and White Sneakers:

There's no denying the polish a great pair of heels can bring to an outfit, but they're far from the only way to make a look feel elevated. This season's flats, sneakers, and sandals are proof that comfort and sophistication can absolutely coexist. From sleek closed-toe silhouettes to minimalist sneakers and refined sandals, the right pair can make even the simplest outfit look considered.

With Labor Day weekend approaching, Nordstrom's sale section is especially worth browsing. A number of chic, heel-free shoe styles are currently marked down for the holiday, making it the perfect excuse to fill any gaps in your late-summer and early-fall wardrobe. The best options feel timeless enough to wear well beyond the season while still tapping into the silhouettes fashion people are gravitating toward right now.

Whether heels simply aren't your thing or you're looking for shoes you can comfortably wear all day, the Nordstrom Labor Day sale has plenty of elevated alternatives. Think streamlined flats, cool sneakers, and polished sandals that deliver the same outfit-finishing effect without the extra height. Ahead, shop the sale-worthy pairs that prove you don't need heels to make an outfit look expensive.

Closed-Toe Flats

Sneakers

Sandals

Leggings are meant to be an easy, modern closet staple, but even seasoned dressers often struggle to style them in ways that keep them feeling fresh. The good news is that celebrities in their 20s and 50s are wearing an affordable accessory to elevate legging-and-sneaker outfits—scrunchie socks, also known as slouchy socks. Case in point: Jennifer Lopez's recent ensemble.

This week, J.Lo was spotted in L.A. leaving a workout. For the occasion, she wore a black boatneck tee with high-waisted black leggings and chunky white sneakers. To make her simple legging-and-sneaker outfit feel directional, she added slouchy white socks.

You might consider this sock style dated because it was popular in the 2010s and early 2020s, but it's actually always been in. Beyond J.Lo, who wears slouchy socks frequently with her activewear, Bella Hadid is a fan. She's proven their versatility and agelessness, styling them with everything from black leggings and Salomon sneakers to a midi skirt and Nike sneakers and even a sporty jacket, shorts, and Ugg boots.

If you're eager to take inspiration from J.Lo and Hadid, read on to discover the best scrunchie socks.

Shop Slouchy Socks

Gen Z Says is a bimonthly column chronicling the latest trends in the fashion-and-beauty space through the lens of Who What Wear's own Gen Z editors. Expect a download on the upcoming class of tastemakers, emerging designers, and shopping and style choices straight from the generation setting the trends.

For the last few seasons, sneaker trends have been operating under a "more is more" mentality. Retro runners got brighter, soles got slimmer, and suede became the unofficial fabric of the fashion set—preferably in some hyperspecific shade of burgundy, chocolate brown, or butter yellow. But lately, I've noticed under-30 fashion people going in the complete opposite direction. Their sneakers aren't getting more niche and complicated. In fact, they're getting decidedly more plain.

Enter humble canvas sneakers.

Canvas Sneakers on the Runway

Canvas Sneakers on a Gen Z Celebrity

Think classic Converse Chuck Taylors, Keds, Vans Old Skools, and the uncomplicated lace-up sneakers you probably wore into the ground at some point between middle school and your first year of college. They're simple, slightly nostalgic, and—after years of sneakers that practically require a trend report to understand—refreshingly easy. The appeal feels less like discovering something new and more like remembering something we'd forgotten was good in the first place.

Of course, Gen Z's current infatuation with all things 2010s certainly helps. Canvas sneakers have that perfectly unfussy, pre-Instagram quality to them: a little indie sleaze, a little Tumblr-era Alexa Chung, and a little "I just threw these on" energy. But the way they're being styled now feels decidedly 2026. Instead of skinny jeans and a band tee, I'm seeing them paired with lace-trim skirts, loose trousers, basketball shorts, baggy denim, and polished fall layers. Even the most basic black-and-white pair looks intentional.

Canvas Sneakers on the Style Set

Maybe that's exactly why the trend feels so right for fall. After seasons of chasing increasingly specific It sneakers, there's something genuinely cool about going back to basics. No rare colorway, complicated silhouette, or four-figure price tag required—just a pair of sneakers that looks better the more you actually wear them.

Sometimes, the boring option ends up being the coolest one in the room.

Below, shop the best Gen Z–approved canvas sneakers ahead of fall.

Shop the Trend

Sneakers are a staple in our year-round wardrobes, and whether you choose one of this season's satin styles, Mary-Jane silhouettes, or cool color trends, the casual footwear is guaranteed to add a cool (not to mention comfy) factor to your outfit. From season to season, fashion people allow their sneakers to really shine with the items they choose to style with them. And this season, we've been seeing the fashion set wearing their cool kicks with six specific items that immediately scream cool girl.

From satin skirts to sporty shorts, if you're curious to see what pieces to style with your sneakers for an of-the-moment look, then keep scrolling. Chances are if you're wearing one of these items I've listed below with your sneakers, you're already in the know.

Sporty Shorts

From track to surfer styles, sporty shorts—particularly pairs with fashion-forward details such as retro stripes, satin fabrics, and bold colors—are one of the coolest items to style with your sneakers while the temps are still pleasant.

Baby-Doll Dresses

The fashion set is loving the juxtaposition of pretty and playful baby-doll dresses paired with retro sporty sneakers. As they say, opposites attract.

Olive Green Pants

Casual and versatile olive green pants have been everywhere this season, predominantly in effortless cargo and poplin styles. And they prove to be the perfect pair to style with your retro sneakers—a chic duo that fashion people are wearing on repeat.

Relaxed Jeans

Whether you go for a relaxed straight-leg or loose wide-leg, the effortless denim silhouette always works so well with sneakers, no matter the style—chunky, slim, and everything in between.

Bermuda Shorts

Give your city Bermuda shorts a cool touch and style them with a pair of trend-forward sneakers. You can add an oversize sweater once the temps start to cool.

Satin Skirts

Satin styles are everywhere right now—from shorts to pants and skirts—and the fabric is here to stay for fall. Give your satin skirt a casual touch for daytime wear and style it with a pair of cool slim-soled sneakers.

I have a bit of a shoe problem. Some people like bags. For others, it's jewelry. I've always found shoes to be my greatest weakness—a category I'll always invest in, even when my bank account insists I resist the urge. Because of this, err, affliction, I pay extra close attention when new shoe styles come out, and this fall, there's an almost painful number of It shoes to shop, with tempting options by Chanel, Prada, The Row, and more all currently calling my name. Where are the noise-canceling headphones when I need them?

Sometimes, sharing my findings helps to ease the pull to shop, which is why I decided to spill the beans about the most talked-about fall shoes within fashion circles. Herbert Levine's aquamarine-colored satin mules? Everyone wants a pair. Tory Burch's beaded kitten heels? If you haven't bought yours yet, good luck. Saint Laurent's hunter-green knee-high boots? I'm drooling. Suffice to say, there's no shortage of It shoes to add to your collection (and mine) this fall. I'd know; I've already tried most (if not all) of them on at least once.

Start shopping for your favorite styles below.

Shop Fall's It Shoes

Hold the sneakerinas. In my opinion, leggings look their chicest when styled more classically. Take this recent Jennifer Lopez look: keeping her foundation sleek with the perfect pair of form-fitting leggings, Jennifer crafted a poised outfit that she complemented with a classic pair of white chunky trainers. Rather than giving in to fleeting trends, the enduring silhouette kept things uncomplicated and chic and, in my opinion, makes the loungewear staple feel its most elevated.

As opposed to the slimline trainers that have dominated for so many seasons, these chunkier styles add a sculptural element that helps to lift the leg and elongate the frame, which always works so well with a lean pair of leggings. Meanwhile, they add just enough elevation to make the styling feel more intentional, not to mention offering the comfortable fit that makes trainers such an easy everyday choice.

Always inspired by a JLo look, read on to shop the leggings and white chunky trainers I'm recommending below.

Shop Leggings and Chunky Trainers:

Real talk: If it has the Hailey Bieber seal of approval, we're interested. From a sold-out '90s denim drop to minimalist makeup routines, Bieber is the trendsetter of the moment. And now, she's providing some colorful inspiration for our workout uniforms.

Recently, she added a shock of neon to her typical black-on-black attire, pairing bright-green Asics sneakers with a black tank top, flared leggings, and a slicked-back bun. These days, I'll take any gym motivation I can find, so neon-green sneakers are officially on my vision board right beside Bieber's impressively large dumbbell. That's right—Hailey Bieber isn't just a fashion and beauty evangelist; she's also inspiring me to get back into lifting, one rep at a time. Keep scrolling to shop Bieber's exact Asics sneakers, plus other pairs that will brighten up any exercise routine.

On Hailey Bieber: Asics Gel-Kayano 14 Sneakers ($164)

Shop Neon-Green Sneakers

September is just around the corner, and in true back-to-school fashion, I need new sneakers. Adidas is always my go-to. Not only are the styles cool, but ICYMI, it's having a sneaky sale. Until August 17, save 20% on Adidas full-price and sale styles with the promo code SPLASH. To save you time, I've already gone through and found the standout items—all under $100.

Below, shop animal-print SL72s (a style popular with celebrities like Suki Waterhouse and Bella Hadid, to name a few), polka-dot track jackets, satin running shorts, and so much more. Don't forget to use code SPLASH at checkout to get a discount.

Shop the Best On Sale Finds from Adidas

Shop More Cool Adidas Finds

This might come as a surprise to you, because when it comes to my clothing I’m very much a minimalist, but anyone who knows me will tell you that when it comes to my footwear, I adore a "weird" shoe. To me, they’re an easy way to take my simple outfits from basic to elevated. Moreover, they’re usually extremely comfortable, something I very much prioritise when deciding whether or not to invest in a particular style.

So, unsurprisingly, I've already have several of these "unexpected" but, in my opinion, extremely chic footwear styles to elevate my wardrobe, from Y2K-inspired jelly pumps to eye-catching mesh sneakers. However, as we move into autumn, there’s been one particular shoe style that’s caught my eye, and it’s neither a ballet flat nor a trainer—rather, it is a mix of both.

Enter Onitsuka Tiger’s Gymnarina.

A lace-up ballet-trainer hybrid (also known as a "sneakerina"), the Gymnarina perfectly balances the softness of a ballet flat with the sporty edge of a traditional trainer. Made from soft leather and shirred elastic, this shoe was made with comfort in mind. Not to mention the iconic branded stripes and choice of classic leather or satin ribbon laces make this otherwise simple silhouette instantly cool.

And if you’re worried about how to style them, never fear, as these shoes can be worn with literally everything your ballet flats and trainers can. Whether you throw them on with a pair of jeans and a tank top for casual days or add them to a pretty midi dress for an unexpected twist, rest assured these cool sneakerinas will fit in with your capsule wardrobe from now and well into the autumn season.

This sneakerina might initially feel like the wrong choice for those of us who prefer to keep our outfits looking polished and pared-back; however, it's a surprisingly easy way to add interest to your otherwise simple outfit formulas, all without feeling too out of your comfort zone. And while they may not be to everyone’s taste, believe me when I say that this form-meets-function silhouette is here to stay.

Keep scrolling to shop Onitsuka Tiger’s Gymnarina shoes, and then take a browse through other ballet trainers I’m loving at the moment.

Shop Onitsuka Tiger's Gymnarina Shoes

Shop More Ballet Trainers I Love

As a loafers lover, I’m sure that headline seemed like a dig at the beloved fall shoe trend, but, conversely, I’m just spotlighting a shoe trend that fashion people are much more interested in. Loafers have long been synonymous with the fall season, so it’s easy to put other shoe trends in different categories. Still, there’s one in particular that never gets its flowers during the cooler seasons—until now. Cool girls are opting out of loafers and in for chunky sneakers instead.

This may come as a surprise for some, but lately even celebrities like Charlotte Lawrence have been spotted wearing chunky sneakers. Notably, a pair of Salomons, which have become the most popular non-fashion fashion shoe. "Regardless of the trends, we consistently draw inspiration from our heritage, which is rooted in performance innovation," said Salomon's marketing director of Performance and Sportstyle, Erin Cooper. "Today’s consumer is drawn to find products that work with their lifestyle, which has lent itself to be inherently functional," Cooper continued.

Just a few years ago, the hypebeast era of fashion had everyone in a pair of ultra-chunky sneakers, and now the pendulum has swung back around, this time in chicer, more effortless ways. It girls on Instagram are contrasting outfits with a pair of chunky sneakers, and I predict they will continue to do so throughout the fall. If you think so too, keep scrolling to shop for the perfect go-to chunky sneakers for fall 2026.

How Fashion Girls Wear Chunky Sneakers

Style Tip: Go gorpcore with a hike-friendly look with a pair of Salomons and a lightweight jacket.

Style Tip: Go full fall mode in a brown tonal look.

Style Tip: Who said sneakers can't be chic? Stick with a neutral sneaker with your jeans outfit.

Style Tip: Sneakers look chic even with a leather coat.

Style Tip: Sporty chic can always be a great go-to. Throw on a cool track jacket with your pair.

Style Tip: Your best bet to look elegant with sneakers is to wear them with jeans and a lightweight sweater.

Shop the Best Chunky Sneakers

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear, fashion is our speciality. Our editors have years of industry experience, from reporting on seasonal fashion trends seen at international fashion weeks to working with some of the most recognizable names in fashion. Every item we recommend is carefully selected based on current trends, quality, and real-world wearability.

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In case you haven't heard, Gigi Hadid and Bradley Cooper stepped out for a workout in Paris today wearing small gold bands on their ring fingers, but instead of adding to the speculation, I'm going to talk about Hadid's legging outfit, as I made an interesting observation that speaks to what to look forward to this fall when it comes to legging-and-sneaker pairings.

If you're someone who gets bored with the expected combination of black leggings with white or black sneakers, and wants to wear something a bit trendier yet still somewhat classic, you should probably keep reading. Hadid just showed us all the legging color trend and sneaker color trend to wear this fall: gray leggings with dark brown suede sneakers. Gray leggings, an It-girl favorite, are just as chic as black ones, but a bit more unexpected. They're also just as versatile when it comes to what sneaker colors you can wear with them, but the most trend-forward style to pair them with this fall is undoubtedly the one Hadid chose. Hers are by New Balance, and you'll be pleased to know that a slew of other cool brands are also busy making brown suede sneakers, from Miu Miu to Adidas.

Scroll on to see Hadid's legging outfit (which also included a white tank and crew socks) for her couples workout in Paris, and shop similar gray leggings and dark brown suede sneakers to wear together. Trust me—it's a perfect combination.

The Leggings + Sneakers on Gigi Hadid

On Gigi Hadid: New Balance x District Vision MT10 Sneakers ($190)

Shop Gray Leggings

Shop Dark Brown Suede Sneakers