I'm Not Saying White Trainers Are Out, But This Pretty Alternative Is Officially In for 2026

As a 26-year-old fashion editor, there is one shoe style which reigns supreme in my capsule wardrobe year-round: trainers. Now, I know that soft leather loafers feel inherently sleeker and ballet flats are timeless, but there's something about trainers I simply can't seem to shake. And lately, all I can think about is the pink trainer trend.

Now, don’t get me wrong, white and black trainers will always be classic (they’ve remained constants in my rotation for some time), but there's something about pink trainers which feels refreshingly new for spring 2026. Maybe it's because the pretty hue lends a romantic softness to simple denim, or maybe it's down to the fact that they lean into the dopamine-dressing vibe that always makes us feel brighter. Either way, what I do know is that muted trousers look inherently more fashionable, and grungy plaid skirts undeniably fresher with pink trainers.

Naturally, designers are one step ahead of the curve, from the sumptuous satin bowling shoes at Onitsuka Tiger to the stiletto iterations at Sinead Gorey. For the past few years, fashion's most formative trendsetters have been showing pink trainers love on the runways. At Simone Rocha's spring/summer 2026 show, pink trainers were shown amongst similarly hued sheer skirts, whilst Miu Miu polished them with floral babydoll dresses. The result? A resounding assertion that pink trainers are an excellent choice for spring.

For further proof, look to Who What Wear UK fashion editor Remy Farrell. Unlike me, she’s never been much of a trainer wearer. "I know that I'm in the minority, but up until recently, I only owned one pair of trainers," she says. "Not throughout my entire life, of course, but I would wear them so infrequently that I only ever had one pair (white) in my rotation for wearing with leggings and activewear."

But then, she says, years of slingbacks, kitten heels, loafers and sandals took their toll, and she decided it was time to find a comfortable option that would still make a chic statement. And that's when her love affair with pink trainers began. "Now I own green, blue, brown and yellow sneakers for dressing up denim and making my skirts feel a bit cooler. My latest faves are a pair of blush-pink Autry trainers that are perfect for my spring slip dresses and cropped jeans."

Have we convinced you yet? If so, you can scroll down to see the best pink trainers on the market right now. They're so cute.

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