The Weekend Read * The Coolest Trainers Everyone Will Be Wearing in 2026

Hello!

There was a time when trainers were strictly practical. We would wear them to the gym, on dog walks and maybe the odd dash to the supermarket. Fast forward to 2026 and they’ve become something else. Could they be the most worn, most loved and arguably most important shoe in our wardrobes?

Trainers now sit comfortably alongside tailored trousers, midi skirts and even dresses. They’re no longer the compromise shoe, they’re the intentional choice. And the best bit? This year’s trainer trends feel wearable, relatable and far easier to style than you might expect. 

So if you’ve ever stood in front of your wardrobe wondering whether you can really wear trainers with every outfit, the answer, in 2026, is almost always yes. 

The Soft Retro Trainer

If you already own a pair of retro-style trainers, you’ll be pleased to hear they’re not going anywhere. In fact, 2026 softens this trend even further. The silhouettes are a little slimmer, the colours calmer, and the overall effect much more relaxed. 

These are the trainers that feel easy. You can wear them all day, walk miles in them, and still feel pulled together. They work beautifully with wide-leg trousers, relaxed denim and soft knits, the sort of outfits many of us are already living in. 

From a colour point of view, this is where things get really interesting. Soft greys, off-whites and cool greens make these trainers incredibly friendly for Summer palettes, while warmer beiges and olives suit Autumns beautifully. Winters can keep things crisp with white and navy contrast, and Springs shine in lighter, warmer neutrals. 

This style tends to suit Natural and Classic clothing personalities particularly well as they are unfussy, modern and quietly stylish without shouting for attention. 

Clean, Minimal Trainers For When You Want Polish

If your style leans a little more structured, you’ll probably be drawn to the clean, minimal trainer. These are the pairs that look almost too smart to be trainers with smooth leather, very little branding, and a shape that feels grown-up. What makes these so appealing in 2026 is how versatile they are. They work just as well with tailored trousers and a blazer as they do with a knit dress or straight-leg jeans. They’re the trainers you reach for when you want comfort and polish. 

Colour-wise, they’re a dream for seasonal dressing. Winters look fantastic in crisp white with strong contrast elsewhere in their outfits. Summers suit softer white and blue-grey, Autumns glow in warm beige and brown tones, and Springs do well with light cream with warm metallic accents. 

If you have a Classic or Dramatic clothing personality, this is often the trainer style that feels the most you. 

The Sporty Trainer, But Make It Stylish 

Sporty trainers haven’t disappeared, they’ve just evolved a bit. In 2026, the overtly technical look is softened with tonal colours, sleeker soles and more lifestyle-friendly shapes. These are the trainers that reflect how many women dress now using a blend of comfort and intention. They work with relaxed tailoring, elevated athleisure and even casual dresses when styled thoughtfully. 

This trend is also where colour lovers can have a little more fun. Winters can embrace bold accents like electric blue or emerald, Springs can play with coral and aqua, Autumns suit deeper greens and rust tones and Summers look freshest in softer blues and rose shades. 

These styles tend to suit Gamine and Natural clothing personalities particularly well as they are playful, energetic and practical without looking like you’ve just left the gym. 

Sustainable Trainers Are No Longer a Niche 

Sustainability in footwear has come a long way, and in 2026 it’s very much part of the mainstream. Eco-conscious trainers now look just as stylish as their traditional counterparts and often more interesting in terms of texture and colour. 

These trainers usually come in softer, earthier shades, which makes them especially lovely for Autumn palettes. Think moss, mustard, camel, dark brown and warm beige. Summers can lean into pale pinks, powder blues and cool reds, Winters keep things sharp with charcoal, white, black or deep purples and Springs brighten things with cream, warm reds, aquas and bright colour pops. 

They pair beautifully with natural fabrics, relaxed silhouettes and softly layered outfits, making them a natural fit for Natural and Romantic clothing personalities.

Where to Shop For Trainers In 2026 For Every Budget

Shopping for trainers in the UK has never been easier and more fun. Whether you’re updating your everyday wardrobe or investing in a pair that feels special, there’s a place and a price point for everyone.

On the High Street – Stylish But Easy on the Wallet 

These are the pairs that give you style and versatility without stretching your budget. Perfect if you want something you can wear right now, with lots of wardrobe outfits:

• Hush Puppies Seventy8 Sneakers are super affordable, comfortable and versatile. 

• Loyalty And Faith Women's Livia Trainers are a great everyday staple at an incredibly accessible price. 

• Clarks Women's Seco Speed Trainers are easy to wear with jeans or relaxed tailoring. 

• White D Lux Timeless Path Trainers are tylish and unexpectedly chic from TK Maxx

• Adidas Women's Breaknet Sleek Shoes are a timeless silhouette in a classic adidas style. 

• M&S have a large range of modern, comfortable, stylish coloured fashion trainers at affordable prices.

These pairs are ideal if you’re building your trainer wardrobe, experimenting with shape or just want stylish, everyday comfort. UK retailers like ASOS, Schuh and Decathlon also offer regularly updated edits across this budget range. 

Mid-Range Everyday Favourites with a Little More Luxury

Stepping up a notch, these trainers feel more finished and versatile. They use higher-quality materials and quieter design details which are great for outfits that lean more smart-casual.

• Josef Seibel Joleen 04 Lace Up Trainers are comfortable, classic and fabulously understated. 

• New Balance Women's 327 are a wear everywhere favourite that blends retro with modern style. 

• Nike P-6000 Women's are sporty but sleek and ideal for athleisure with tailoring or denim. 

• Geox Desya Leather Lace Up Trainers have a finish that gives a more elevated feel without feeling formal. 

• HOFF Women's City Trainers Montreal are a slightly harder-to-find classic that feels worth the spend. 

These are the pairs that work with everything: dresses, skirts, tailoring and wider-leg trousers. Shops like Office, JD Sports and Next also offer strong mid-range selections from brands like Converse, Puma and Saucony if you want a bit more variety.  

Investment Styles Worth Considering 

If you want something a little more special, these are the trainers that feel intentional in both design and material. They’ll tie multiple looks together, and will become favourites you'll wear for seasons. 

• New Balance 9060 Cortado give a refined retro silhouette with premium cushioning. 

• Veja Paulistana Trainers are sustainable and stylish and have become a go-to for fashion-minded wardrobes. 

• Sam Edelman Ivey Lace Up Sneaker are polished enough for smart casual outfits while staying effortless. 

• FitFlop Women Black F-Mode Flow Trainers combine the classic trainer silhouette with supportive comfort. 

For premium trainer shopping in the UK, stores like Flannels also offer designer options from trainer favourites alongside seasonal drops.

Final Thoughts: Why Trainers Matter So Much Right Now 

Trainers have earned their place in modern wardrobes because they reflect real life of busy days, walking more and wanting to feel comfortable and confident.

In 2026, the coolest trainers aren’t about hype or logos. They’re about wearability, repeat value and feeling like yourself when you put them on. You don’t need every trend, you just need the right one for you. When your trainers align with both your colour season and your clothing personality, they stop feeling like an afterthought and start feeling like a confident style choice. Suddenly they work with more of your wardrobe, and getting dressed becomes easier, not harder. And that, really, is what great style is all about. 

Next week in The Weekend Read we are talking about the how to elevate your style to look more expensive without the designer price tag.

Best wishes,

Judi & Jenny xx

Click Here For Our 2026 Trainer Choice 

Judi Prue

Personal Stylist

Celebrator of Individuality

Curator of Confidence

Tel: 07904 347847

e: judi.prue@houseofcolour.co.uk

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