There are certain trainers that you see at least once a day. Enter any coffee shop in the UK and you're bound to find at least one pair of Stan Smiths, Converse or Vans. In London, I would guess that the most popular trainers of the summer are Veja Espar sneakers, as I see them on the tube every single morning. I turned to Lyst—the global fashion search engine—to find the most searched-for trainers in the UK this year. Spoiler alert: I was wrong about the Vejas. The most in-demand pair of trainers in London is a pair of chunky ones that were only relaunched this spring. But this isn't the only city with a thing for bulky soles.
Keep scrolling to discover the trending trainers in Manchester, Glasgow, Leeds and Birmingham.
London
It seems like London shoppers are taken with chunky trainers, as the Fila Disruptor II is the most searched-for style. These were originally designed in 1996 and were rereleased this spring. They're tricky to get a hold of, hence the urgent searching on Lyst.
Related: Winter 2018 Fashion Trends: The Only Looks You Need to Know
Manchester
This year, the Nike Air Max 97 has had a resurgence. Sites like Hypebae cover a new colourway at least once a week. Influencer Modest Mira confirmed to us that girls in Manchester are into bulky trainers for summer: "Right now, I would say it's all about dresses with chunky trainers. Mixing both just gives off an edgy- and grunge-type look, which is what Manchester is all about."
Leeds
In Leeds, the most searched-for trainers are classic Chuck Taylors. These were worn by American basketball players in the 1930s and are the most classic trainers you can buy.
Related: I Just Found 9 Easy Dress-and-Sneakers Outfits to Inspire Your Spring Wardrobe
Birmingham
Meanwhile, in Birmingham, it's all about the Adidas Gazelle, which is a Brit-pop staple. The original Gazelles were created back in 1966, but the rebooted version is based on the '90s pair that is synonymous with the band Oasis.
Glasgow
In Glasgow, the leading trainers this year are black-and-white Vans Old Skool sneakers—and for good reason. They're a favourite amongst skaters and minimalists alike.
Next up, the trainers that turned this high-heel devotee.
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Suddenly, Fashion People Are Wearing This Unusual Trainer Trend With All Their Spring OutfitsAnd they look so chic.
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Sure, White Trainers Are Timeless, But These Statement Pairs Are Much More NowConsider us influenced.
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Sambas Aren't a Trend Anymore—They're a Staple: Here's How to Wear Them in 2025They've become a classic.
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From J.Law to Copenhagen Fashion People, These 3 Trainers Are Emerging as 2025's It PairsThe sneakers to know.
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As a Millennial I Could Never, But Gen Z Is All Over This Unusual Trainer TrendI'd take a lot of convincing.
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Sorry, Sambas—This Is the Exact Trainer People in New York, Copenhagen and Paris Are Wearing NowAn icon in the making.
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This Controversial Trainer Trend Is Going to Happen, Whether I Like It or NotThere's nothing I can do.
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I Swore Off Trainers Until I Discovered That These 3 Styles Go With Everything I OwnForever favourites.
