Put down the Sambas. As reliable as they are, they’re no longer the coolest trainers in the fashion set’s rotation. Instead, the chicest dressers are gravitating towards a sleeker, more elevated alternative that feels just as timeless—but a little fresher.

Recently spotted pairing hers with classic jeans, Uma Thurman styled her denim with a crisp white pair of Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 trainers. The choice feels particularly fitting given Thurman’s long-standing connection to the brand: she famously propelled the trainers to cult status in the early 2000s through her role as The Bride in Kill Bill. Now, more than two decades later, she’s returned to the same enduring silhouette.

With their low-profile shape and streamlined finish, Onitsuka Tiger's Mexico 66 trainers offer all the versatility of a classic Samba, but with a slightly sharper edge. In fresh white leather, they slot easily into a capsule wardrobe, wearing just as well with jeans and skirt outfits as any Samba would.

Keep scrolling to shop Uma Thurman’s go-to trainers, along with my edit of the best jeans to wear with them now.

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Welcome to The Great Try-On. With autumn well and truly in the air, we took the opportunity to try on some of the best new-in pieces from your favourite brands, documenting the process along the way. We believe that the best way to shop online is to see an item IRL and read candid reviews, so we hope this leads you to your most successful purchases of the year.

I practically jumped at the opportunity to road-test autumn's trending trainers, i.e. the trainers I love but don't need (or have the wardrobe space for). My go-to shoe for a fair few years, I like to think of myself as somewhat of a trainer aficionado who can keenly spot a trending style on the horizon, which I'd always choose over the equivalent loafers or ballet flats.

Of course, not all trainers are built the same and can claim the coveted title of one of the pairs of the season. From timeless white trainers to buzzy drops like the New Balance X Miu Miu collab, which is undoubtedly one of the most sought-after designer trainer collections to date, there are a few telltale signs which signal when a style is destined to be a sellout. Firstly, they seamlessly slot into a capsule wardrobe, providing outfit versatility and styling ease (essentially, you can wear them again and again and they'll still feel elevated).

Secondly, you'll spot them on those in the know. With so many trending options around, there are actually few which seem to unify fashion people and celebrities alike, so when they do, you know you're on the right track. And lastly, they're genuinely comfortable. In 2025, the best trainers feel like walking on clouds—no breaking-in required.

Having tried on multiple pairs of trainers that are trending for autumn 2025, I've narrowed down the five that made the cut, so if you're in the market, scroll to see the only pairs worth investing in for the season ahead.

The Best Trainers for Autumn 2025, As Tried and Reviewed By an Editor:

1. Dries Van Noten Leather-Trimmed Sneakers

My Review: With a retro '70s mood sweeping the trending trainer scene, slimeline styles featuring skinny soles and rounded toes can feel like a dime a dozen, but Dries Van Noten's Leather-Trimmed Sneakers stand miles above the rest. Quietly drawing Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber as fans, these trainers feature clean lines, a supple suede finish (unless you go for the leather and fabric iteration) and a complementary two-tone colour palette, offering all the ease of a classic trainer with a fresh 2025 twist. I've noticed them taking the place of Adidas Sambas in the outfits of chic Instagram users, so trying them was a must.

Fitting like a glove, their no-fuss design instantly elevates anything they're worn with. Much to my dismay (as I was desperately hoping these wouldn't be as good IRL as they looked online, owing to the more premium price tag), they lived up to their hype. The flat sole offers little cushioning, but that's part of their beauty—they almost mould to your feet. This gives them another draw I constantly look for when on the hunt for trainers: they make your feet look dainty. Now, anyone with large feet will understand this struggle. Most trainers, from chunky to flat-soled pairs, tend to exaggerate my shoe size, but these? They do the opposite; their slimline, sculptural build gives the illusion of petite feet without sacrificing their trending edge.

Whether you go for the classic tan suede colourway to the best-selling Bordeaux leather-and-fabric style—both key autumn 2025 colour trends—you'll have the perfect subtle pop of colour to balance your casual autumn outfits with a laid-back edge, rather than have your trainers make the whole look feel dishevelled and unpolished.

To put them to the test, I tried the suede pair with a fail-safe autumn capsule-wardrobe combination: light denim jeans, a thick, chunky knit and a khaki trench coat, and they looked every bit as polished as I was hoping they would. I styled the Bordeaux variation with the best-selling Dries funnel-neck jacket over the same jeans and knit. With its balloon sleeves, high collar and cotton-wool blend, it's both relaxed and structured, with a great weight that makes it perfect for layering. Chic, wearable and fashion-forward, these are definitely a pair I’d say are worth your time and money.

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2. COS Minimal Leather Trainers

My Review: Now that we’re on the same page that slimline trainers are back, it would be remiss of me not to mention COS's minimal leather trainers. Spotted on influencer Lucy Williams at the brand's spring/summer 2025 show in Athens, there was a distinct buzz in the Who What Wear UK office when these designer-looking trainers hit shelves. Now, I know what you’re thinking: high-street trainers? But hear me out. Known for their high-quality craftspersonship and ahead-of-the-trend designs, COS does trainers better than its competitors, in my humble opinion. Made from a 100% suede shell and soft leather lining, these honestly aren't too dissimilar in style from the aforementioned Dries Van Noten style. Instead of a round toe, though, they have a slightly square shape, along with a thicker, ridged rubber sole and leather-accent trims. To me, they're like a hybrid between the Nike Cortez vintage running design and the motorsport silhouette of the new Adidas Taekwondo, resulting in a minimalistic trainer that's truly wearable.

Again, I tried true to size and was pleasantly surprised. They felt snug with thick socks but not too tight (and remember, leather trainers naturally soften and give). Each colourway is contemporary without being overtly trendy or trying too hard. The pony-hair pair in particular looks so luxe IRL, and is an easy way to dip into one of autumn's biggest shoe trends. However, the suede style left me slightly disappointed. A pair taken from the shop floor, I couldn't help but notice the discolouration in the black suede. Likely a result of repeated try-ons, there were paler spots where the shoes had seemingly rubbed against each other or another item of clothing, causing the dye to fade somewhat. This is the beauty of try-ons, though; I can truly test out an item for you before you buy, and had I purchased sight unseen, I wouldn't have been best pleased about this.

To give the trainers a proper road-test, I styled them with some of COS's key pieces for autumn: the Sculpted Merino Wool Jacket and the gloriously soft Brushed Cashmere Cardigan, both of which surpassed my expectations. The jacket is lightweight and fluid, a perfect transitional piece crafted from 100% wool, whilst the cardigan, which I've tried on before, was every bit as soft as I remembered. All in all, these trainers are perfect for those looking for a pared-back, easy-to-style shoe with a high-end feel that won't break the bank.

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3. Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66

My Review: When I saw our senior shopping editor, Marina Avraam, rocking a pair of Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 trainers a few weeks ago, I was reminded just how great they are. Thin-soled and available in bright colours, the Mexico 66 features crossover stripes with an aesthetic reminiscent of Adidas Samba and Gazelle, just not as mainstream. Finding fans from fashion people to supermodels (Bella Hadid, here's looking at you), the popular neon yellow colourway was originally worn by Uma Thurman with her iconic yellow-and-black two-piece from Kill Bill Volume 1, which was released in 2003.

Since then, these trainers have filtered into mainstream, in an ever-expanding array of colourways that now includes a particularly bold silver style. This everywhere-but-somehow-also-under-the-radar trainer is constantly being worn by the coolest of fashion people, but I had yet to try it myself, so this was the perfect opportunity to put it to the test. I took my normal size in both pairs I tried (yellow and silver), and was genuinely surprised when they were a good fit. The silhouette looks deceptively narrow, so I tried them with my thickest socks, yet they were comfortable through and through.

Made from 100% cow leather, they’re smooth to the touch and glide onto the feet with ease. There's a definite throw-on-and-go energy to them, and each colour variant brings something a little different. Whether you're looking for a bold, contrasting shade or subtle minimalism, you’ll find a pair to match your vibe. Personally, for their wearability, wide range of colourways and cool-girl edge, I think these are some of the trendiest trainers to own, which is exactly why they made my list.

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4. Puma Speedcat Ballet Sneakers

My Review: Now, I need to preface this by saying that I am not a fan of the Puma Speedcat Ballet Sneakers, and thus won't be subscribing to the "sneakerina" trend. From Iris Law to Dua Lipa, fashion's It girls have been gravitating towards this ballet flat-trainer hybrid for a romantically cool edge for some time now. With a low-profile design complete with several straps that bind the shoe to the foot, these ballet trainers offer all the comfort of a trainer (thanks to the rubber sole) whilst retaining a delicate aesthetic only ballet flats can achieve.

Because of my initial scepticism, I put these trainers to the test—hard. And as I sit here typing this, I have to eat my words. Surprisingly, they delivered, and my mind might be changed. The rubber sole makes them super-comfortable, especially if you’re someone who racks up 10,000 steps a day like me. The straps hold your feet in place, and the cut is just high enough that there's no toe cleavage on show (which is my preference). I stayed true to size, and the fit was spot on.

Adding a playful finish to the everyday blue jeans I was wearing when I tried them on, they added an IYKYK feel to my casual 'fit. Upon leaving the store, I suddenly found myself surrounded by a multitude of fashion people who had added delicate ballet satins and a plethora of charms to make them more individual. All in all, I have to admit that these trainers have all the makings of a trending style worth investing in if you're after something different, especially for those on-the-go looks that trainers do best.

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5. Salomon XT 6 GTX

My Review: It's not just retro flat soles making a strong comeback in the trainers sphere; chunky white sneakers are still very cool. But having moved on from the era of maximalist Balenciaga "dad" trainers, the coolest fashion people are now gravitating towards the Salomon XT 6 GTX. Depending on your taste, you might be thinking, "Surely not?", but thanks in part to Rihanna's co-sign, these ultra-functional trainers have gained serious traction—pun intended.

I've spotted these sneakers everywhere, from workout classes to being styled with jeans, and our very own Who What Wear UK social media editor, Megan Storey, wears them religiously, so naturally, I needed to see what the hype was about. Passing the thick-sock test with flying colours, Salomon has expertly laced performance-level functionality into a trainer that feels like walking on clouds. The mesh construction, cushioned heel and grippy soles make them ultra-supportive and surprisingly lightweight, whilst the adjustable ePE membrane closure allows you to adjust the fit with ease for ultimate comfort.

Created with practicality in mind, the XT 6 GTX's unexpected cool edge makes them hands-down the most functional pair on this list. Whether you’re commuting, walking long distances, exercising or dancing the night away, you can literally take your Salomon XT 6 GTX trainers here, there and everywhere.

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Why Trust Us:

At Who What Wear UK, 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 recognisable names in fashion. Every item we recommend is carefully selected based on current trends, quality and real-world wearability.

We regularly try on pieces ourselves—everything from best-selling jeans to designer shoes—and speak to external experts and fashion insiders, staying closely connected to what our readers are searching for. Our advice is grounded in expertise, and everything we feature has to meet our exceptional taste standards—so you can feel confident in every recommendation.

2024 was the year trainers truly stole the spotlight, with fresh trends emerging every few months and innovative twists breathing new life into the classic models we know and love. Adidas Sambas made waves with bolder-than-ever colourways, leopard-print kicks stole our hearts and cult sportswear labels—Onitsuka Tiger and Gola among them—tightened their grip on the fashion world.

While it's been fun to expand our trainer horizons, 2025 presents an opportunity to fine-tune our footwear repertoires (and our wardrobes as a whole). This year, I’m setting the tone by focusing on the pieces I wear most often and truly value. When it comes to trainers, I tend to gravitate toward simple and timeless designs, prefering low-effort options over statement-making sneakers.

Having reflected on my favourite trainer styles, I've noticed they all share something in common: they go with all my favourite outfits. As someone who dresses quickly and intuitively, shoes that I can count on to slot seamlessly into my everyday looks are like gold dust. And I have a hunch I'm not the only one who treasures versatile footwear. Take a look at my go-to trainers below; I'm confident they'll find just as much use in your wardrobe as they do in mine.

SEE THE THREE TRAINER STYLES THAT GO WITH EVERYTHING:

1. Brown Trainers

Style Notes: Brown kicks were one of 2024's biggest trends—particularly tactile suede iterations—and they're showing serious staying power. It's no mystery why; the neutral colour means you won't have trouble matching them to your outfit, and brown feels a touch more expensive and polished than plain white trainers. If anything, I'm wondering why this wasn't a thing sooner.

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2. Running Shoes

Style Notes: Runners are a cornerstone of the cool-girl wardrobe. Think sporty, chunky-soled kicks that wouldn't look out of place in the gym—but if you think they're reserved for the treadmill, think again. White, grey and beige running shoes serve as a comfy companion for all kinds of everyday look, from jeans-and-jumper formulas to maxi dress outfits.

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3. Retro Kicks

Style Notes: My personal style is quite classic—I'm selective with trends and often look to ’60s and ’70s fashion for inspiration—so I'm partial to a retro-inspired sneaker. Nostalgic silhouettes tie in well with my wardrobe, with reimagined vintage models from Onitsuka Tiger and Adidas steadily working their way to the top of my 2025 wish list.

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If you've been keeping an eye on trainer trends, you’ve likely noticed a shift in the lineup. The Adidas Samba, although still very relevant, might not give you the same thrill when you pull it on anymore. This happens, of course, when you've owned anything for a while. However, if you would like to reignite your footwear spark, then I have a suggestion for you.

This season, a new heavyweight has stepped into the spotlight, proving that functionality and comfort can be undeniably chic. Sorry, Sambas, but let’s face it, sneaker comfort was never your strong suit.

Breaking through the noise, Asics has quickly become the trainer brand to watch. Founded in Japan in 1950, these trainers are hardly new to the scene, but after several seasons of sitting under the radar, we've seen them experience a sudden surge of popularity in recent months.

Buzzing on social media, Asics trainers are already extending far beyond online platforms. In fact, I asked an insider at trainer multi-retailer platform StockX, who told me there's been a surge in demand for Asics lately.

According to the platform's data, 2024 was a record-breaking sales year for Asics, with trades up 350% compared to 2023. StockX also found that last year Asics was the fastest-growing trainer brand in the UK (and number three globally). And if my FYP is anything to go by, I'd say it's going to be pretty major in 2025, too.

This explosive growth highlights the brand's ascent into the cultural zeitgeist, as it marries a sporty, yet classic silhouette with the comfortable cut we've come to crave.

A significant driver of Asics’s recent success is the viral popularity of its sister brand, Onitsuka Tiger. Known for its retro-inspired designs and bold colourways—and the familiar lined motifs that both brands display on the side of their shoes—Onitsuka Tiger's Mexico 66 trainers gained major traction last year, paving the way for Asics to shine. Adding to this momentum are high-profile collaborations with designers like Kiko Kostadinov and Cecilie Bahnsen which have brought worthy buzz to the brand over the past few seasons.

The appeal of Asics lies in its ability to marry performance technology with streetwear aesthetics. Styling well with denim and leggings for the day-to-day, I've also seen styles contrasted with feminine skirts for a playful finish.

To discover the trainer brand that fashion people are watching for 2025, read on to find our edit of the best Asics trainers below.

SHOP ASICS TRAINERS:

It might be the season of the boot, but this year has absolutely belonged to the trainer. Of course, trainers have always been around, but never before have they been so in demand or coveted in fashion circles has they have in 2024. From Adidas Sambas to Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66s, some pairs have been harder to get your hands on than The Row's Margaux bag at times, which we know is one of the most sought-after items of the past 12 months in its own right. And, if my 14 years spent in the industry has taught me anything, it's that brands will keep serving us tempting trainer iterations into 2025, and for as long as we keep shopping them.

It might still be a couple of months away, but I can already guess what the biggest trainer trend of 2025 will be. Combining the style set's love of sneaks and one of the most noteworthy looks of the last few months, suddenly, wherever I look, I'm seeing leopard print trainers.

My initial interest in leopard print trainers first piqued at the beginning of the year when Adidas and British cool fashion brand Wales Bonner unveiled their latest collaboration, in which they included a pair of textured, leopard print trainers. The pair sold out at record speed, with those lucky enough to get their hands (or should that be feet?) on a set proudly showing off their new wares on social media. It wasn't long, however, before summer kicked in, and in place of closed-toe shoes, sandals became the priority.

It wasn't until the colder months began to roll around that fashion people starting dusting off their Adidas x Wales Bonner kicks again. At the same time, the appetite for leopard print was insatiable, too, having dominated the autumn/winter runway collections, which were now landing in stores. Looking back, the leopard print trainer trend takeover was inevitable, but it's only now, witnessing the sheer volume of them on the market that I see just how huge this trend is.

Now cropping up everywhere, from Zara and H&M to Golden Goose and even Chloé, as well as on my FYP, it seems that, when they're not wearing boots, stylish types are opting for leopard print trainers. Thinking you may share the same inclination, below, I've rounded up the best leopard print trainers on the market right now, including any available pairs of the OG Adidas x Wales Bonner leopard trainers I can find.

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You might have noticed that there's a colourful common thread running through the shoe collections of very adept dressers right now. Step outside in London or scroll on your feed and it won't be long until your eye is drawn to this bright sneaker trend as, everywhere I look, fashion people are styling yellow trainers with all of their best outfits.

The easiest way to breathe new life into your staples, the yellow trainer trend is a fast-becoming one of the biggest shoe movements of 2024. Ensuring a comfortable stride and an eye-catching silhouette, the trend is taking off and celebrities and fashion people have shown their commitment.

A playful retort to the more serious kitten heels and mary janes that have taken off this year, the yellow trainer trend offers a practical alternative that works with casual outfits of jeans and shorts but also more directional items, too; think printed dresses and "strange" skirts.

Catapulted into popularity by Japanese footwear brand Onitsuka Tiger whose viral Mexico 66 trainers were one of the hardest sneakers to get your hands on last year and, indeed, for much of this year, too. This demand meant it wasn't long before other brands starting coming up with yellow trainers of their own.

@amaka.hamelijnck wears Ontisuka Tiger Mexico 66 trainers.

While Ontisuka Tigers are still very much a thing, Adidas now hosts a compelling collection of bright yellow designs across its iconic silhouettes, and Salomon has experimented with the sunny shade, too.

Now that I've pointed the trend out, I know this is one you'll start to see more of as you go about your day—so much so, I have a feeling you'll be tempted to invest in a pair of your own (if you haven't already done so, that is). So, I've assembled the best yellow trainers on the market right now, so you can peruse them and find your perfect pair.

Scroll on to see our edit of the best yellow trainers from a myriad of brands.

SHOP THE YELLOW TRAINER TREND

There was a while there when I thought the reign of Adidas Sambas would never end. Alas, it seems that for summer 2024 there are a few contenders vying for its top spot. There isn't one single trainer that is responsible for dethroning the powerhouse shoe (yet) but instead a handful of buzzy styles that, together, are managing to shake up the shoe scene.

On the Adidas front, the SL 72s are gaining momentum. Then there are Onitsuka Tiger's Mexico 66s, which are practically impossible to get your hands on. And finally, Nike's got the iconic Cortez, a sneaker that always seems to come back in vogue, usually after a celeb is spotted wearing them. Last time, it was Bella Hadid. In 2024, it's Dakota Johnson—and per usual, the internet is freaking out about it.

The Fifty Shades of Grey actor was seen wearing a brown version of the 1970s shoe style in New York City while on the set of her new A24 film Materialists, co-starring Pedro Pascal and Chris Evans. With her trainers, Johnson added a stellar pair of straight-leg, dark-wash jeans, and a black sweater, thus putting together an outfit worth copying for the remainder of spring and bookmarking for next fall and winter. Adding to her trainer's appeal is the fact that Johnson's pretty much been wearing her pair of Baroque Brown Cortez TXTs nonstop while filming the movie. Plus, they're fully stocked at Net-a-Porter (score). Scroll down to shop Dakota's exact colour (plus a few other chic colourways) before they sell out.

On Dakota Johnson: Nike Cortez TXT Trainers (£80)

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