While the biggest sneaker trends of 2024 emphasized minimal branding and understated silhouettes, the first half of 2025 has taken a bold turn in the opposite direction. This year’s designs are less about blending in and more about showcasing unique personal style.
The shift lets sneaker lovers and everyday wearers stretch their comfort zones with bold, revamped versions of classic favorites. For example, the popular Adidas Samba is being reimagined with even more minimalist styles that feel nearly invisible. Notable examples include the Tokyo and the Taekwondo, two Adidas sneakers that have built a dedicated following.
Meanwhile, chunky sneakers, characterized by thicker soles and revamped platforms, incorporate modern details. This year's high-tops give subtle nods to niche designs like classic boxing sneakers and the ballet-flat-sneaker hybrid, which is a fusion of sporty and feminine. "They're the best of both worlds," says Julia Lebossé, founder of Sneakers by Women.
Simone Rocha's ballet sneakers are back for this season, while Miu Miu leaned in to the brown sneaker trend. Prada, on the other hand, showed that ultra-thin sneakers continue to hang around.
While quiet luxury continues to thrive, Jamie Lee, a shoe buyer at the luxury retailer Moda Operandi, notes that "runners from brands like Prada and The Row will remain a key trend." Loud luxury from trendy, more affordable sneaker brands like Nike and Puma will reinterpret timeless silhouettes with playful, modern updates.
These updates include swapping leather for suede and choosing brown sneakers over your usual black or white versions. You're just as likely to find pairs in shades of hot pink or silver chrome as you are in neutral tones. Also back are the ever-despised sneaker mules, which give shoppers the option to replace their loafers and ballet flats with something a bit sportier.
Read on for expert insights into the top shoe trends to watch for the rest of 2025—and shop our curated picks to stay ahead of the curve.
2025's Biggest Sneaker Trends at a Glance:
- Shop Mary Jane Sneakers
- Shop Super-Slender Sneakers
- Shop Sneakers With Oversized Tongues
- Shop Boxing Sneakers
- Shop Pink Sneakers
- Shop Running Sneakers
- Shop Suede Sneakers
- Shop Silver Sneakers
- Shop Brown Sneakers
- Shop Printed Sneakers
- Meet the Experts
Ballet Sneakers
The mismatched vibe of feminine straps and sportier silhouettes make these ballerina-themed sneakers feel fresh for the new year.
Anush Mirbegian, Director of Accessories at Fashion Snoops, notes she has been observing the rise of hybrid footwear for several seasons, highlighting Mary Jane silhouettes updated with tie or Velcro straps—details now common across men’s and women’s collections. While viral favorites include Salomon’s collaboration with MM6 Maison Margiela, more budget-friendly options from Bella Hadid-approved brand Vivaia are also gaining a lot of attention. Marie Claire's editor-in-chief Nikki Ogunnaike has also called the so-called "sneakerina" a spring shoe trend to watch, so I don't think this style will disappear anytime soon.
Super-Slender Sneakers
Fitted sneakers are taken to the next level with figure-hugging options that take inspiration from racing boots.
The slender sneaker trend is expected to reach new heights in 2025. According to Lee, "It-sneakers are going even sleeker with very thin soles, tapping into the ballet flat’s market share," as seen in Prada’s new Collapse sneaker, which she especially loves. Meanwhile, Adidas is offering a delicate laceless pair at an accessible $100 price point. You can also find Jennifer Lawrence's exact pair on Farfetch.
Sneakers With Oversized Tongues
Otherwise simple sneakers are given new life with dramatic tongue-out design details and prints.
Elongated shoe tongues have officially become a major trend for 2025, adding a bold and playful twist to classic silhouettes. First seen in collaborations like the Adidas x Wales Bonner sneakers—popularized by Gigi Hadid’s effortlessly chic pairing last summer—this exaggerated design detail is quickly establishing itself as a signature look across all sneaker brands.
Boxing Sneakers
High-tops are back for the new season with an updated boxer silhouette.
Remember when everyone rocked a pair of Converse high tops? They’re making a comeback in 2025—but with a twist. This time, sporty boxing-inspired sneakers have taken the place of the classic high-top silhouette, giving the look a fresh, modern edge.
Pink Sneakers
Pinks sneakers are here to shake up our neutral collections.
Red sneakers were a major trend last year, but the coolest new color trend for 2025 is much softer. Pink sneakers blend sportiness and femininity for an easygoing style you can wear every day.
Running Sneakers
Fashion is ready to run (literally!) this season.
Fashion is clearly in its active era, and running sneakers are gaining popularity. Whether it's the "Jennifer Lawrence and Dakota-Johnson-approved Nike V2K Runs" (Kendall Jenner and Kaia Gerber are also fans) or a sleeker pair from Hoka, insiders are choosing comfort over style. However, that doesn't mean these running-ready options are hard to wear. They add a cool factor to even the simplest jeans-and-a-tee outfit. Spoiler: This list also includes a running sneaker designed by Zendaya with Law Roach and a chunky sneaker endorsed by Naomi Campbell.
Suede Sneakers
Suede sneakers add a touch of elegance to even the most basic looks.
Fashion insiders are crazy for suede sneakers in 2025. Miu Miu's versions were the first to really nail the trend when they debuted a few seasons back, and the style has been a must-have ever since. Those mocha mousse-colored styles stay popular, but other brands now offer versions in a range of spring-ready colors.
Metallic Sneakers
Metallic sneakers are here to amp up your summer footwear selection.
Metallic sneakers are the latest maximalist trend of 2025. Whether you choose gold or silver, these kicks are guaranteed to stand out. Chrome-style silver options from Tory Burch and Gola give a futuristic vibe, while bright gold pairs accentuate your summer tan.
Brown Sneakers
Brown sneakers are everywhere right now.
Brown sneakers have officially taken over white or black sneakers as the go-to color for 2025. Especially as we move into fall fashion season, the color adds an unexpected splash of brightness to the often monochromatic outfits of the fashion crowd.
Printed Sneakers
Add a pop of print to your simplest fall outfits.
Animal prints have taken over the fashion world, and sneakers are no exception. Zebra, cheetah, and cowhide patterns have gained popularity over the past few months and have become a major fall sneaker trend.
Meet the Experts
Mirbegian has worked in trend forecasting, design and styling with fashion and trend brands around the world, including Fashion Snoops, Stylesight, Trendstop, Vogue Italia, Chloe and Proenza Schouler
Julia Lebosse is a French-Jamaican Freelance Writer, based just outside of London. Her work is rooted in going beneath the surface and uncovering unheard stories, focusing on footwear, fashion and sports.
Her work has been featured in major publications including BoF, Highsnobiety, Complex, Hypebae, and Guachoworld.
Julia is also the visionary behind Sneakers by Women, a curated Instagram-based magazine that highlights the often-overlooked stories of women in footwear, design, and fashion. Through SBW, she has partnered with major brands such as Nike and Puma, advocating for and supporting women in the footwear industry.
Previously, Julia hosted Nike's SNKRS Live show “Carte Blanche”, a monthly series she co-created with Nike. In this role, she scripted and conducted interviews with creatives across Europe, exploring topics such as unconventional education and the intersection of motherhood and entrepreneurship.
Jamie Lee is a footwear buyer at Moda Operandi. Born and raised in Seoul, South Korea, she spent half of her life in Korea and the other half in the United States. She began her buying career at Dover Street Market New York. She now lives and works in NYC.
