A fashion trend from the early 2010s, the divisive wedge trainer, is officially making a comeback this autumn, sparking a fierce online debate among fashion enthusiasts. This clunky trainer-heel hybrid, once a must-have item, is now reappearing on high streets and in fashion reports, causing both excitement and horror among shoppers.

The wedge trainer first rose to prominence in 2011, largely due to French designer Isabel Marant's Bekett trainers, which quickly became a sell-out success. These original designer versions, which can still command a price of around £500, were widely embraced by A-list celebrities throughout the 2010s. Stars such as Khloe Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, and Gisele Bündchen were frequently spotted wearing them. Beyoncé even famously featured a pair in her iconic 'Love On Top' music video while pregnant, further cementing their status as a celebrity favorite. Despite their high-profile endorsements, the shoes were not universally loved; many critics branded them a fashion disaster, deeming them clunky and impractical.

Fast forward to autumn 2025, and the polarizing footwear is confirmed to be one of the hottest products of the moment, according to fashion data giant Lyst. Their report specifically lists Isabel Marant’s Bekett as a must-have item, signaling that the nostalgia trend is in full swing. This resurgence is not limited to designer labels, as bargain hunters have already discovered affordable dupes on platforms like TikTok Shop and at high street retailers such as Bershka. Shoppers have even reported seeing these trainers for sale on London's bustling Oxford Street, confirming the trend has firmly hit the UK market.

However, the return of the wedge trainer has ignited a significant backlash on social media. Many shoppers are vocally advocating for the trend to remain firmly in the 2010s. On Reddit, furious users did not mince words, labeling the shoes "ugly" and "chunky." One user even shared a cautionary tale, stating, "I almost broke my ankle in these," while another commented, "I'm so glad I was broke in 2010 - didn't buy them then and won't be buying them now." A third simply declared, "It's a no from me." Conversely, a segment of the online community expressed delight at the news, with one fan exclaiming, "Yes bring them back," and another praising their comfort, saying, "These were so comfy I love." For those willing to embrace this nostalgic trend, Asos offers a pair of Bershka wedged trainers for £55, providing an accessible alternative to the £495 Isabel Marant originals.

The wedge trainer's comeback is part of a broader trend of 2010s fashion items resurfacing. Earlier this year, shoppers were similarly confronted with the return of the peplum top, a club classic from around the same era, which fashion icons like Molly-Mae Hague have recently embraced. The bandage dress, originally a Hervé Léger creation from 1989 but popularized by celebrities like Victoria Beckham in the 2000s, has also made a strong return, with House of CB declaring that "bandage is back." These revivals indicate a strong current of fashion nostalgia, bringing back items that once defined a decade, whether loved or loathed.