Spring 2026’s Biggest Sneaker Trends Were Hiding in My Closet
They’re probably already in yours, too
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It should come as no surprise to anyone who knows me that I have a problem: I simply cannot stop buying sneakers. Luckily for me and my bank account, the season's most in-demand styles were already hiding in my closet.
The biggest sneakers trends for Spring 2026 signal a shift away from the silhouettes and neutral colorways we've come to expect from the category. Instead, there's an emphasis on personality and unexpectedness—think low-profile, retro-feeling kicks crafted from sheeny nylon and the silver-flecked runners currently growing in popularity. Look to the runways of designer brands like Dries Van Noten, Collina Strada, and Private Policy for proof of concept. There's something for everyone, including the most minimalist among us, who will likely be drawn to the trending cool blue hue and the ultra-fitted, jazz-shoe-esque shapes we're seeing this season.
Say goodbye to your simple black or white finds: Sneakers are fun again. Ahead, I broke down the buzziest styles and shades to shop for spring backed by insights from insiders at Nordstrom and Future Snoops. And before you run out to buy a new pair (which I can't help but recommend, as an avid collector myself), make sure to check your closet—I wouldn't be surprised if one of these trends was already somewhere in your lineup.
Big Shine
The sneakerina has evolved into something entirely new for this season thanks to the addition of shiny satin and nylon, toeing the line between a sporty aesthetic and one better suited for an actual dance studio. It's easy to peg this trend to A-listers like Harry Styles, who've been spotted in the style, but there's also an appeal to the senses here.
"These low-profile, ballet-influenced silhouettes point to a need for lightness, literally and emotionally," says Anush Mirbegian, Director of Footwear and Accessories at Future Snoops. This reflects precision and control over excess. The lighter shapes feel necessary right now. We need agility and ease rather than footwear that weighs us down."
Pumas, Generally
While I'll always love my Adidas and Nikes, the renewed interest in Puma over the last year is undeniable. The brand's best-selling Speedcat style has found fans in Dua Lipa and Rihanna; it's also a common find on just about any street in a major fashion city. Linda Cui Zhang, Fashion Director at Nordstrom, argues that this is because of how Puma has "revived the minimalist runner of the early aughts for an exciting modern take."
My personal favorite Speedcat is the pastel pink one, which actually hits another major sneaker trend—more on that later—but you can't go wrong with just about any style.
Touches of Silver
I've discovered recently that I'm more into silver jewelry than gold. The timing is fortuitous, given the spike in silver sneakers all over the market. "Shiny metallics elevate the color-blocking in [shoe] wardrobes," says Zhang.
The Adidas Tokyo sneakers I've personally been wearing speak to this, combining cobalt blue with bold silver. If you like a more futuristic vibe, consider the perforated Nike style seen on Private Policy's Spring 2026 runway.
True Pastels
It doesn't get more spring than a pair of pastel sneakers. Designers know this: Collina Strada had soft pink sneakers on its Spring 2026 runway, while Prada featured satin styles in a green so pale, it almost looked white under the bright runway lights. (Styles wore a pair of yellow sneakers from the latter his "Aperture" music video, which inspired me to try the look for myself.)
"We're seeing continued interest in softer tones, in the range of the popular butter, and more toward saffron for yellows," says Mirbegian. Other popular colors for spring include "grayed-off blues" and lilac purples.
Why Trust Us
Julia Marzovilla is Marie Claire's Fashion E-Commerce Editor and brings nearly a decade of fashion coverage experience. She focuses on trends (especially those involving sneakers) and new-in launches from all her favorite brands.
For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion, and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand
