By From ballet-hybrids to buttery-soft suedes
Image: WWD / GettyÂ
When Phoebe Philo took her bow at the CĂ©line spring/summer 2011 show wearing a pair of classic Adidas Stan Smiths, she cemented the humble sneaker as a wardrobe staple for fashion girls everywhere. Though it may be hard to believe now, before this now-iconic moment in 2010, sneakers were often relegated to casual settings. Fifteen years on, the humble lace-up shoe has become as appropriate for daywear as it has for nights out at the club.
Sneaker trends change slightly every year, but if comfort and style are firmly planted at the top of your fashion mood board, investing in a pair of on-trend sneakers is a no-brainer. Many of the sneaker trends emerging in 2025 have been born from another Adidas sneaker that overtook all others over the past couple of years — the Samba.Â
ELLE’s Edit Of The Best Sneaker To Buy In 2025
- Best Animal Print: adidas SL 72 OG Shoes, $180
- Best Suede Sneakers: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 4, $249.95
- Best Retro Sneakers: Frankie4 Levi, $289.95
- Best Utilitarian Sneakers: Salomon Xt-Pathway 2, $220
- Best Sneakerinas: Puma Speedcat Ballet, $187
Slimmer, football-inspired silhouettes that favour a low profile have been given a bold and bright makeover — proving once again that sneakers don’t need to be chunky to make a statement. Meanwhile, buttery-soft suede sneakers, bold colourways, and the ultra-comfortable utilitarian shoe will all be popular this year.
A good pair of sneakers will last you far beyond a single season, and with the right forethought about quality and how it will fit into your wardrobe, you’ll be wearing your beloved pair for years to come. Ahead, we share our favourites.
Image: Christian Vierig / ContributorÂ
Animal Print
For those who treat animal print as a neutral, the surge of leopard, snakeskin, and even cow-print sneakers is a welcome evolution. Taking cues from recent runway trends, animal patterns—and rich textures—are dominating the fashion scene, with more sneaker options than ever before.
Naturally, it didn’t take long for animal prints to leave their mark on the sneaker world. Both high-end designers and street wear brands are embracing the trend, offering everything from unexpected cow-print accents to sleek, understated snakeskin details. It’s a fresh, bold way to bring your sneaker game into spring and summer
ADIDAS
SL 72 OG Shoes
GOLDEN GOOSE
Super-Star Leopard-Print Sneakers
MOLLINI
Liloa Snake Leather Sneakers
NIKE
T90 SE Leather Sneakers
Sneakerinas
From Simone Rocha’s satin ribbon-laced versions to Wales Bonner’s minimalist, androgynous take, and Louis Vuitton’s high-fashion iteration, the ballet sneaker hybrid is proving its versatility and cultural staying power. Its rise taps directly into fashion’s current fixations—Y2K nostalgia, and an embrace of playful contradictions. Equal parts pretty and practical, the ballet sneaker perfectly captures the mood of the moment, blending femininity with wearable ease.
STAUD
Sport Ballet Flat
CAMPER
Nina Ballerina
MIU MIU
Panelled Ballerina
PUMA
Speedcat Ballet
Tactile Suedes
If you’ve been paying any attention to fashion trends over the last six months, you’ll know the words “brown” and “suede” have been inescapable. Brown designer bags specifically have been spotted at every fashion week around the globe, and consequently, in our own wardrobes. But for the year ahead, we’re turning our focus to the latter, adding a pair of soft and worn-in suede sneakers to our shoe collection that Miuccia Prada would be proud of.
Designer sneaker collaborations aren’t exactly new (far from it) but when buttery suede sneakers were sent down the Miu Miu spring/summer 2024 runway as part of the ongoing collaboration between the fashion house and New Balance, we knew we needed a pair immediately. New Balance, Alohas, and Gola always have suede styles in their collections, and in a multitude of colourways, but if your heart is set on a pair from Miu Miu, we suggest turning on restock alerts as they sell out quickly.Â
ALOHAS
Tb.56 Suede Leather Sneakers
BROOKS
Adrenaline GTS 4
NEW BALANCE X MIU MIU
530 SL Suede Mesh Sneakers
NEW BALANCE
574 Evergreen
Retro Silhouettes
Ever since the Adidas Sambas burst onto, and completely overtook, the sneaker scene two years ago, slimmer sneakers reminiscent of classic football shoes (minus the cleats) and vintage athletic shoes have also grown in popularity.
Bold, red Puma Speedcats have already been spotted in early fashion week street style galleries and 2025 sneaker trends, and the Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 (first designed in 1949 as a basketball shoe) continues to be a top choice, though many are favouring the more neutral colourways over the classic yellow style this year. We’re also fans of a bold metallic football-inspired shoe or a chunkier style like the Reebok Hammer Street re-edition below.
ONITSUKA TIGER
Mexico 66 SD
PUMA
Speedcat OG
DRIES VAN NOTEN
Leather And Suede Sneakers
FRANKIE4
Levi
Utilitarian Styles
Gorpcore has officially found itself on the list of perpetually “in” footwear styles. Thanks to collaborations between beloved brands like Sandy Liang and Salomons, and GANNI and New Balance, utilitarian styles are no longer relegated to the hiking trails. This year, we’re seeing black sneakers come back into style, and the dark and moody colourway lends itself easily to the thicker-soled and tightly laced shoes being worn by the street style set. If you’re not willing to go for an all-black pair, we suggest looking for pastel styles (there are many) and those incorporating brown suede for some visual warmth.Â
SALOMON
Xt-6
ASICS
Gel-Kayano 12.1
HOKA
Mafate Speed 4 Lite
GANNI
Faux Leather Sneakers
Statement Soles
If you, like us, have curated a concise capsule wardrobe over the last few years, you might also be yearning for a pop of colour to (literally) brighten up your days. This year, we’re seeing bright and bold sneakers return to our closets with gusto, with our favourites being red, blue, and green hues. The coloured sneakers of 2025 incorporate a few of the year’s biggest sneaker trends, with tactile suede fabrications drenched in colour, and gorpcore going girly.Â
ADIDAS ORIGINALS
SL 72 OG
FRANKIE4
Levi
GOLDEN GOOSE
Super-Star Distressed Sneakers
ASICS x CECILIE BAHNSEN
Gel Terrain Sneakers
What Are The Best Sneakers To Buy In 2025?Â
The best sneakers in 2025 combine style, comfort, and sustainability.
What Sneaker Trends Are Most Popular In 2025?Â
The biggest sneaker trends for 2025 include: Chunky silhouettes, neutral colourways, retro revival (especially ’90s & early 2000s styles) and hybrid sneakers with fashion-forward designs.
Are Chunky Sneakers Still In Style In 2025?Â
Yes, chunky or “dad-style” sneakers remain a strong fashion trend in 2025.
What Colour Sneaker Are Trending In 2025?Â
Trending sneaker colours in 2025 include: Neutral tones (sand, beige, olive), muted pastels, monochrome whites, grey and silver metallics.
Are Retro Sneakers Still Trending In 2025?Â
Yes, retro and vintage-inspired sneakers continue to dominate in 2025. Classics like the Nike Air Force 1, Adidas Samba, and New Balance 574 are getting modern refreshes and remain wardrobe staples.