The Trainers You Wore In 2008 Are Making A Quiet Comeback—Just Ask Alexa Chung And Charlie XCX

Is this the greatest fashion comeback of all?

Converse trainers

by Hitanshi Kamdar |
Updated on

Whether you're a certified trainer enthusiast with every Adidas Samba colourway or lean towards a more polished aesthetic with ballet flats and loafers, there’s one sneaker you’ve likely owned - and worn to the ground. Enter the Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars. A ’90s staple and a millennial off-duty essential, this cult classic is officially back in the spotlight for 2025, with the style set fully on board.

Julia Dalia wears Converse sneakers at Copenhagen Fashion Week SS25.
Julia Dalia wears Converse sneakers at Copenhagen Fashion Week SS25. ©Getty Images/Raimonda Kulikauskiene

If you've been keeping a close eye on trainer trends, you'll notice that the glorious return of Converse was pretty much inevitable. Their resurgence slots perfectly into fashion’s ongoing fixation with revamping retro classics (hello, Puma Speedcats), not to mention the unwavering devotion of modern-day It-girls to the old-school aesthetic.

It started, as trends often do, with Alexa Chung who wore a pair of cream high top Converse last spring followed by countless other stylish celebs and influencers including Kaia Gerber and Kendall Jenner. More recently Charli XCX signed off on the pair with a striking campaign, and the 90s staple also found its way to London Fashion Week, reworked with heels and studs on Sinead Gorey's AW25 runway.

Charli xcx for converse

When it comes to styling in 2025, stylish Londoners are steering well clear of the Avril Lavigne Sk8er Boi aesthetic. Instead, they’re embracing Converse with a more elevated, effortless cool. Think Alexa Chung in pinstripe trousers and a bomber jacket, summer dresses paired with silk skirts, or the fail-safe combo of blue jeans and a crisp white tee. The beauty of Converse? They’re timeless enough to work with just about anything.

converse trainers
©Instagram/@vanessaroseblair

Most of us wore our Converse to the ground the first time around, proving their status as a true wardrobe classic. From iconic high-tops to must-have collaborations, these are the Converse trainers you’ll be reaching for this spring and beyond.

Shop: The best Converse trainers

Perhaps the most iconic and widely recognised shoe ever, you really can't go wrong with the classic Chuck Taylor high tops.

The playful Converse x Comme des Garçons collaboration has been a favourite with the fashion set since it launched back in 2009. My personal go-to, trust me when I say you'll be returning to this pair for years to come.

Featuring a comfortable foam platform sole, the Chuck Taylor All Star Lift Platforms are ideal if you're worried about looking too short in trainers.

For a touch of dopamine dressing this spring, these vintage canvas Chuck 70's come in an assortment of striking shades, including this light blue which will slip right into your capsule wardrobe.

Living up to its newfound fashion darling credentials, Converse has released a line of trendy leopard print trainers that are perfect for adding a statement finish to any look.

Part of the brand's Valentine's Day capsule, these pretty pink platforms are still up for grabs and are (in our opinion) the finest date night shoes you'll ever buy.

With an all-over gingham print and embroidered laces, it doesn't get cooler than these platform trainers. We highly recommend leaning onto the sweet aesthetic and styling it with a floaty dress.

Imbued with a rich heritage, add a pop of colour to your outfits with these red Converse high tops.

Not one for canvas? Opt for these leather Converse instead which add a refined finish to the classic silhouette.

Following the Puma and Adidas blueprint, Converse is getting in on the ballet flat trainer trend with these Mary Jane chuck tailors. Ideal footwear for hikes and picnic alike.

Once controversial, the wedge trainers of 2011 are trendy once again and we're loving this suede take from Converse. Don't forget to be liberal with protective spray.

Main image credits: ©Instagram/@sincerelyjules @alexachung

Hitanshi Kamdar is a senior commerce writer for Grazia. Hitanshi is always on the hunt for the latest trends, emerging designers and the internet’s most bizarre style discourse. When not writing, she can be found IDing outfits during Netflix binges and shopping for the latest It-girl shoe trends.

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