This Rising Sneaker Trend Looks Surprisingly Rich

It's all about suede this season.

model wearing suede sneakers
(Image credit: Getty Images)

If you'd told me previously that I'd be describing a sneaker trend as "rich", I might not have believed you. Nostalgic, utilitarian, minimalist, and even controversial, yes, but sneakers aren't the first item I think of when I picture an expensive or elevated-looking wardrobe. And yet, luxurious is exactly how I'd defined the latest sneaker style to land in the closets of the fashion set. Right now, it seems everyone is reaching for a pair of suede sneakers and there's no denying how much of a "rich" vibe these styles add.

It's not all that surprising when you look at the massive demand for all things suede this season, from suede jackets to suede bags, so sneakers are simply the latest item to get the luxe suede treatment. When it comes to specific styles defining the trend, New Balance is one brand driving the most in-demand pairs on the market right now, in no small part due to the Miu Miu collaboration designs that are selling out in record time. Suede styles are also picking up steam with other brands, including Puma and Adidas, with styles including the celebrity-favored Speedcat and Sambas continuing to land on the sell-out list.

Whether you're styling them with other "rich" coded wardrobe items or wearing them to elevate a casual look, suede sneakers are set to define 2025 trends—and quite frankly, are already dominating. Ahead, shop the suede sneaker trend with an edit of the best styles on the market.

Emily Ratajkowski wearing a pair of red suede Puma Speedcat Sneakers

(Image credit: Backgrid)

fashion influencer @deborabrosa wearing a pair of suede Miu Miu x New Balance sneakers

(Image credit: @deborabrosa)

fashion influencer Amaka Hamelijnck wearing a brown suede jacket, relaxed jeans, and green suede Adidas Sambas

(Image credit: @amaka.hamelijnck)

fashion influencer @josefinehj wearing suede sneakers

(Image credit: @josefinehj)

Dua Lipa wearing a pair of black suede Puma Speedcat sneakers

(Image credit: @dualipa)

fashion influencer @nlmarilyn wearing suede sneakers

(Image credit: @nlmarilyn)

@lunaisabellaa wearing leopard jeans with suede Adidas SL72 sneakers

(Image credit: @lunaisabellaa)

fashion influencer Felicia Akerstrom wearing suede Miu Miu x New Balance sneakers

(Image credit: @fakerstrom)

This article was originally published on WhoWhatWear.

Associate Editor, Who What Wear

Hi friends, Anna here! I knew pretty early on that I wanted to pursue a career in fashion, so I took on just about every internship, scholarship, and volunteer opportunity I could get my hands on before landing my dream job at Who What Wear as a post-grad. Currently, my role is associate editor at Who What Wear, which allows me to write about everything from Hailey Bieber's latest 'fit to the emerging micro-trends on my radar. While fashion is my main wheelhouse, you can also catch me chatting about wellness on our sister site THE/THIRTY. When I'm not whipping up my next story at the office, chances are I'm scouring my local vintage store, perfecting my focaccia recipe, or planning my next trip. (I'm a Sagittarius, so the travel bug is real.) I grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, and moved to Los Angeles, where I studied Italian and art history at UCLA, taking a semester to study abroad in Bologna, Italy, (yes, I'm fluent!) and another to backpack around Southeast Asia. (What did I say about the wanderlust?) I spent the first two and a half years of my career working at our WWW headquarters in L.A. but just made the move to NYC and couldn't be more excited for what's to come—so stay tuned.