Which trainers deserve an Autumn upgrade?
Adidas, PUMA, Nike, New Balance, or ASICS: Which Trainers Deserve an Autumn Upgrade
Small disclosure, this post has affiliate links in it and we might earn a bit if you buy through one, at no extra cost to you. Prices were checked in October 2026, trainer prices move around a fair amount so have a quick look before you buy.
Summer trainers are mesh, white, and built to breathe. Autumn asks for something else: more grip, warmer tones, and a shoe that still looks right under trousers once the shorts go back in the drawer. Five brands make a real case for your fifth pair right now, and this season the trend itself is doing a lot of the work. Low-profile, slim-silhouette retro runners are what stylists and editors keep pointing to, not chunky performance shoes. Here's how adidas, PUMA, Nike, New Balance, and ASICS stack up against that trend, or in Nike's case, deliberately against it, with one standout pick from each.
adidas Gazelle: the safest, most versatile upgrade
The Gazelle's suede upper and gum sole are built for exactly this: a retro silhouette that's stayed in near-constant fashion rotation for decades rather than one season's trend. It suits anyone who wants one trainer that works with jeans, chinos, or a jacket without overthinking it.
PUMA Speedcat OG: the actual "it" trainer of the year
PUMA Unisex Speedcat OG Trainers – Black
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The Speedcat's low, flat, motorsport-derived shape is exactly the slim silhouette dominating 2026. It's been photographed repeatedly on Rihanna and named by multiple style publications as the shoe of the year. It suits anyone who wants the single most current pick on this list, not just a solid classic.
Nike General Purpose Trainers: the one that skips the hype cycle entirely
Nike General Purpose Trainers
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Nike worked directly with artist and designer Tom Sachs on this one: a lightweight mesh-and-suede upper, a sculpted foam midsole, and a hard-wearing rubber outsole built for daily terrain rather than a shelf. It's not trying to be the fashion pick here. It's for anyone who wants a trainer with genuine design credibility behind it, not just a famous swoosh.
New Balance 2002R: the retro runner leading the trend
New Balance 2002 Protection Pack Trainers – Cortado Raincloud
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This Protection Pack version adds a water-resistant suede overlay to the classic 2002R shape, so the leather, mesh, and ABZORB cushioning underneath get a bit more weatherproofing for actual autumn use. The Cortado Raincloud colourway is about as warm-toned as the 2002R gets, and at 44% off, it's still one of the better value picks on this list.
ASICS GEL-1130: the heritage runner having a moment
ASICS Gel 1130 Trainers – Cream Pure Silver
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The GEL-1130 takes a synthetic leather-panelled build from ASICS' running archive and updates it for street wear rather than the track. The Cream/Pure Silver colourway keeps it neutral enough to wear with almost anything, and it suits anyone who wants a runner-shaped trainer with real heritage behind it rather than a brand-new design.
If you only trust one trend call this autumn, make it the Speedcat or the 2002R. Both are the specific shapes stylists keep pointing to right now, and the Speedcat, at £54, is currently the cheapest thing on this list too. Want the safest, most-worn-with-everything option instead? The adidas Gazelle won't date. Want heritage running pedigree over hype? The ASICS GEL-1130 has it. And if you'd rather skip the trend conversation altogether, Nike's General Purpose Trainers, designed with Tom Sachs for actual daily wear rather than a hype drop, is the one to reach for.
Updated October 2026. Worth checking the live price before you commit, especially around sale weekends.
