The cornerstone of every capsule wardrobe is a great pair of trainers. Sure, white kicks will always be a go-to, but the humble hero has undergone countless iterations throughout the years, with a new wave of cooler, sleeker styles emerging for SS26.
Best summer trainers to shop in 2026
Whether it’s a ballet-core hybrid, animal-print trainer or traditional sporty style, the best summer trainers are here to elevate your wardrobe for the sunny months ahead.
Best Adidas Summer Trainers 2026
The pair of Adidas you bought 10 years ago are likely still going strong. These trustworthy trainers are about as tried-and-true as things can get, but know the brand’s offering has expanded massively in recent years. So, maybe a cheeky summer upgrade is due.
Adidas Taekwondo Mei Schuh
Adidas Japan Trainers
Adidas SL 72
Mastering the balance between stylish and substantial, a pair of Adidas is guaranteed to work exceptionally hard in your wardrobe no matter the occasion. The sleek silhouette of the SL72s, worn by Bella Hadid and Emily Ratajkowski, proves it to be the ultimate every day trainer. For a sleeker option, the Taekwondo have that ‘ballet-pump-meets-trainer’ aesthetic you’ll be slipping on for every cocktail event in your summer diary.
Shop our in-depth edit of the best Adidas trainers here.
Best Ballet Trainers 2026
The ballet trainer, affectionally called the ‘sneakerina’ (as you’d guess: part trainer, part ballerina pump) was first spotted on the AW25 catwalk, with Simone Rocha being one of the first to bring this hybrid pump into the conversation.
Today the hype is still going strong as many high-street retailers have put their own twist on the trend. In fact, we predict they’ll be the frontrunner this summer thanks to their breathable fit and effortlessly cool design.
Vivaia Round Toe Sneakerina
Puma Speedcat Ballet Metallic Shoes
M&S Ankle Tie Ballet Trainers
Commonly designed with a rounded toe and a slender silhouette, the shoes echo that delicate ‘ballerina-core’ aesthetic, but with a sporty edge – so they wear like a trainer and look like something much more considered. They’ve swiftly become a go-to for the biggest A-listers, so take your styling cues from Bella Hadid who was spotted donning the Vivaia Sneakerina , while Dua Lipa is a fan of the Puma Speedcat Ballet Pumps. sneakerina
Best White Summer Trainers 2026
There’s no denying that trainers are more exciting than ever; new styles, colourways and fabrics are taking over our Pinterest boards. But it goes without saying, a classic pair of white trainers will always treat you well in the summer.
New Balance 530 Shoes
Charles & Keith Nylon Sneakers
Salomon Sneakers
The minimalist, versatile design means they can be worn with literally everything, from denim at the office to a maxi dress in the pub garden. What also makes them a go-to this time of year – studies show that wearing white shoes can keep your feet cooler on hot days. Not only are they a stylish option, but a sensible one too.
Best Mary Jane Trainers 2026
If you thought the ‘sneakerina’ was enough, there’s an emerging trend that’s even more niche: introducing the Mary Jane trainer. Marrying the sleek silhouette of the traditional pump with the practicality of a trainer, this style is ideal for those in-between dress code occasions where a classic trainer seems a touch too casual.
Salomon Rx Marie-Jeanne
Charles & Keith Mika Crossover Mary Jane Sneakers
Adidas Tokyo Leather Mary Jane Trainers
Often designed with a slender gummy sole and delicate straps, the trainer feels far more elevated than your sporty shoe, but still has enough support to carry you through the day. Everyone from Kim K to Jennifer Lawrence have been spotted in this heatwave-ready style – so here’s your sign to get involved.
Best Animal Print Trainers 2026
At this point, animal print should be considered a neutral. Yes, the trend isn’t exactly recent, but with new styles continuing to emerge (River Island’s £36 pair is too cool to ignore), we don’t expect the sartorial safari to quiet down any time soon.
Puma Speedcat Zebra Sneakers
River Island Brown Leopard Print Trainers
Adidas Samba
With no specific print reigning supreme, these bold styles are the coolest way to bring a playful detail to your look – and, better yet, there’s zero rulebook when it comes to styling. Whether you’re tempted by classic leopard or bold zebra, an animal-print trainer looks like a very considered fashion statement but never feels too brave. Pair with relaxed denim or a breezy dress – either way will look just as trendy.
Best Trainer Mules 2026
The most surprising trend that makes total sense for the summer: backless trainers. If a mule and a sporty trainer fell in love, this is exactly their baby. Undoubtedly, the ultimate pair is the New Balance X Miu Miu 530 SL – but it's pretty spenny, so these are some affordable styles we’re loving RN.
Bimba y Lola Mule Sneaker
M&S Mule Trainers
Nokwol Atlas Mules
Backless and often made with a rounded toe, they’re designed to seamlessly slip on and provide all-day comfort. They have the same appeal as a pair of sliders, but still provide the support and durability as your fave pair of trainers. Just see them as your go-to shoes for a quick high street run or last-minute errand.
Which trainers are trending for summer 2026?
This summer, there’s no singular style reigning supreme. Since trainers completely rebranded themselves after the late 20th Century – once confined to the four walls of a gym – the humble trainer has become a street-style essential in just about every wardrobe. With such popularity comes endless room for interpretation, and for summer 2026, trainer trends are more exciting than ever.
Slim silhouettes are a key theme cropping up this season, seen through the ongoing hybrid styles like ‘sneakerinas’ and Mary Jane trainers. Often crafted with satin fabrics and lace-up straps, they introduce a softer, more feminine aesthetic to the functional trainer.
Conversely, chunkier styles are still alive and well. Defined by thicker soles and more durable materials, they remain a fave for people who want a little extra support from their every day rotation. Our top tip? If you're opting for a sporty fit this summer, consider wearing white trainers where possible – they keep your feet cooler and they can be styled with virtually everything.
Animal print isn't going anywhere either. Though no longer a recent trend, a zebra-, leopard- or even Bambi-inspired, deer-print trainer is the easiest way to elevate a simple wardrobe without looking too brave. And finally, for something unexpected, trainer mules are the next big thing this year. That’s right, another hybrid style to know. Part mule, part trainer, they easily slip on without any laces required – ideal for quick errands, shop runs or ‘running-out-the-door’ moments.
Clare Stephenson is the Senior Fashion and Beauty E-commerce Writer for Cosmopolitan, ELLE and Harper’s Bazaar. She has been an e-commerce writer since 2022, creating matter-of-fact reviews and shopping pages filled with her favourite products for every budget and need – whether that’s a glow-giving foundation, a high-tech LED face mask or the perfect wear-with-everything blazer.
Alongside writing, Clare loves to be in front of the camera creating shopping content, putting viral products to the test to see which ones are truly worth the hype. Through her work, she has interviewed leading dermatologists, makeup artists and industry experts to bring readers trusted advice and product recommendations.
Clare has contributed to titles across the Hearst UK portfolio, including Women’s Health, Good Housekeeping, Red and Prima. Prior to joining Hearst, she earned a BA in Multimedia Journalism from Bournemouth University, focusing her studies on magazines and editorial. She later worked as an editorial assistant at Voir Fashion Magazine, covering events including Fashion Week and interviewing notable brand founders.
Outside of work? You can find Clare strolling through London’s Columbia Road Market, pouring her fourth coffee of the day or heading to a Pilates class.
Follow Clare on Instagram @clarefrancesstephenson.
