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 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 while they attend fashion month —I've instead tracked down the autumn-ready trainer trend that stylish people are wearing right now. An elevated retort to the canvas trainers we tend to wear in the warmer months, this autumn it's the suede trainer trend that's gaining momentum.

Elegant by nature, this supple fabric adds a polished finish to any silhouette it touches. A contradiction in itself, suede trainers marry the impractical (albeit it very chic) fabric with a silhouette designed for comfort and performance. If not properly protected with a sealant or spray, suede can be prone to staining when water hits it—this is one reason it's peaking in popularity now, while the weather is skewing to the dry side.

Of course, it's not just trainers that have been given the suede treatment this season. With blazers and coats being cut in the glossed-leather alternative, suede cover-ups have become an integral part of the fashion person's autumn uniform. And although Miu Miu's brown suede trainers might have kickstarted interest in the style, I definitely think the sheer influx of suede shoes on the market is a result of the fabric's sudden favour.

Inspired to shop the suede trainer trend myself, read on to discover the pairs I'm loving right now, broken down 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, Faux Leather and Mesh Sneakers

£220

New Balance trainers are a fashion person's favourites.

Stradivarius

Leather Retro Trainers

£40

These look so much more expensive than they are.

Me+Em

Retro Trainer

£195

This also comes in several other shades.

Autry

Reelwind Low Suede and Shell Sneakers

£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. Adidas' red Speedcats are a firm favourite in Emily Ratajkowski's and Dua Lipa's wardrobe rotations, but Adidas and Autry host chic styles, too.

Puma

Speedcat Og Sneakers Unisex

£90

Shop the shoe trend that celebrities are wearing on repeat right now.

& Other Stories

Adidas Gazelle

£90

This classic design will never go out of style.

Gola

Elan Suede Trainers

£90

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

Autry

Flat Low Leather-Trimmed Suede Sneakers

£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 alt to the white canvas trainers that have long lived in our wardrobes and—unlike their predecessors—are far less likely to be covered with grime after a few days.

Marks & Spencer

Suede Lace Up Side Detail Trainers

£45

These classic black kicks look more expensive than they are.

Maison Margiela

Replica Suede Sneakers

£550

Style with jeans or pair with tailored trousers.

Veja

Logo-Embroidered Suede Low-Top Trainers

£110

These are well on their way to selling out.

Autry

Reelwind Low Suede and Shell Sneakers

£170

These also come in three other shades.

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 styles. From sky blue pairs to rich navy styles, blue suede trainers are the sneaker of choice for those who enjoy a brighter side of styling.

& Other Stories

Adidas Handball Spezial Sneakers

£85

This also comes in a dusty grey shade.

Adidas

+ 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

£130

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