But comfort alone isn’t enough. Londoners aren’t willing to sacrifice style — and right now, there are some very clear frontrunners on the city’s pavements.
With the Adidas Samba settling into wardrobe-classic territory rather than peak hype, there’s space for new arrivals to make their mark. From gorpcore-coded Salomon to the quietly resurgent Mary Jane hybrid, here are the trainers Londoners are wearing right now.
Sustainable trainers
1. Veja Campo
Veja remains the go-to for sustainability without sacrificing style. The Campo uses ChromeFree leather — no harmful toxins in the tanning process — alongside Amazonian rubber soles and recycled EVA cushioning. Clean, minimal, and genuinely responsible.
2. Adidas Parley
The Adidas x Parley for the Oceans collab ticks every London trainer box. Made from recycled ocean plastics, stylish enough for a dinner reservation, conscious enough for the school run.
3. On Running Cloudnova
On Running has quietly become one of the most stylish sustainable trainer brands in the city. The Cloudnova uses recycled materials throughout and the brand has committed to a full circular model. The silhouette is bold without being costume-y — perfect for London’s current appetite for technical-meets-fashion.
Dad sneakers
4. New Balance 993
Made famous by Steve Jobs, this is the original dad trainer. New Balance has become the default for fashion-conscious city dwellers, and the 993 remains its most iconic silhouette.
5. New Balance 990
First released in 1982, the 990 is the trainer that started it all. At some point, every stylish Londoner has worn a pair.
6. Salomon ACS PRO
The gorpcore-coded dad sneaker has taken over London. Fashion insiders from East London to West have adopted Salomon as their go-to — the ACS PRO in particular works as well with a summer dress as it does with technical trousers.
7. Nike Monarch IV
Dad vibes with genuine style credentials. The Monarch IV gives chunky silhouette energy without going full Balenciaga on it.
8. Balenciaga Triple S
The Triple S started the whole chunky trainer conversation and it’s still standing. A safe, statement-making bet.
Iconic designs
9. Nike Cortez
The OG Nike trainer. Available in what feels like unlimited colourways, the Cortez is a solid pick for anyone who wants something instantly recognisable without the premium price tag.
10. Nike Air Force 1
Permanently in style. The Air Force 1 doesn’t do trends — it outlasts them.
Shop Nike Air Force 1 at size?
11. Adidas Gazelle
The Samba’s slightly subtler sibling. The Gazelle has quietly held its ground while the louder silhouettes have come and gone. Same low-profile terrace energy, different sole material — and right now, it might be the smarter choice.
12. Adidas SL 72
The SL 72 is how you signal sneakerhead credentials without saying a word. A proper Adidas Originals archive piece that dresses up and down without trying too hard.
13. Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66
The Mexico 66 has graduated from “next Samba” conversation piece to genuine wardrobe staple. It’s in most stylish Londoners’ rotation now and shows no signs of slowing down.
14. Puma Suede
The Puma Suede is an iconic shoe that comes in endless colourways and somehow looks good with everything — summer dresses included.
15. Adidas Stan Smiths
Beyond trend. Stan Smiths are not a seasonal choice — they’re just always right.
16. Gola Elan
The classic British trainer is still the best Samba alternative for Londoners who want to move on without making a big statement about it.
17. Vans Old Skool
Not trendy — beyond trendy. The Old Skool crossed over from skate culture into everyday London life long ago and looks at home with everything from tailoring to joggers.
18. Converse Chuck Taylor
No trainers list is complete without them. Like the Vans Old Skool, Chuck Taylors aren’t a one-season thing — they’re a permanent fixture on London’s streets.
Shop Converse Chuck Taylor at size?
2026 new entry
19. Adidas Samba Jane
The Mary Jane trainer is the defining silhouette of 2026 — a hybrid of the nostalgic strap shoe and the comfort of a trainer that’s taken over from Harajuku to Hackney. The Samba Jane is the most wearable version of the trend: the Samba you know, with a single strap across the toe. Sales are up 350% year on year. If you haven’t got a pair yet, this is the one.
Shop Adidas Samba Jane at size?
