While the biggest sneaker trends of 2024 emphasized minimal branding and understated silhouettes, 2025 is taking a bold turn in the opposite direction. This year’s designs are less about blending in and more about showcasing your unique personal style.
The shift allows sneaker enthusiasts and everyday wearers to push their comfort zones with daring, souped-up versions of their past favorites. For instance, the ever-popular Adidas Samba is being reimagined with even more pared-back iterations, featuring ultra-minimalist designs that feel almost invisible. Meanwhile, chunky sneakers, like thicker soles and refashioned platforms, embrace new details. This year's high-tops give subtle nods to niche designs like classic boxing sneakers and the ballet-flat-sneaker hybrid that's 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 had a slow burn to popularity after debuting in the brand's Spring/Summer 2023 collection. Prada's barely-there pair and Stella McCartney's boxing-inspired high-tops had a more immediate effect after appearing in the brand's Spring/Summer 2025 collections.
While quiet luxury isn't going anywhere, 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 designers like Nike and Puma will reinterpret timeless silhouettes with playful, modern updates.
Meanwhile, the bag charm trend is also grabbing hold of the sneaker world. “Accessories like charms add a quirky, customizable touch that feels expressive and personal,” says Anush Mirbegian, director of accessories at fashion forecasting platform Fashion Snoops. “This trend taps into the ongoing demand for personalization.” Whether you’re into minimalist runners or statement sneakers, there’s a way to make this season’s styles uniquely yours.
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.
- Shop Mary Jane Sneakers
- Shop Hiking Sneakers
- Shop Super-Slender Sneakers
- Shop Sneakers With Oversized Tongues
- Shop Boxing Sneakers
- Shop Pink Sneakers
- Meet the Experts
Mary Jane Sneakers
The mismatched vibe of feminine straps and sportier silhouettes make these ballerina-themed sneakers feel fresh for the new year.
“Mirbegian notes she’s been observing the rise of hybrid footwear for several seasons, highlighting Mary Jane silhouettes updated with tie or Velcro straps—a detail 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 fan-favorite brand Vans are also getting plenty of attention.
Hiking-Inspired Sneakers
Chunky, rugged sneakers offset otherwise elevated ensembles for a high-low take on getting dressed.
The mountains have emerged as an unexpected source of sneaker inspiration. Mirbegian points to classic outdoor labels like Keen as reliable picks for anyone wanting to embrace this trend. "It seems to be taking a larger share of the market recently, and we’re seeing an uptick in daily wear on the ground," she says. She also recommends exploring options from On and Salomon—both poised for significant growth, with Salomon forecasted by Lee to be especially big in 2025.
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 set 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 serving up a delicate laceless pair at the accessible $100 price point.
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, bringing a bold and playful twist to classic silhouettes. Initially 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 rapidly establishing itself as a signature look across every sneaker brand.
Boxing Sneakers
High-tops are back for the new season with an updated boxer silhouette.
Remember when everyone had a pair of Converse high tops? They’re making a comeback for 2025—but with a twist. This time around, sporty boxing-inspired sneakers have replaced the classic high-top silhouette, giving the look a modern, cool edge.
Pink Sneakers
Pinks sneakers are here to shake up our neutral collections.
Red sneakers were a major trend last year, but 2025's coolest new color trend is much softer. Pink sneakers blend sportiness and femininity for an easy style you can wear every day.
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.
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