It’s a brilliant time to be a trainer fan. The last few years have seen a slew of young brands challenging the status quo, bringing fresh impetus to the market and producing unique designs that are anything but cookie cutter.

To keep you ahead of the game, here’s our round-up of the up-and-coming names that all true sneakerheads should know.

Eytys

They might look like simple plimsolls, but the little details on this Swedish brand’s sneakers are tuned to perfection – contrast heel tabs, cotton linings, waxed laces, premium materials, and a thick vulcanised sole that’s quickly garnered them a cult following amongst shoe obsessives.

“The choice of materials is great – suede and canvas are ideal for warmer months, while the leather versions a safe bet for colder ones.” says Stephen Cross of the Newcastle boutique End Clothing, an early adopter of the brand.

Current Styles

• Eytys Mother Sneakers
• Eytys Lace-up Sneakers
• Eytys Thick Soled Sneakers
• Eytys Odyssey Leather Hi Top Sneaker
• Eytys Odyssey Canvas Hi Top Sneaker
• Eytys Odyssey Suede Hi Top Sneaker

Feit

Pronounced ‘fight’, this Aussie brand produces handmade sneakers that are ethically conscious too.

Expect clean-lined, smooth silhouettes with visible hand-stitching, incredibly soft leather construction and a minimal, crisp finish.

The brand’s range of low- and hi-tops are not only highly rated by those in the industry – Feit’s Bio Trainer (below) is a luxe running sneaker that’s “the world’s first 100 per cent biological handmade trainer” – but they are also some of the most comfortable on the market.

Current Styles

• Biotrainer Semi Cordovan Black
• Hand Sewn Low Semi Cordovan White
• Galaxy Biotrainer Suede Marine With Gold
• Hand Sewn High Suede Greige
• Biotrainer Mid Leather Black
• Pntha Hi Leather Marine

Article Number

While many brands prefer the pared-down, minimal look, there’s something refreshing about Article Number’s unabashedly retro, out there designs.