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 personal style.
The shift gives sneaker enthusiasts and everyday wearers alike a chance to push their comfort zones with daring, souped-up versions of 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. At the same time, chunky sneakers and high-tops are embracing new details, such as thicker soles, platform enhancements, and subtle nods to niche inspirations like classic boxing shoes, as recently seen on Stella McCartney’s runway.
Another rising trend is the ballet-flat-sneaker hybrid, an unexpected fusion of sporty and feminine aesthetics. Often adorned with delicate straps and offered in soft, feminine color palettes, these styles are becoming mainstream. Julia Lebossé, founder of Sneakers by Women, describes them as “an exciting fusion of sporty and feminine design that feels fresh. [Formal shoes] are often impractical for all-day wear, so this hybrid approach feels like the best of both worlds.”
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.
If you’re a fan of quiet luxury, there’s plenty to get excited about in 2025. “Runners will remain a key trend,” says Jamie Lee, shoe buyer at luxury retailer Moda Operandi, highlighting sleek options from brands like Prada and The Row. For those who prefer classic styles with a twist, Nike and Puma are reinterpreting timeless silhouettes with playful updates, such as oversized tongues that add a modern edge.
Meanwhile, the bag charm trend is making its way into 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 in 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 High-Top 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.
Fashion Snoops Mirbegian says she's been tracking hybrid footwear for several seasons. This includes Mary-Jane silhouettes with a tie or velcro strap, a detail we see reaching across men's and women's styles.” Viral picks hail from Salomon's collaboration with MM6 Maison Margiela, but there are also affordable options from fan-favorite brand Vans.
Hiking-Inspired Sneakers
Chunky, rugged sneakers offset otherwise elevated ensembles for a high-low take on getting dressed.
The mountains are yet another unexpected locale for sneaker inspiration. Mirbegian highlights classic brands in the space as go-tos if you want to shop the look like Keen. "It seems to be taking a larger share of the market recently, and we are seeing an uptick of [daily] wear on the ground." Consider options from On or Salomon, a brand that Lee agrees will be huge 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 will be taken to a whole new level in 2025. It-sneakers are "going even sleeker with very thin soles, tapping into the ballet flat's market share," says Lee, who loves Prada's new Collapse sneaker. Adidas also has a new $100 pair in a delicate laceless design.
Sneakers With Oversized Tongues
Otherwise simple sneakers are given new life with dramatic tongue-out design details.
Elongated shoe tongues have officially become a full-fledged trend for 2025, offering a bold and playful twist on classic silhouettes. First seen in collaborations like Adidas x Wales Bonner sneakers—made famous by Gigi Hadid’s effortlessly chic pairing last summer—this exaggerated design detail is quickly becoming a signature look among every sneaker house.
High-Top Sneakers
High-tops are back for the new season with updated silhouettes.
We all used to own Converse high tops when we were younger, and the style is back for 2025. The much-talked-about Isabel Marant sneaker wedge, the Bekett, is also seeing a somewhat controversial resurgence in the new year.
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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