If You Aim to Appear Luxurious This Summer, Replace Suede Trainers with These Much More Stylish Alternatives.

      Trainers have always occupied a divisive role in fashion. Initially designed for sports fields and gym floors, they transitioned into streetwear during the latter part of the 20th Century. Unlike other essentials that originated in these spaces—like leggings, crop tops, and hydration bottles—trainers have managed to completely move away from that background. Today, athletic footwear is as standard as a good pair of denim jeans or a button-up shirt. However, with summer approaching, figuring out which trainers are most suitable for a season characterized by warm weather and sunny skies poses a different challenge altogether. While the choice to wear trainers is no longer contentious, the focus should shift to identifying the types of trainers that are fitting for a time when bare feet and exposed silhouettes take center stage. This summer, this dilemma is further complicated by the plethora of trainer trends saturating the market. It’s no longer just a straightforward decision of aligning with one brand and selecting a preferred style. (The emergence of numerous underrated trainer brands that have achieved cult status has made this quite challenging.) Additionally, trainers have become a canvas for hybrid designs, which means that virtually anything from a mesh Mary Jane to a satin ballet flat can sport a gum sole or some laces and be categorized as a trainer.

      Moreover, in the wake of a luxurious trend—pun intended—fashion has embraced a refined, elegant, and understated aesthetic that evokes nostalgia. These styles aren’t overtly discreet, but they certainly present a more simplified alternative to the chunky, dad-like trainers that were prevalent in the latter part of the 2010s. Regarding these two significant summer trainer trends, Rachel Makar, Senior Director of Merchandising at StockX, remarks that “both trends are actually responding to the same core consumer need—which is to wear something that feels deliberate and slightly unexpected.” She continues, explaining that “these trends are merely different interpretations of a collective move away from safe, conventional footwear.” Therefore, whether you're hunting for the latest designer sportswear collaboration to crave or simply seeking practical footwear to complement your cotton dresses and linen skirts this season, continue reading for the expert-endorsed summer trainer trends that will define 2026.

      ### The 6 Biggest Summer Trainer Trends for 2026

      1. **Sheer Bliss**

       - **Style Notes:** Think of these mesh trainers as the equivalent of a cashmere sweater from Lisa Yang, a leather bag from The Row, or a crisp white t-shirt from Leset, designed to fill the stealth wealth gap in your footwear collection. With a remarkably sleek silhouette, these lightweight trainers are perfect for summer, featuring airy and delicate sheer panels for greater comfort. London-based brand Dear Frances was the pioneer of this trend—and now offers versions trimmed with baby blue suede and buttery yellow nappa leather, with others quickly following suit. Pair them with satin shorts or silky tank tops to embrace the everyday luxury this style conveys.

      

       **Shop the Trend:**

       - Dear Frances Balla Trainer: This lovely color adds soft depth to any outfit typically paired with black footwear—think loafers and ballet flats.

       - THE HOFF BRAND Bridge Solid Mesh Off White

       - CHLOÉ Kick Suede, Mesh and Leather Sneakers: If sheer mesh feels a bit too revealing for you, consider this option from Chloé.

      2. **There's Something About Mary...**

       - **Style Notes:** Mary Janes are making a comeback. While the signature strap might bring back memories of preschool, style icons like Jane Birkin and Alexa Chung have shown that this chic silhouette should not be limited to stylish toddlers and dolls. Once available solely in rigid leather and soft velvet styles from brands like Le Monde Beryl and Flabelus, this shoe now comes in various designs. From Wales Bonner’s Jewel trainers with a sturdy Vibram sole and velcro strap to Tabi-esque Nike Air Rift, Mary Jane trainers perfectly blend summertime lightness with heightened practicality. Makar notes that “Mary Jane-inspired styles are still trending, with trades over our platform increasing by more than 300% year-over-year.”

       **Shop the Trend:**

       - COS Suede-Nylon Mary-Jane Trainers: These may remind dancers of chunky jazz shoes, but they truly look avant-garde.

       - ZARA Sports Ballet Flats With Elastic Straps: Off-duty comfort has never looked more desirable.

       - CHLOÉ Kick Suede-Trimmed Satin Sneakers: Another gorgeous offering from Chloé.

      3. **Slim Pickins**

       - **Style Notes:** The current trend for summer trainers leans towards a retro revival, favoring minimal, slim-lined, and low-cut profiles. These designs draw inspiration from the track and field styles popular in the '70s, '80s, and '90s, offering sleek, clean silhouettes reminiscent of vintage runners. Makar highlights that these forms, quickly becoming staples at designer labels like Dries Van Noten, Maison Margiela