Five 2016 trainer trends

Muted shades

For the past couple of years, the trainer scene has been a whitewash – simple, clean sneakers dominated across the market. While that look isn’t going anywhere, for 2016, expect to see more and more colours appear as palettes get more adventurous – think blues, beiges and greens, whether it’s adidas Stan Smiths or Common Projects. 

Runner-style shoes

Perhaps in response to the fashion world moving in on their patch, trainer giants Nike and adidas have upped their own game in recent months by improving the aesthetics of their more sports-flavoured gear to create a new streetwear trend. Hence the rise of the sneakerhead-catnip runner-style shoes, which sell out faster than Usain Bolt chasing after a bus.

Retro kicks

Any trend that exists long enough eventually becomes nostalgic about itself. So it is with trainers. Reebok, Nike and adidas are all investing heavily in their respective ‘classics’ lines, while 90s detailing like heavy stitching and air bubbles are making a comeback.

Luxury trainers

When Daniel Sturridge’s favourite designer Rick Owens paired up with adidas last year, the circle between the worlds of high fashion and trainers was complete. Today, everyone from century-old London cobbler John Lobb to French fashion house Lanvin are in on the act, creating luxe takes meant to attract younger crowds to their brands, albeit at prices out of reach to all but the most well-heeled trainer devotees.

Skate shoes

Another 90s staple making a big comeback are skater shoes – only this time around, you can wear them without the cargo shorts and belt chain (well, unless you really insist…). Top of the pack for casualwear – now, as it was then – are Vans Old Skools, while Converse and Nike have both wheeled out smarter takes this season.