Since 2022 – or even 2020 if we include the Wales Bonner collaboration that bought the style back – Adidas Sambas have taken over the sneaker world. For a very long time, you couldn’t walk a few metres without spotting someone wearing a pair of instantly recognisable trainers. Now, there’s a new trainer style taking its place in the limelight, and it’s all thanks to the texture of the season: suede. 

Usually part of the Western or 70s trends, suede (real or faux) has now been given a 2024 touch, and it’s being worn the minimalist way with sleek tailored blazers, chic tote bags and, of course, trainers. When it comes to kicks, it’s all about the colour. And much like the jacket and bag counterparts, we’re seeing lots of classic, neutral shades of brown, tan and beige. But if you’re fully in your coloured trainers era (they’re not going anywhere this season, FYI), you’ll be pleased to know suede trainers are also coming through in rich burgundy, retro yellow and red. 

One red suede trainer that’s had a lot of love from fashion editors and celebrities – including model Emily Ratajkowski – is the Puma SpeedCat. And now they’re speeding to the top of every fashion insider’s wish list this season. It’s all thanks to the streamlined, sleek silhouette inspired by pairs worn by Grand Prix racing drivers in the 80s and 90s that make them so easy to style. With jeans, wide-leg trousers or dresses, it’s not surprising they were worn – along with every other form of suede trainers – by the fashion elite on the streets at New York fashion week. 

With most of us opting for trainers as part of our everyday wardrobe, even for work, it’s nice to have a couple of pairs to rotate throughout the week. This will include a fail-safe white pair, but so many fun coloured iterations – from zingy yellow to bold green – have been key for quite a few seasons now. And with the popularity of these more lively pairs showing no sign of waning, it’s a trend that has longevity. Which is why we love the fact that aside from the hot red styles celebrities have been styling, the SpeedCat has just launched in tan and sky blue for autumn – no doubt this will be the next trainer we spot on the streets. 

Speaking of cult kicks, the sell-out Miu Miu x New Balance collection is still getting a lot of love from street stylers (sneakerheads may still be able to find the last remaining pairs on resale sites). 

There’s no denying that suede trainers are having quite the moment in the fashion world, and like all sought-after brands, we know these two new styles are bound to become the next kicks you see all over Instagram. Keep scrolling to shop the latest suede trainers that’ll go with all your new season buys. 

Images: Getty; courtesy of brands