This year, no fashion item has made headlines quite like Adidas Sambas. They were everywhere until they became too popular, prompting some people to sell them, some to bury them in their wardrobes and some to ignore the noise and wear them regardless. By contrast, the trainer trends that have defined the latter half of this year – and those forecast for next – suggest many people are striving for anti-mainstream designs. In an effort to avoid another Samba saturation situation, new-gen style fans have taken to customising trainers with charms, chains, ribbons and colourful laces, or have unearthed lesser-known archive styles as an alternative to those in the spotlight.
Read more: Vogue’s Edit Of The Best Trainers For Women
Of course, there has been a conveyor belt of cult styles that, like Sambas, have been worn by what feels like every celebrity and It-person (strategic seeding is partly to thank for this). In no particular order: Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66s, Puma Speedcats and various New Balance models (9060s, 530s, 574s and Aimé Leon Dore’s collab versions) have been popular this year. And best believe that crowds at Oasis’s reunion tour next summer will be two-stepping in Gallagher-inspired Adidas trainers (Liam Gallagher has collaborated with the brand on several takes on Spezials).
Other predictions: the comeback of skater trainers that “could have been stolen from your best friend’s older brother’s room in 2002, swiped from next to his Playstation 2”, as my colleague Daisy Jones recently observed. Based on the omnipresence of AI and material innovations, I predict some technological elements to be thrown into the mix, too. Along with a continued obsession with performance trainers and Gorpcore (Salmons, Hokas, Merrells, Vibrams and Asics continue dominate here) and pitch-worthy styles inspired by the women’s Euros. Of course there will also be an endless stream of collaborations. Scroll on for six trainer trends to note for 2025.
Partnerships, partnerships, partnerships
Miu Miu autumn/winter 2023 / Vogue Runway
Miu Miu autumn/winter 2023.
Renell Medrano
Wales Bonner X Adidas Originals autumn/winter 2024.
Collaborations have always been a powerful tool on the sneaker landscape, with the most coveted styles selling at inflated prices on resale sites long after their initial release. This year saw continued success for the on-going partnerships between Wales Bonner and Adidas and Miu Miu and New Balance. With more brands jumping on the bandwagon at every turn, expect 2025 to be big on the collaboration front.