If the 1970s was the decade of the slimline sneaker, then the ’80s were defined by trainers rendered in bold, brash colour. Once Nike unveiled its gamechanging Air Jordan in 1985, trainers stopped being just something you wore to exercise, and became a status symbol – and a style signature for stars of the day, like reigning pop queens Madonna and Cyndi Lauper.
In 2026, colour is back on the cards, with brands spanning sportswear (Nike, Adidas) and luxury fashion (Loewe, Dries Van Noten) all producing trainers that are anything but toned-down – from pastel colour combos to attention-grabbing brights. The easiest way to wear the look? By leaning even further into the dad aesthetic with some straight-leg denim.
Discover five ways to wear the retro combination.
Acid wash jeans + pink trainers
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Nothing says “1980s” like acid wash denim, and a pair of trainers in soft pastel pink makes a perfect accompaniment to the look. Add a zip-up hoodie and a shoulder bag, and you’ve got an off-duty look with a point of difference.
High-waisted jeans + green trainers
Pair high-waisted, straight-leg jeans with a pair of green trainers, an oversized tee and a statement bag. Model off-duty style in minutes.
Distressed denim + yellow trainers
Here, bright yellow trainers are a pleasingly unexpected addition to distressed denim and a military jacket. Pair with a black T-shirt and a fits-your-life-in bag.
Cuffed jeans + colour-block trainers
Classic blue jeans with turn-ups will draw further attention to chunky, sporty trainers in punchy neon shades.
High-Waisted Wide-Leg Turn Up Jeans
Black jeans + two-tone trainers
Black denim is the perfect backdrop for two-tone trainers with contrasting laces for a low-effort, high-impact way to wear denim.
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