YOUR TOP 5 TRAINERS FOR STRIDING THROUGH AUTUMN

Asics Novablast 6 Lite-Show running trainers in grey with orange, £140

Outdoor runners will understand the double-edged sword that is a long, hot summer. Yes, it’s lovely outside. It’s also too lovely to go on longer runs without dealing with overheating. Now that the weather is finally cool enough to comfortably go over 5k, it’s time to invest in the right running shoes. Asics' Novablast 6 Lite-Show pair has a bouncy sole that feels soft without being squishy, so you get excellent energy return with every step. A grippy rubber-trimmed outsole provides traction on rain-slicked roads, and the reflective details mean you’ll be nice and visible on your evening run.

Salomon XT-6 GTX trainers in bitter chocolate and vanilla ice, £185

Salomon’s XT-6 GTX shoes are an undeniable streetwear staple that transcends seasons and trends, but there’s something about this one’s bitter chocolate and vanilla-ice colourway that feels especially autumnal. Brand purists will know that the XT-6 was originally designed for trail running, so it’s more than just a pretty shoe. Think a Mud contaGRIP® outsole for traction, plus a supportive dual-density EVA midsole. You’ll feel springy on your feet, whether you’re on a countryside hike or a quick trip to the nearest pub garden – or possibly both.

adidas Originals Handball Spezial trainers in red with double laces, £90

There will always be a place in the right outfit for a pair of lo-pros. adidas is the Big Daddy of this particular shoe division, with a league of multiple low-profile styles. Are you a Samba stan or a SL72 fan? If you answered yes to either, we’d like you to take a look at these Handball Spezials. Here’s what makes them especially autumn-appropriate: the burnt-red colour reminds us of falling leaves, while the contrasting textured, gummed soles provide just enough grip on wet rainy days. Plus, the two-tone double laces are a playful detail that shows you've made a considered choice.

New Balance 983 leather trainers in burgundy, £160

New Balance’s newest model to hit the virtual shelves, the 983, is a reimagining of 00s styles – the result is a mash-up of hypebeast and dad shoe. A solid contender for 2026’s most intriguing trainer, it has a chunky profile overlaid with glossy and matte elements. The result somehow manages to be nostalgic (especially for 9060 fans, who will recognise some similar design quirks) and modern – a balance that just hits right. We’ve chosen this burgundy colourway to highlight because it’s extra autumn-y, but we have blue and black versions in stock too.

Nike Air Max TL 2.5 trainer in khaki, £164.99

Nike is on a hot streak with its 00s-era reissues – the Air Max TL 2.5 had a brief run in 2006 as a running shoe and has now been resurrected as a new street style staple. The chunky shape is peak Y2K, but it’s got a 2026 khaki-green colour scheme. It has the same pleasingly wavy upper as the original, plus the cushioned Air Max unit makes it feel as good as it looks.