The IJssel River, a vital waterway in the eastern Netherlands, faces increasing challenges due to climate change and historical flood events. Traditional river training structures, such as groynes, have contributed to riverbed erosion, prompting exploration of alternative designs that balance navigation, flood safety, and ecological value. This study investigates innovative river training structures, including longitudinal training walls (LTWs) and multi-channel systems, as potential replacements for the groyne-based design used in the Waal River pilot project. Four alternatives were developed and evaluated using a multi-criteria analysis (MCA) based on structural, spatial, ecological, and economic factors. While the LTW composed of Xstream concrete elements scored highest in the MCA, the multi-channel system emerged as the most favorable solution in the cost-benefit analysis due to its lower implementation costs. Despite its economic advantage, further research into the morphological impacts of each alternative is recommended to support future decision-making in sustainable river management.