If there's one thing I know about fashion right now, it's that trainers are in. Of course, they've never really been out—there as core a footwear option as you'll find—but the last couple of years has seen trainers become more than just a comfortable shoe solution. It seems we've all become a little bit obsessed with sneakers; even I, a person who seldom wore them before 2024, have treated myself to some fresh pairs. Like so many others, I opted for white Adidas Sambas, but as the appetite for fashionable trainer trends has increased, so have the shopping options.
Now, the market is saturated with sneakers. While certain pairs have always been the subject of waitlists, there are a great number of trainers that are near impossible to get your hands on right now. Sambas are one of them, as well as Onitsuka Tigers and Nike's various collaborations, but lately I've found one trainer trend has been harder to track down than the others.
I first started noticing the red trainer trend pick up at the start of the year with Adidas's suede Gazelles came back into play. The style isn't new but the volume of colours the brand explored with its 2024 release certainly felt so. While I do see a lot of green pairs on social media, it's red trainers that are taking over right now. Red shoes as a whole are trending hard this year, with everything from high-heel slingbacks to ballet flats being painted various shades of burgundy, crimson and chilli. Needless to say, the trend has come for trainers, too.
The thing that's so compelling about the red trainer trend is just how surprisingly versatile it's proving to be. Right now I'm seeing people on social media styling them with outfits you'd typically expect to see finished with something like a black or tan loafer. Jeans, tailored trousers, shorts, skirts—you name it! The red trainer works with them all; proof that more statement shoe options can be just as hard working as those deemed "classic".
Still, red in itself is considered a classic colour trend; at least one that never really dates. I have red dresses hanging in my wardrobe that I bought 10+ years ago which feel just as relevant today. So, if you're thinking about tapping into spring's colourful trainer trend, then red kicks might be the smartest way to do so.
With a recent restock on some of the most in-demand styles right now (I'm talking about these SL 72s) I thought now would be the perfect time to bring the red trainer trend to your attention. Scroll on to shop the chicest pairs on offer and to see more ways influencers are styling theirs.
Discover Red Trainer Outfit Inspiration:
Style Notes: Louisa Hatt opts for a pair of white trainers featuring a flash of red, which look the springtime part with her double-denim ensemble.
Style Notes: Chiara proves that red will look chic with every colour and pattern.
Style Notes: The coolest way to pep up an all-black outfit? You already know the answer....
Style Notes: If saffron red feels too bright, dip your toe in to the trend with a burgundy pair like this Parisian influencer.
Style Notes: Cristina shows that Tiktok's viral "sandwich rule" works with red as well.
Style Notes: That's right—the trend goes beyond Adidas. These Nike high-tops give Who What Wear's US editor Aniyah's otherwise tailored look a casual edge.
Style Notes: You know it's a trend worth considering when celebrities start wearing it. I love how Gigi Hadid bridges the gap between her winter and spring wardrobes by styling her woollen coat with some vibrant sneakers.
Shop the Red Trainer Trend:
A classic.
These have such a retro feel to them.
Wear with jeans, skirts and shorts alike.
High-tops are back in for 2024.
Don't these loom way more expensive?
How fun is this colourway?
For those looking for a more subtle pop of red.
Red will pair well with all of the neutrals in your wardrobe.
I love this deeper red shade.
Wear these with with your white maxi dresses.
Perfect for any occasion.
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Not Black, Not White: The "Just Right" Trainer Colour Everyone in Fashion Is WearingGet on board.
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Yes, This Shoe-and-Jeans Combo Could Be Considered "Boring," But It Just Works—See Katie Holmes for ProofSometimes, simple really is best.
