Buying a new pair of trainers is one of those tasks most people put off. Because 1) how do you know which styles are the most popular (without being so popular everyone is wearing them?) 2) is there a certain silhouette to look out for—Retro? Dad? Sleek ballerina? And 3) which shades go with most outfits, while still being key for 2026? Well, eeam Who What Wear UK has already cleared up the first two questions with the sneaker styles set to dominate the year, and now it's my turn to decode the colours.
With the 'more-is-more' aesthetic being big news this season, most of the key sneaker shades play into this, demanding attention as soon as you see them. Icy blue is a key colour this season in itself, and when worn as a dress—as seen on the Dior spring/summer 2026 runway—or a top, it can look soft and unassuming, but when in the form of trainers, it suddenly feels less unlikely and more statement. Then we've got the colours that simply can't go unnoticed. Chartreuse green and Aperol Spritz orange are fun, they're bright, they're about to add that sprinkling of summer to your simple vest and shorts look that couldn't be achieved by standard white iterations.
And then, if you're looking to invest in pairs with guaranteed longevity, then silver and beige styles have proven their staying power. Sandy suede and futuristic chrome may be on different ends of the colour spectrum, but they both hold the same easy styling power. Going with quite literally any outfit (in the same way that camel trousers and silver jewellery would), you can rest assured you'll get the wear out of them for seasons to come.
So, no matter your trainer style, these are the 5 colours set to dominate the sneaker world this summer.
5 Key Trainer Colours for Summer 2026
1. Cool Blue
Style Notes: Pale blue wafted down the summer runways in the form of dresses at Dior and Victoria Beckham, and now it's taking over the sneaker world, too. Linda [pictured above] shows the unlikely colour combo of berry and blue with her Adidas Control 5 pair, and I've also found styles in satin, suede and even denim in the icy shade.
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Satin kicks are key so you'll be ticking off two in one with this Ref pair.
Love the mixed lace textures.
These are Linda's actual Adidas sneakers.
One of the staple shapes to look out for this year.
I also want these in cool pink.
2. Tangerine
Style Notes: Aperol Spritz is synonymous with summer, and the colour is dominating our outfits thanks to the likes of Lanvin, Saint Laurent and Alberta Ferretti putting a hint of zest into their spring/summer 2026 shows. As a simple way to try it out, Michelle has shown how trainers are always an easy win, especially with a tonal look.
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Crochet with a touch of zest feels very summer, doesn't it?
Two tone sneakers (and sandals) get a firm yes this season.
These will look so effortless with light wash denim.
Tangerine and cool blue? Sold and sold.
You'll wear these on heavy rotation.
3. Beige
Style Notes: Taking over from box-fresh white trainers, softer, less harsh tones of beige, cream, sand and brown have taken over in recent years. Whether it's chunky, like Rebecca's Salomons, or sleek like the pairs I'm about to show you, anything goes as long as they're in an easy-to-style neutral.
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Ponyhair feels new.
The colour and fuss-free silhouette will work with any outfit.
I have these in white and they didn't need any time to break in.
I'm seeing these on a city break with ecru jorts and a white tank.
There's limited sizes left, but if you're quick...
4. Light Green
Style Notes: Marianne's Dries Van Noten two tone pair sold out just as quickly as its satin styles, but we can still all take note of the colour. Instead of Bottega Veneta Kermin green, lighter shades of Chartreuse (yes, the colour of the year) lime, sage and olive are taking over.
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So similar to Marianne's sold out DVN pair.
A slice of lime still counts.
Just add baggy or barrel-leg jeans.
Yep, chunky dad styles will always be relevant.
Vintage sport shapes are key.
5. Chrome
Style Notes: Chrome has been a favourite when it comes to trainers for a few seasons now, and it's still going strong. Why? Because just how silver jewellery goes with any outfit, silver trainers do, too. Especially denim—as seen here with Amaka's baggy jeans and cami look.
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Yes to air holes in summer!
These come in not one, not two but 25 different colourways!
As futuristic as chrome sneakers can get.
Love the unusual silhouette of this Axel Arigato slow runner.
Into this almost snake print mesh pair by Bottega.