I’ll be the first to say it: The “rules” around wearing leggings are changing in 2026. There’s no wrong way to wear them, but there are definitely key styling choices that make them feel a tad more elevated and forward, like opting for a knit cardigan in lieu of a standard sweatshirt or reaching for a trendier brown pair. Of course, we’ll probably always wear leggings with trainers because fewer combinations are quite as elite and, not to mention, functional. If you’re looking to level up the look this year, then it’s time to pay attention to the specific trainer style you’re reaching for, and right now, there are five buzzy pairs taking the lead.

So far this year, the It girls with the best style are only really pairing their leggings with these trainers. Dakota Johnson is loyal to her retro Nike V2K runners, and Hailey Bieber has put her stake in the ground as a Salomon girlie, favouring the viral XT-6s that are always selling out. Basically, if a celeb is wearing trainers with leggings right now, there’s a 99% chance one of these exact pairs is on their feet.

Shop the five Trainers To Wear With Leggings:

1. Nike V2K Runners

Dakota Johnson wearing black leggings with Nike V2K sneakers in L.A.

(Image credit: TheHollywoodFix.net / BACKGRID)

Style Notes: Johnson is so loyal to her Nike V2K sneakers that she owns them in multiple colours—the bright-blue pair above and a sleek all-black version—both of which the actress wears with her black leggings to and from the gym. Inspired by Y2K runners, the sneakers lend a cool, athletic feel to Johnson’s workout looks.

Shop the Trainers:

2. Salomon XT-6 Sneakers

Hailey Bieber wearing brown leggings with Salomon XT-6 sneakers in L.A.

(Image credit: Backgrid)

Style Notes: It was already hard enough to get your hands on a pair of the viral Salomon XT-6 Sneakers, but with a recent Bieber cosign, the trail runners are becoming some of the most sought-after sneakers of all time, and for good reason. With their rugged soles and bright colour combos, they add an immediate cool factor to leggings.

Shop the Trainers:

3. Loewe Flow Runner Sneakers

Margot Robbie wearing leggings with Loewe sneakers.

(Image credit: TheImageDirect.com)

Style Notes: Margot Robbie and Brazilian model Bruna Marquezine are both fans of the Loewe Flow Runners, and while the pair looks equally as good with relaxed denim and trousers, the retro runners make leggings look much more intentional.

Shop the Trainers:

4. Asics GT-2160 Sneakers

Kendall Jenner wearing Asics sneakers with bike shorts.

Style Notes: Kendall Jenner recently posted her gym look consisting of a long-sleeve top, matching bike shorts, and a pair of notably chunkier sneakers than we’ve seen her wearing in a while. The style in question was the Asics GT-2160, sporty sneakers with mesh and silver stripes that may become the underdog hit of 2026, especially if they follow the same path as the viral Asics Gel Kayano.

Shop the Trainers:

5. New Balance 9060 Sneakers

Ana de Armas wearing New Balance 9060 sneakers with beige leggings and a workout top in L.A.

(Image credit: Ronaldinho Gaucho / BACKGRID)

Style Notes: Ana de Armas is almost always spotted at the gym in her New Balance 9060 Sneakers—so much so that they’ve become the actress’s signature shoes, at least when it come to her workout outfits. The chunky silhouette is a favourite to pair with one of her minimalist legging sets from Vuori or Lululemon.