Trend Alert: Slim Trainers

There’s no denying it: slim trainers are the hottest style of the moment. Low profile silhouettes, slim soles, and minimal design: whether you love the racing-inspired look of the PUMA Speedcat or opt for vintage vibes with the old school Gola Elan, a slim sole trainer is officially a wardrobe essential.

Don’t miss the hottest trend of 2025: here’s the lowdown on the coolest slim trainers and how to style them, so you can rock this trend effortlessly.

On-Trend Style Meets Timeless Design

Remember the days of chunky trainers? The bigger the sole, the better? Well, times are changing – and shoes are shrinking. From TikTok FYPs to the coolest celebs’ street style, slim trainers are everywhere. 

Sleek, slim, and low profile is in, and it isn’t just a fleeting trend: since the adidas Samba’s incredible boom in popularity in 2022, the slim trainer trend just hasn’t slowed down – and it’s only getting cooler. Here at schuh, we’ve seen the style everywhere over the last two years, with the Samba as prevalent on streets up and down the country as it has been on celebrities and fashion shows. That means that the slim trainer is about to have its moment in the sun – and then some.

See, the slim trainer’s defining characteristics – lightweight construction, low profile design, sleek slim sole, and endless wearability – all give it a truly timeless quality. In fact, most of the hottest styles right now have their roots in the ‘00s, ‘90s, and even earlier – so you can be sure that your new slim shoes will not only look hot now, but also stand the test of time.

Slim trainers offer the perfect balance between on-trend style and everyday versatility, often sporting classic branding and minimalist silhouettes. Their colour palettes tend to be rooted in either versatile neutral tones, or bright, retro-inspired hues: think the PUMA Speedcat, available in everything from classic black and neutral beige, to bright yellow and bold red. 

You’re sold, right? Here’s our list of some of the coolest slim trainers of the moment, and how to fit them into your everyday rotation with ease.

ALOHAS TB.490 Rife

Step straight into the slim trainer trend with one of the coolest styles of them all: the ALOHAS TB.490. This fashion-forward Hawaiian brand is no stranger to a trending style, and their TB.490 trainer is our absolute favourite.

Sporting a low profile silhouette and retro-inspired gum sole, the ALOHAS TB.490 is crafted with premium suede in a wide range of effortlessly chic colourways – think deep forest green, rich berry pink, and classic bright red. For a standout look that taps into multiple fashion trends at once, swap out the classic suede for cow print hair on leather. Searches for cow print shoes have grown 175% in the past year, meaning it’s another footwear trend that’s really worth backing – why not double up?

Speaking of trends, another one we’re loving is top flap trainers – and ALOHAS also delivers on that. Opt for the TB.490 Club: a variation on the classic TB.490 Rife that features a super on-trend long tongue folding over the laces, paying homage to classic football trainers.

Sported by the likes of Kaia Gerber, these slim trainers are a cool girl wardrobe staple. Pair them with wide leg jeans and a t-shirt for the ultimate laid-back look that’ll keep you looking chic on city streets.

PUMA Speedcat

You simply can’t talk about slim trainers without mentioning one of the hottest shoes of the year: the PUMA Speedcat. This iconic silhouette has its roots in motorsport heritage, originally designed as an ultra slim driving shoe for Formula 1 drivers. It’s since shifted gears from the track to the runway, becoming a sleek streetwear staple, making waves in the high fashion world and beyond.

This low-profile, minimalist suede design from PUMA is complete with a slim rubber sole that makes it super easy to style. It has truly cemented its place as a must-have in sneaker culture – and, in case you needed more convincing, is a favourite of fashion icons Dua Lipa and Emily Ratajkowski.

Pair your new PUMA Speedcats with crisp white socks and sporty shorts for a laid-back summer look, or with baggy denim to contrast with its streamlined silhouette, making for the ultimate streetwear vibe.

Gola Elan

Looking for an on-trend slim trainer that truly taps into vintage nostalgia? Meet the Gola Elan. It’s likely you’ll recognise this classic shoe with its terrace silhouette, retro gum sole, and distinctive striped Gola branding. Synonymous with quality, authenticity, and British sporting heritage: you just can’t go wrong with one of Gola’s classic designs.

The Elan is reminiscent of ‘70s running shoes with its lightweight construction and nylon and suede panelling, making it the perfect fit for those seeking a casual style with vintage vibes. And it’s not the only classic trainer on offer from Gola – for another slim fit cult favourite, check out the iconic Gola Harrier, or if you’re loving the top flap look, the Gola Stadium 86 is your answer.

Your new slim sole Golas will pair with just about everything in your wardrobe. Whether you opt for one of their bright, retro-inspired colour combinations or an easy-to-wear neutral shade, they’ll look fresh with everything from tailored trousers to flowy skirts. Pair them with an oversized shirt and you’ll be the coolest person in the room.

New Balance 471

No trainers’ list is ever complete without a style from everybody’s favourite brand, New Balance. You may know them best for their iconic dad trainers, but the style we can’t take our eyes off right now is the New Balance 471.

New Balance is the go-to for comfortable, minimalist, and effortlessly cool additions to your everyday rotation. The 471 is no different, with its minimalist silhouette drawing inspiration from retro running shoes. Its slight wedge midsole, classic New Balance branding, and versatile colourways is cementing the 471’s place as one of the brand’s hottest styles.

This super cool slim trainer is endlessly versatile: style it with straight leg trousers and a boxy t-shirt for a clean look, or go for a techy vibe with baggy parachute pants. Perfect for everyday wear, the 471 delivers all-day comfort and effortless cool – guaranteed.

schuh Slim Trainers

Our very own schuh collection also features some seriously stylish slim shoes to add to your rotation. Meet our newest fave: the Mindy Suede Lace Up in beige. Crafted with smooth suede and a minimalist profile, this sleek trainer is complete with contrasting laces for a super on-trend, fashion-forward finish that’s perfect for elevated everyday styling. Pair them with blue jeans and a white t-shirt for the ultimate Scandi-chic look.

There’s just something about a slim silhouette and animal print design – and the Merry Suede Lace Up in beige and brown nails that combo. With its sleek laces, retro-inspired gum sole, and all-over leopard print, this trainer delivers effortless cool. Style with tailored trousers and a relaxed shirt for an elevated office look, or with a flowy skirt and tank top for the perfect brunch ‘fit.

Our collection also includes the vintage-inspired Montana Leather trainer, the bold silver Marnie, and plenty more – making it easy to upgrade your shoe game with a new slim sole pair from schuh.

Find Your Perfect Slim Trainer at schuh

The slim trainer is not only one of 2025’s hottest footwear trends – it’s also a timeless silhouette that makes for the perfect everyday sneaker. Whether you opt for PUMA Speedcat in a bold colourway or a neutral New Balance 471 style, these easy-to-wear shoes will inevitably become your everyday go-to.

Discover all of these iconic styles and many more in our slim trainers edit at schuh. Choose one of our Fast & Free Delivery options at the checkout to level up your shoe game in no time.