As a former footwear editor turned fashion editor, I’ve been following trainer trends for years. Lately, everywhere I turn, soft suede, textile, and even satin styles seem to be dominating — likely thanks to the boom of minimalist, barely-there designs over the past few seasons. And yet, it’s still hard to deny the enduring appeal of a great leather trainer. (Technically speaking, suede is a type of leather, but here, we’re talking about the smooth-grain styles most people associate with the category.)
Not only are they exceptionally timeless and durable — often able to withstand the elements, like light rain during transitional weather — but they can also pair effortlessly with just about anything in your closet, and for nearly any occasion. Even better, the category feels newly invigorated. From old-school favorites reimagined through a fresh lens by some of the most stylish celebrities to forward-thinking takes that adopt today’s buzziest trainer details (yes, including those dainty, low-profile shapes), there’s truly something for every taste.
All that to say: These five leather trainer trends are worth rotating into your lineup. Keep scrolling to find the pair that speaks to you.
Hybrid Styles
While the ballet sneaker trend is certainly here to stay, adjacent hybrid styles—namely, vintage-inspired derby shoes and modern “jazz shoe” designs—are increasingly gaining momentum. First appearing on spring/summer 2026 runways and now across countless collections, they’re defined by slim, flexible soles and Oxford-style detailing atop foot-hugging leather uppers. Elsewhere, brands like KNWLS and Merrell are leaning further into dancewear influences, particularly through split-sole constructions.
Meanwhile, Versace’s new collaboration with Onitsuka Tiger not only puts a fresh spin on the ballet-flat sneaker mashup, but also introduces a surprisingly elevated sneaker-loafer—one that just might make the hotly contested “snoafer” trend stick this time around.
Zara
Leather Derby Shoes
Onitstuka Tiger x Versace
Tai-Chi Sakura Sneakers
Metallic
In step with the broader return to early-2000s style, metallic leather sneakers have reemerged as a fashion crowd staple. A clear favorite during Fashion Month was the silver variety, worn with everything from flouncy skirts for a playful feel to baggy jeans and monochrome trousers. Played right, they can even work for more formal occasions, like dressier dinners or special events.
Sans Matin Iris Low Top Trainers
M&S Leather Metallic Double Lace Trainers
Slim Sole Craze
After breaking onto the scene with runaway virality, slim sneakers have fully hit their stride. Just about every brand now offers its own take on the flattering, pared-back silhouette, including plenty of sharp leather iterations. While we’ll always be partial to Onitsuka Tiger’s iconic pairs, brands like Dior and Prada, which have finished theirs with a comfortable elastic heel, are also expanding the category in exciting new directions.
Rag & Bone Emilee Ballet Runner Sneakers
Prada Collapse Re-Nylon and suede sneakers
Red Leather
Red sneakers are a perennial favorite among the fashion set and A-listers alike, but instead of the usual all-suede or textile iterations, consider a sleek leather pair that feels even bolder. We’ve got our sights set on Dries Van Noten’s latest glossy lace-ups—recently spotted on the glitterati during Paris Fashion Week—as well as retro classics like the Nike Pacific styles. Consider these the easiest way to add depth to warm-weather outfits.
Dries Van Noten
Eel-Effect Leather Sneakers
Nike Nike Pacific in White & Burgundy
Now 29% Off
Old School Revival
Speaking of, the retro sneaker renaissance is in full swing, proving two things: Some styles will always remain classic, while others once left behind are well worth revisiting. Case in point: the Y2K-famous, shell-toed Adidas Superstar, recently reintroduced in a splashy, star-studded campaign and spotted off-duty on Kendall Jenner. In the signature black colorway, it feels noticeably less high school and more modern—and has even become a personal go-to.
Elsa Hosk has also been spotted in the aerobics-inspired Reebok Freestyle Lo, pairing it with a chic cropped trench for an unexpected contrast. For those craving something chunkier, the Hailey Bieber–approved New Balance 740—re-released just last year—fits the bill.
Adidas Superstar II Shoes
Reebok Freestyle Low Women’s Shoes
Why Trust ELLE
Every product featured on ELLE.com is independently researched, tested, or editor-approved. We only recommend products that we stand behind, and the merchandise featured on our site is always driven by editorial and product testing standards, not by affiliate deals or advertising relationships. Any content created in partnership with advertisers is marked as such.
Sam Peters is the Senior Fashion and Luxury Commerce Editor at Hearst Magazines, where she edits and writes across Harper’s Bazaar, ELLE, Esquire, and more. She has nearly a decade of experience covering style, beauty, and home interiors, with bylines in numerous other major publications including Women’s Wear Daily, Pop Sugar, and Real Simple. She has reported on everything from cutting-edge skincare brands to fashion’s brightest emerging talents, while logging in hundreds of hours researching and testing products and consulting leading experts to uncover the best items on the market. In 2024, she co-launched —featuring over 45 top authorities in beauty, wellness, and medicine who ensure that ELLE’s content is of the highest quality and integrity. When she’s not poring over a beauty formula’s ingredients list or curating the chicest designer finds for a story, you might find her surfing in the Rockaways or re-watching episodes of Sex and the City.