Sorry to My White Trainers—Fashion People Have Convinced Me That This Chic Style Is What I Need Right Now

As a fashion fan and a footwear fanatic, I love nothing more than a new shoe trend, and this season, I've spotted a particularly tempting one enter the conversation. Reluctant to squeeze my feet into any more heels—September is a blister-inducing month for any editor who attends fashion month—I've instead tracked down the autumn-ready trainer trend that stylish people are wearing right now. An elevated update to our everyday trainers, this autumn, the suede trainer trend is gaining momentum.

Supple suede adds a polished finish to any piece it touches, but suede trainers are a bit of a contradiction, marrying the impractical (albeit very chic) fabric with a shoe designed for comfort and performance. If not properly protected with a sealant or spray, suede can be prone to staining when it comes into contact with water, so this is probably one reason why suede trainers are peaking in popularity right now—whilst the weather is still pretty dry.

Of course, it's not just trainers that have been given the suede treatment this season. Suede jackets and coats are already all over our favourite brands, we're coveting suede bags; and suede loafers are now a thing, too. Although Miu Miu's pair (from its collab with New Balance) might have kickstarted interest in the style, the influx of suede trainers on the market has to be a result of the fabric's sudden favour.

Inspired to shop the suede trainer trend myself, read on to discover the pairs I love right now, sorted by colour.

SHOP THE SUEDE TRAINER TREND:

1. BROWN SUEDE TRAINERS

Style Notes: If you pay attention to one trainer trend this season, make it this one. Capturing autumn's obsession with the brown colour trend, brown suede trainers offer a dose of the season's favourite shade in a relaxed and wearable form. Styling well with shades of blue, brown suede trainers are a natural pairing for your favourite light-wash jeans.

New Balance

991 Suede in Faux Leather and Mesh Sneakers in Brown

£220

New Balance trainers are a fashion-person favourite.

Stradivarius

Leather Retro Trainers

£40

These look so much more expensive than they are.

Me+Em

Retro Trainer in Tan

£195

These also come in several other shades.

Autry

Reelwind Low Suede and Shell Sneakers in Brown

£182

The contrast detailing adds an elevated edge.

2. RED SUEDE TRAINERS

Style Notes: Polished yet playful, this vibrant shoe trend offers a fresh pop of colour without overwhelming your look. Puma's red Speedcats are a firm favourite in Emily Ratajkowski's and Dua Lipa's footwear rotations, but Adidas and Autry have chic styles, too.

Puma

Speedcat OG Sneakers Unisex in Puma Black-Puma White

£90

Shop the pair that celebrities are wearing on repeat right now.

Adidas

Gazelle in Ruby Red

£90

This classic design will never go out of style.

Gola

Elan Suede Trainers in Red

£90

Style with a white pair of socks for a coordinated look.

Autry

Flat Low Leather-Trimmed Suede Sneakers in Red

£213

The easiest way to add a splash of colour to your autumn wardrobe.

3. BLACK SUEDE TRAINERS

Style Notes: Go back to basics and shop the emerging trend in the one shade you know you'll always be happy to wear. Black suede is a sophisticated alternative to the white canvas trainers that have long lived in our wardrobes and are far less likely to be covered with grime after a few days' wear.

M&S Collection

Suede Lace Up Side Detail Trainers in Black Mix

£45

These classic black kicks look more expensive than they are.

Maison Margiela

Replica Suede Sneakers in Black

£550

Style with jeans or pair with tailored trousers.

Veja

Volley Logo-Embroidered Suede Low-Top Trainers

£110

I love the gum sole on these.

Autry

Reelwind Low Suede and Shell Sneakers in Black

£170

These also come in three other colourways.

4. BLUE SUEDE TRAINERS

Style Notes: The colourful trainer trend isn't showing any signs of slowing down, and for autumn 2024, fashion people can't get enough of pretty blue pairs. From sky blue to rich navy styles, blue suede trainers are the sneakers of choice for those who enjoy the brighter side of styling.

Adidas

Handball Spezial Sneakers in Blue

£85

These are also available in a dusty grey shade.

Adidas X Wales Bonner

SL76 Leather-Trimmed Brushed-Suede and Mesh Sneakers

£160

Style with light-wash jeans for an elevated take on tonal dressing.

New Balance

998 Core Rubber-Trimmed Leather, Mesh and Suede Sneakers

£210

These ultra-comfortable trainers will soon become your most reached-for pair.

Novesta

Marathon Trail Trainers in Dark Navy

£130

This dark-navy shade is so easy to slip into a capsule wardrobe.