Technical trainers are very popular these days. If you've been looking at street-style pictures or going around London's fashion districts, you know why. With their chunky soles, designed uppers, toggles and trail-inspired details, these shoes make a statement.
The Adidas Samba used to be the most popular style of shoes, from casual jeans and t-shirts to basic streetwear. But now, they seem a little too generic. So, why settle for classics when you can have sneakers that are both stylish and useful? These trainers look like they could handle a mountain hike and a coffee date just as easily.
What Exactly Is a Technical Trainer?
A technical trainer is more than sporty footwear. It's a mix of performance and design, blending functionality with visual punch—think chunky treaded soles, toggle or speed laces, ripstop and mesh uppers. This isn't the crisp leather and canvas we associate with Sambas. This is sneakers that show off their performance credentials, which is a big part of their current appeal.
Brands like Salomon, the same label known for rugged trail shoes, have become shorthand for this trend. The XT-6, for example, has aggressive soles and technical fabrics that look good with both loose trousers and a floaty midi dress. Even mainstream players like Nike, Adidas, and Asics are incorporating more climb-ready hardware and performance finishes into their trainer ranges.
Why Choose Trainers Over Sambas?
Sambas aren't bad shoes. They're iconic, beloved for decades, and easy to style. But that's exactly the point. When nearly everyone on TikTok, Instagram, and on the high street has the same shoes, something that was once fresh starts to feel predictable.
Fashionistas are always looking for nuance and narrative. A Samba doesn't scream personality; it whispers safe choice. Meanwhile, technical trainers tell a story as they feel like a piece of gear that does something rather than just looking nice next to your jeans.
Of course, there's also the influence of broader fashion aesthetics such as gorpcore. It's a trend that celebrates outdoor-inspired utility wear in everyday wardrobes, from Arc'teryx jackets to rugged boots.
Styling Technical Trainers With Ease
One reason technical trainers are so popular is their versatility. Here's how fashion insiders style them:
- Urban casual: Pair chunky, trail-style trainers with tapered trousers and a bomber jacket.
- Smart-casual: Wear a sculptural technical trainer with a blazer and cropped trousers—unexpected but chic.
- Feminine contrast: A Salomon or Asics trail-inspired shoe with a soft dress or skirt balances rugged and refined effortlessly.
The trick? Let the trainer be the star of the outfit without overpowering the overall look.
Top Trainer Styles Right Now
1. Trail-Inspired Runners
Trail-inspired trainers are the beating heart of this trend, such as Salomon XT-6, Nike ACG Mountain Fly 2, or Adidas Terrex Free Hiker. These shoes combine rugged outsoles and durable uppers with a street-ready silhouette, making them surprisingly versatile. Fashion lovers have been spotted pairing them with trench coats, wide-leg suit trousers, or even midi skirts. No hiking socks required.
These shoes are built to handle city streets as stylishly as they handle trails.
2. Toggle and Speed-Lace Trainers
If you thought laces were boring, think again. Trainers with toggle or bungee lace systems have a futuristic and engineered feel like Salomon XT‑7 ADV, Nike React Terra Gobe, or Asics Gel-FujiTrabuco Sky. These functional details give the trainers an edge that instantly reads fashion-forward.
3. Hybrid Technical Sneaker Designs
Hybrid trainers take cues from trail and performance shoes but feature slimmer, urban-ready silhouettes. They're versatile, bold, and less bulky than full trail runners. Key examples include New Balance 9060, Adidas ZX 2K Boost, and the On Cloudrock collection.
These trainers bridge the gap between rugged design and everyday wearability that's perfect for commuting, brunch dates, or casual office settings.
4. Adhesive-Fastening Trainers
Velcro and adhesive straps aren't for kids anymore. Trainers with hook-and-loop fastenings combine convenience and a sculptural, technical aesthetic. Great examples are Nike Air Rift Trainers, Scuba Mary Jane Sneakers, and On Cloudnova Velcro.
These shoes offer a clean, fuss-free fit while maintaining a performance-inspired look. They work surprisingly well with tailored trousers, skirts, or oversized outerwear.
How Trainers Are Shaping Fashion
Technical trainers are more than just a hype. They reflect a shift in fashion thinking, and that is: shoes should do more than look good. They need to be comfortable, engineered, and visually exciting. In 2026, a Salomon XT-6 or Adidas Terrex is doing what a Samba once did but with added grit and modernity.
So, are Sambas dead? Not at all. But if you want footwear that speaks louder than nostalgia, technical trainers are your wardrobe's next essential.
