We’ve all come to rely on sneakers, or trainers as we call them in the UK, for casual, comfortable everyday footwear. This article is about the new trends in sneakers – but it doesn’t cover specialist shoes for sports, running or fitness classes. I’m going to talk only about shoes that add comfort and style to your daily life – in particular if you’re over 50.
Here are the upcoming styles for Autumn/Winter 2025-2026. Sure, you can still enjoy wearing those sneakers you bought last year. But why not put them by the door for walking the dog or working in the garden. Start your search for a stylish new pair of trainers here.
Retro stripes
The biggest news right now is that ‘old school’ is the new trendy! Yep, those go-fast side stripes from years ago are back in fashion. They work really well with jeans for a slightly retro look. But the stripes can echo a color in your outfit for a smart-casual put together look, whether that’s pants and a top or a dress.
These faux suede trainers have exactly the retro look that’s popular this Fall. Note the old-fashioned brown of the sole too. These would add punch to an all black or all white outfit.
We expect well-designed footwear for comfort and foot health from the Dr. Scholl brand. Here the merest suggestion of stripes nods to the retro revival. Fabulous color to wear as the bright point of interest with a navy outfit or to add style to jeans and a green stripe Breton top.
These running-shoe-meets-city-style sneakers tick all this year’s boxes. Tasteful black, ivory, beige color palette makes them ideal for casual or much smarter wear – think black pant suit with ivory silk shirt. The thin sole is the biggest change we’re seeing this Fall. The days of platforms and chunky sneakers are almost gone.
Easy on, easy off sneaker styles
Such a cool, wearable color for these snug knitted sneakers. I love the thinner wavy-look sole and the added details at the heel and the front top. I would wear these indoors or out, with a midi skirt or straight pants, slightly cropped, and fun ankle socks.
These shoes still have that rather heavy look that is less popular now. But I’ve included them because of the color – French Burgundy – which is very fashionable right now and likely to continue so. Plus I like the on-trend mesh meets suede. If you have a broad foot, these easy to adjust straps are a god-send.
Just perfect with jeans whether shopping in town, strolling the sights on an Autumn break or, indeed, going on a real long walk! The front zipper makes getting these shoes on and off so much easier. And no fiddly laces to tie and retie throughout the day.
Fun colors add instant wow
Animal prints have been in style for accessories for years now – less so those rather cringy tight dresses covered with animal spots! Up your naughty but nice factor with these totally adorable sneakers in leopard look. Thin soles, stripes, blend-in laces – these shoes have got it all. So get out those jeans or cord pants and that suede blazer and strut it like you mean it girls!
I just can’t resist a bright red shoe! Confident, classy, cheeky, unmissable – what’s not to like! These are perfect for games of tennis and will show off your dainty footwork against your tiny white outfit – but for the other 99% of us older ladies, they’ll work their magic just as well under a denim midi dress or a double-denim shirt and jeans combo. Not for wet weather.
Suede sneakers
OK so these are my own personal favorite trainers in this Fall collection. I love the all brown – perfect for Fall outfits and I have based my Fall capsule wardrobe on brown this year. I love the less bulky, smarter, sleeker look that makes these shoes perfect for a patterned shirt with brown wider cords right through to a smart suede jacket and swishy mid-skirt. And suede is everywhere this Autumn.
To tie or not to tie – laces that is. You’ll see most younger women have stopped tying their sneaker laces and instead push the ends down inside the shoe. You wouldn’t do this for running or other sporty uses, but today sneakers are athleisure rather than only for fitness. And hiding those distracting bows makes for a sleeker more stylish shaped foot. These Nikes are the perfect shoe to wear with jeans. The elegant suede, the grippy yet slimmer sole and the rounded toe makes for both comfort and style.
A smart and refined shoe at a very affordable price for real leather. I like this pale coffee shade and would feel good styling these sneakers with paler pants and dresses. With their thinner sole, less bright white, and smart to casual styling, these sneakers will work for you from now through to at least the end of 2026.
If you enjoyed this post why not take a look at my post about the new short-sleeved fashion in cardigans.
Thank you for so many nice new sneakers! I wear Skechers as they have Wide sizes, wish they had more color choices in wide. I wear pale grey when I can find them and navy and in summer white a lot. I also like some Easy Spirit styles, especially the Denise Austin ones. I wear Brooks when walking the dog our mile everyday. I have serious arthritis in my feet plus peripheral neuropathy pain so need that thick sole cushion. Have an enjoyable autumn Joni.
Hi Sydney. I did have a look at Skechers for this post but didn’t see anything that went with my ‘the new retro’ topic. I agree anything that does wider fittings is the place to go. Though I find all trainers manage this via the laces -they can be loosened – or the elastic front area, which expands to allow for older wider feet. Thanks for your comments and keep safe and warm!! Joni