Emma Childs
While the biggest sneaker trends of 2024 emphasized minimal branding and understated silhouettes, this year has taken a bold turn in the opposite direction. 2025's sneaker trends are less about blending in and more about showcasing unique personal style.
The shift lets sneaker lovers stretch out of their comfort zones with louder iterations of their go-to silhouettes and forgotten favorites. The ever-popular Adidas Samba is reimagined with design adjustments (spoiler alert: elongated tongues have become a popular feature) and in wild animal prints. Retro sneakers from four-plus decades ago that have built dedicated followings among top tastemakers, such as the the Adidas Tokyo and Taekwondo, are also staging successful comebacks. (Rarely will Jennifer Lawrence leave the house without one of her many Adidas Tokyos laced on her feet.)
However, without question, the ballet sneaker trend is the most ubiquitous of 2025. Blending a feminine flat with tech-y design touches, "[ballet sneakers] are the best of both worlds," says Julia Lebossé, founder of the popular Instagram account, Sneakers by Women. Puma's Speedcat Ballet Sneakers are a hero in this category; fashion search engine Lyst named the brand's pirouette-ready style one of the top shoes of the year in its Q1 Index report.
That said, a more understated, quiet luxury influence is still evident. Jamie Lee, a shoe buyer at the luxury retailer Moda Operandi, notes that "minimal designer sneakers from brands like Prada and The Row remain a key trend," while more affordable sneaker brands, like Nike and Puma, introduce slight tweaks to timeless silhouettes—think swapping smooth leather for textured suede and opting for brown over the typical black or white. These changes are subtle, but they show you know, that you read the shoe trend reports and can keep up with the fashion girls.
Read on for expert insights into the top sneaker trends to watch for the rest of 2025, and shop our curated picks for each one.
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
Ballet Sneakers
The mismatched vibe of feminine straps and heftier silhouettes makes these Simone Rocha ballerina sneakers feel fresh.
Anush Mirbegian, Director of Accessories at Fashion Snoops, notes she has been observing the rise of hybrid footwear for several seasons, highlighting ballet-inspired Mary Jane silhouettes with ties or Velcro straps. While viral favorites include Simone Rocha's $1,000 ribbon-lace trainers (pictured above and available to shop below), more budget-friendly options from Bella Hadid-approved brand Vivaia are also gaining significant attention. Marie Claire's editor-in-chief, Nikki Ogunnaike, has also called the so-called "sneakerina" a shoe trend to watch, so this dance-inspired style is unlikely to disappear anytime soon.
Super Slender Sneakers
Fitted sneakers are taken to the next level with figure-hugging options that mimic the look of racing boots.
The slender sneaker trend is reaching new heights. According to Lee, "It sneakers are going even sleeker with very thin soles, tapping into the ballet flat’s market share." Case in point: Prada’s Collapse sneaker, which Lee especially loves. Meanwhile, Adidas is offering a delicate laceless pair at an accessible $100 price point.
Long-Tongue Sneakers
Otherwise simple sneakers are given new life with dramatic tongue-out design details and prints.
Elongated shoe tongues add 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.
Pink Sneakers
Pinks sneakers are here to shake up our neutral collections.
Red sneakers were a major trend last year, but the top trending color in 2025 is much softer. Pink sneakers blend sportiness and femininity for an easygoing, feminine addition to your everyday wardrobe.
Running Sneakers
Fashion is ready to run (literally!) this season.
Fashion is clearly in its active era, and running sneakers have gained popularity in 2025. Whether it's the Jennifer Lawrence and Dakota-Johnson-approved Nike V2K (Kendall Jenner and Kaia Gerber are also fans) or a sleeker pair from Hoka, insiders are choosing comfort over what's traditionally deemed "stylish". However, that doesn't mean these running-ready options are hard to wear: A tech-y, Strava-approved sneaker adds a cool, gorpcore factor to even the simplest jeans-and-a-tee outfit.
Suede Sneakers
Suede sneakers add a touch of elegance to even the most basic looks.
Fashion insiders are loving suede sneakers in 2025. Miu Miu's versions were the first to truly capture the trend a few seasons ago, and the style has been a must-have ever since. Those in mocha mousse stay popular, but other brands offer versions in a range of brighter, more expressive shades.
Metallic Sneakers
Metallic sneakers amp up your fall and winter footwear selection.
Metallic sneakers are the latest maximalist trend to win over the fashion crowd. 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 wear-everyday chain necklaces and dainty hoops.
Brown Sneakers
Brown sneakers are everywhere right now.
Brown sneakers have taken over white or black as the go-to neutral shoe for 2025. Especially as we move through the Fall 2025 season, the color adds a nice touch of warmth that aligns with a cozy autumnal palette.
Printed Sneakers
Your fall outfits could use a pop of print.
Animal prints have dominated every fashion category this year, and sneakers are no exception. Zebra, cheetah, and cow prints have gained popularity over the past few months, stepping up to become one of the foremost sneaker trends of Fall 2025.
Boxing Sneakers
A boxer-inspired silhouette is coming for your high-tops.
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 sneakers have taken the place of the classic high-top silhouette, giving the vertical look a one-two punch of personality.
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Meet the Experts
Mirbegian has worked in trend forecasting, design, and styling brands around the world, including Fashion Snoops, Stylesight, Trendstop, Vogue Italia, Chloé, and Proenza Schouler
Lebossé is a French-Jamaican freelance writer, based just outside of London. Her work has been featured in major publications, including BoF, Highsnobiety, Complex, and Hypebae. She's 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 the SNKRS Live show “Carte Blanche”, a monthly series she co-created with Nike.
Lee is a footwear buyer at Moda Operandi. Born and raised in Seoul, she spent half of her life in South 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.
