The "Ugly" New Trainers That Are Rivalling Adidas Sambas

Up until recently, if you spotted sneakers in any fashion capacity, nine times out of 10, they were a pair from New Balance (either 990v5s or 550s) or a pair of the highly coveted but equally elusive Adidas Sambas (and no, we still can't find them in stock anywhere either). But after one too many sightings of a new, fresher-looking sneaker style on street style stars, runway models, and Instagram influencers alike, I'm starting to think a new It shoe is rising to prominence. And it helps that the charge is led by Bella Hadid.

Since Bella was spotted leaving the gym in New York City last year in an oversized Nike polo shirt and a pair of bright-red Salomon hiking-and-running sneakers, the brand has been popping up on the feet of fashion's most stylish. Her pair, the XT-4 Advanced Sneakers have already flown out of stock on MATCHESFASHION, a slight surprise given their hiking-dad-meets-gorpcore aesthetic, complete with drawstring closure. Not since the return of the socks and sandals pairing have we seen such a divisive "ugly" shoe trend gain so much traction. 

salomon-sneakers-295664-1633991258698-image

(Image credit: Raymond Hall/Getty Images)

It's obvious with just how many pairs being sold that we have a new cult classic on our hands, and Hadid isn't the only unofficial ambassador of the outdoorsy sneaker. The French brand has also received stamps of approval from It girls like Emili Sindlev, Emily Wells and most recently Rihanna, who wore an all red pair for her Superbowl performance (how's that for a sign that these might just be the coolest trainers on the block?), and in fact, they even made their way onto last years NYFW runway thanks to Sandy Liang.

bella-hadid-salomon-sneakers-305716-1677145199068-main

(Image credit: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Roc Nation)

Wondering how to wear such statement trainers? Keep scrolling to see how fashion girls are wearing theirs now, and to shop what's sure to be 2023's biggest trainer trend for yourself. You're welcome.

HOW TO STYLE SALOMON TRAINERS

bella-hadid-salomon-sneakers-305716-1677144552457-main

(Image credit: @emswells)

Style Notes: Emily proves that trainers can still look polished by pairing with a cashmere knit and tailored trousers. 

bella-hadid-salomon-sneakers-305716-1677145696883-main

(Image credit: @elizabethanneventer)

Style Notes: Make optic white colourways pop with wearing with laidback, tonal neutrals. 

salomon-sneakers-295664-1634046984563-image

(Image credit: @emilisindlev)

Style Notes: Maximalists know that more is more, so embrace the print clash by wearing a graphic Salomon with a statement coat and bag. 

salomon-sneakers-295664-1634048043329-image

(Image credit: @himichelleli)

Style Notes: Looking for trainers you can wear with summer dresses? You just found them. 

SHOP SALOMON TRAINERS

Next Up, I Think Jeans Look Even More Fashionable With These Shoe Trends

Remy Farrell
Fashion Editor

Remy Farrell is a London-based shopping editor with nearly 10 years of editorial experience covering fashion, beauty and lifestyle. After graduating with a journalism degree and working on the editorial and fashion teams for titles such as Grazia, Elle, Cosmopolitan and British Vogue, she moved into the luxury e-commerce sector, working as fashion assistant at TheOutnet.com styling for the social media channels and helping to develop the collections for the in-house brand Iris & Ink. After expanding an assisting and styling portfolio that includes shooting talent such as Gigi Hadid, Victoria Beckham and Miquita Oliver, she also branched out into beauty, creating tried-and-tested reviews and diverse beauty content.In her role as shopping editor at Who What Wear, Remy is interested in discovering new and exciting brands to share with the Who What Wear readership and particularly loves uncovering hidden gems at affordable prices to make shopping accessible to everyone.Born and raised in Sheffield, Yorkshire, Remy moved to London in 2014 and lives in the Docklands with her partner and pug Billie.