Sorry to My White Trainers—Fashion People Have Convinced Me That This Chic Style Is What I Need Right Now

As a fashion fan and a footwear fanatic I love nothing more than new shoe trend, and this season I've spotted a particularly tempting one enter the conversation. Reluctant to squeeze my feet into any more heels—September is a blister-inducing month for any editor while they attend fashion month —I've instead tracked down the autumn-ready trainer trend that stylish people are wearing right now. An elevated retort to the canvas trainers we tend to wear in the warmer months, this autumn it's the suede trainer trend that's gaining momentum.

Elegant by nature, this supple fabric adds a polished finish to any silhouette it touches. A contradiction in itself, suede trainers marry the impractical (albeit it very chic) fabric with a silhouette designed for comfort and performance. If not properly protected with a sealant or spray, suede can be prone to staining when water hits it—this is one reason it's peaking in popularity now, while the weather is skewing to the dry side.

Of course, it's not just trainers that have been given the suede treatment this season. With blazers and coats being cut in the glossed-leather alternative, suede cover-ups have become an integral part of the fashion person's autumn uniform. And although Miu Miu's brown suede trainers might have kickstarted interest in the style, I definitely think the sheer influx of suede shoes on the market is a result of the fabric's sudden favour.

Inspired to shop the suede trainer trend myself, read on to discover the pairs I'm loving right now, broken down by colour.

SHOP THE SUEDE TRAINER TREND:

1. BROWN SUEDE TRAINERS

Influencer wears brown suede trainers.

(Image credit: @nlmarilyn)

Style Notes: If you pay attention to one trainer trend this season, make it this one. Capturing autumn's obsession with the brown colour trend, brown suede trainers offer a dose of the season's favourite shade in a relaxed and wearable form. Styling well with shades of blue, brown suede trainers are a natural pairing for your favourite light-wash jeans.

2. RED SUEDE TRAINERS

Influencer wears red suede trainers.

(Image credit: @claudia_berresford)

Style Notes: Polished yet playful this vibrant shoe trend offers a fresh pop of colour without overwhelming your look. Adidas' red Speedcats are a firm favourite in Emily Ratajkowski's and Dua Lipa's wardrobe rotations, but Adidas and Autry host chic styles, too.

3. BLACK SUEDE TRAINERS

Influencer wears black suede trainers.

(Image credit: @holliemercedes)

Style Notes: Go back to basics and shop the emerging trend in the one shade you know you'll always be happy to wear. Black suede is a sophisticated alt to the white canvas trainers that have long lived in our wardrobes and—unlike their predecessors—are far less likely to be covered with grime after a few days.

4. BLUE SUEDE TRAINERS:

Influencer wears blue suede trainers.

(Image credit: @francescasaffari)

Style Notes: The colourful trainer trend isn't showing any signs of slowing down, and for autumn 2024, fashion people can't get enough of pretty blue styles. From sky blue pairs to rich navy styles, blue suede trainers are the sneaker of choice for those who enjoy a brighter side of styling.

Natalie Munro
News Writer

Natalie Munro is Who What Wear UK’s news writer. Having worked in the fashion industry since her time at university—where she obtained a BA in Journalism from University of the Arts London, Natalie's experience spans journalistic and styling roles. In the early stages of her career Natalie predominately worked on editorial shoots for fashion publications such as British Vogue, Vogue Ukraine, AnOther Magazine and Elle UK, before moving into journalism roles.

On completion of her degree she interned in the editorial team at British Vogue and later went on to freelance for the publication. Here, she developed her interest in reporting on the latest fashion news and trends. Inspired by the dynamic nature of the industry, Natalie went on to write for other lifestyle and fashion brands and publications before taking on the role as News Writer for Who What Wear.

With an interest in uncovering the latest fashion trends, Natalie takes a leading role in identifying news for Who What Wear UK. Focusing on trends on and off the runway, as well as street style and celebrity fashion, Natalie reports on a daily basis, ensuring that she remains ahead of the trends. Natalie also creates content for Who What Wear’s social channels including TikTok and Instagram on a weekly basis.