More than your average pair of shoes, cult trainers hold particular gravitas. Signifying shared taste and providing social cachet amongst certain crowds, they are hype culture’s quieter cousin, proliferating just a stone’s throw from the mainstream.
To pinpoint what makes a sneaker become cult, we spoke to Rachel Makar, senior director of merchandising at resale platform, StockX. ‘A cult sneaker starts with a smaller community of enthusiasts and then builds outward,’ Makar explains to ELLE. ‘The early adopters might be tapped into styling or cultural shifts, and then it can grow for any number of reasons – maybe because it feels new or right for the moment.’
Alessandra Ambrosio wears the Isabel Marant Bekett sneakers in 2012
While a number of sought-after cult styles have remained in rotation for decades, others have only just hit the market and some are even due to make a comeback. ‘Something I’ve been really curious about is whether we will see a true comeback of the sneaker wedge.’ Makar says. ‘We noticed an abnormal spike in searches for [the brand] last year, right around the time the style was reemerging. Puma also released its own iteration – the Speedcat Wedge – late last year. The ‘Totally Taupe Chocolate’ colourway that dropped in December currently ranks among the top 25 best-selling women’s sneakers on StockX so far in 2026.’ If the market continues in this direction, we can assume Marant’s cult style will be back on the scene soon enough.
With advice from industry experts, we explored which cult trainers are most loved by fashion girls in 2026. We discovered a mixture of styles: some that have been reimagined for a modern market, some that have leant into the retro revolution, and even some that have surpassed their ‘cult’ status and trickled into the mainstream. The catch 22 of cult sneakers is that they often sell out; but fear not. Below, we have put together the 5 cult trainers that fashion girls are loving in 2026, and they are still in stock.
1/ Adidas X Wales Bonner
Initially launched as part of Wales Bonner’s AW20 collection, the first drop of Adidas x Wales Bonner sneakers featured Sambas and SL72s. The Sambas boasted signature crochet details and extended tongues, while the SL72 were crafted from plush textures, such as suede and corduroy. The collaboration quickly garnered attention, becoming catnip for fashion insiders and has since been cited as a leading catalyst for the Samba’s revival. Over the subsequent years, more trainers were released, including silver and leopard pony hair Sambas, selling out instantly and accruing astonishing resale prices.
This is a rare case where a trainer that was truly a cult piece among strict fashion followers has infiltrated the main stream. Yet, they remain a cult classic thanks to their ‘in the know’ roots.
Adidas x Wales Bonner Suede-Leather Sneakers
Adidas x Wales Bonner Karintha Satin Sneakers
2/ Asics x Completed Works
As part of London Fashion Week, Completed Works collaborated, for the first time, with Asics. Taking the futuristic, sporty design of the Gel-Kayano and turning it on its head by adding embellishments and dainty floral appliqués, the style was an instant hit within fashion circles. Many sizes sold out instantly, but they are now available again for pre-order.
Completedworks x Asics Gel-Kayano
Completedworks x Asics Gel-Kayano
3/ Nike Shox Z
Over the years, Nike’s Shox styles have emerged and re-emerged as popular styles among subcultures, yet never quite reaching the same mainstream notoriety as its classmates such as Air Force and Air Max. Debuting just last year, Nike’s Shox Z is the newest member of the Shox family. Following on from its predecessors, such as the Shox R4 and Shox TL, this particular model has been reimagined with a sleeker silhouette, arriving in fashion-forward colours such as burgundy and beige. This more streamlined reimagining of the Shox Z is approachable in ways that its predecessors were not, giving it the opportunity to reach new audiences.
Nike Shox Z Woven Trainers
Now 29% Off
4/ Isabel Marant Beckett
In terms of a style that’s making a comeback, we’ve got our eye on the divisive Isabel Marant wedge trainer. A definitive cult style of the early 2010s, it was popularised by celebrities including Rihanna and Beyoncé, frequently selling out and even amassing a six-month waiting list. They have resurfaced as a cult shoe, even appearing on Lyst’s hottest products list.
Isabel Marant Bekett Suede High-Top Trainers
Isabel Marant Bekett Suede High-Top Trainers
5/ Autry Medalist
A firm favourite of Katie Holmes, Autry’s Medalist sneakers have been quietly gathering speed since the brand relaunched in 2019. Their unassuming silhouette is what makes them somewhat of a sleeper cult hit, going unnoticed to the untrained eye. Blending 80s heritage with contemporary design, they are perhaps the most versatile offering in our cult round-up, and the ideal choice for those in the market for something on the minimal side of the sneaker spectrum. Now you know the Medalist, we guarantee you’ll start spotting it on the feet of those already ‘in the know’.
Autry Medalist Low Sneakers
Autry Medalist Low Sneakers
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