Sneaker fever is still going strong as we head into spring 2026. With the new year approaching, it’s the perfect time to explore the upcoming trends you’ll be wearing in the months ahead. From minimalist staples like the return of the white plimsoll at Celine to bold, colorful low-runner styles on the runways of Fendi and Dries Van Noten, now is the moment to discover the season’s freshest options—whether you’re a die-hard sneaker enthusiast or just looking for a great pair.
Of course, 2025 had its share of cult favorites, worn by what seemed like every celebrity and It girl (a mix of shared good taste and the frequency illusion, perhaps). Standouts included the Nike Cortez, Puma Speedcat, and Adidas Tokyo, all of which grew in popularity over the past year. But the spring/summer 2026 runways and current street style reveal a clear split between minimalist and maximalist designs.
This Fashion Month, expect a wave of white plimsoll lace-ups straight from the Celine catwalk—we already saw canvas versions make a comeback this fall, spotted on Natalie Portman. Retro brown suede runners remain a street-style favorite (they really are the perfect transitional shoe), with slim runner silhouettes taking the lead. Jennifer Lawrence’s recent embrace of Salomon sneakers in her daily wardrobe, along with hiker-inspired styles from Off-White and Cecilie Bahnsen, confirms that Gorpcore will continue to shape footwear trends in 2026.
On the other end of the spectrum, vibrant rainbow hues from Fendi and Dries Van Noten will brighten the streets of New York and Milan. A new category of “fancy sneakers,” coined by Vogue’s Christian Allaire, is sure to appeal to personality dressers with intricate embroidery, tapestry fabrics, and touches of sequins—seen on the Valentino runway and in the latest Adidas x Wales Bonner releases.
Ahead, the 10 sneaker trends to know for early 2026, plus our favorite pairs to shop.
Slim Runners
Casual and cool, the retro silhouettes we’ve worn over recent seasons are evolving into even slimmer runner shapes for spring 2026. With subtle thin soles and lace-up designs, fresh takes appeared at Miu Miu, Fendi, and more—with Dua Lipa as an early adopter, recently seen in the super-rare Nike x Jacquemus Moon Shoe. Look for this style in neutral shades like clean black or white, or grounded colorblocks like Puma’s new burgundy Speedcat for a modern twist.
Plimsoll Revival
While white sneakers aren’t new, this season we’re excited to see them make a fresh comeback—specifically in plimsoll form. Celine’s crisp white leather lace-up felt strikingly modern on the runway, styled with everything from billowy trousers and trench coats to embroidered miniskirts. You can also opt for clean canvas versions from iconic brands like Keds or Polo Ralph Lauren. They’re the perfect transitional shoe as the weather warms up.Sneakers $78 RALPH LAUREN
The Satin Sneakerina
No one saw sneakerina fever coming—the sleeper hit of 2025 that’s still going strong into 2026. These hybrid sneakers, blending delicate ballet-inspired details like satin fabrics and laces (reminiscent of pointe shoes), keep gaining momentum. Celebrities like Bella Hadid, Harry Styles, and Chloë Sevigny have fully embraced the trend. And with Prada and Simone Rocha showcasing new satin low-top versions on their spring/summer runways, it’s clear: if you’ve already invested, the sneakerina is here to stay.
Save to wishlist
Save to wishlist
Adidas x Wales Bonner Karintha sneakers $180 NET-A-PORTER | $220 SHOPBOP
Save to wishlist
Save to wishlist
Prada Collapse elasticized sneakers $975 PRADA
Save to wishlist
Save to wishlist
Miu Miu Plume sneakers $950 MIU MIU
Save to wishlist
Save to wishlist
Jil Sander suede-trimmed satin sneakers $690 NET-A-PORTER
Crayola Colors
Move over, minimalism. Spring 2026 is bringing technicolor to sneakers. Fendi, Dries Van Noten, and Lacoste all showcased low-runner styles in vibrant primary shades, as if dipped straight into a Crayola box. Rainbow versions of classic Nike and Adidas sneakers are also rolling out (with more expected in spring releases), making it easy to add a bold touch to your wardrobe. Whether paired with neutrals for a pop of color or layered into a maximalist look, these are worth buying now.
Save to wishlist
Save to wishlist
Dries Van Noten leather-trimmed suede sneakers $585 NET-A-PORTER
Save to wishlist
Save to wishlist
Adidas x Wales Bonner Japan sneakers $170 NET-A-PORTER
Save to wishlist
Save to wishlist
Nike LD-1000 shoes $105 NIKE
Save to wishlist
Save to wishlist
Maison Margiela Sprinter sneakers $920 NORDSTROM
Gorpcore
Gorpcore is no longer just a trend—it’s a lifestyle. Even those who rarely hike still crave performance trainers like Salomon’s XT-6 every time a new color drops. A favorite of Jennifer Lawrence on her off-duty days, the style is gaining further traction on runways. With hiking-inspired sneakers spotted at Off-White and Cecilie Bahnsen for spring/summer 2026, it’s clear this trend isn’t going anywhere soon.
Save to wishlist
Save to wishlist
On x Loewe Cloudsolo sneakers $750 ON
Save to wishlist
Save to wishlist
Salomon XT-6 sneakers $180 NORDSTROM
Save to wishlist
Save to wishlist
Keen Jasper Zionic hiking sneakers $150 NORDSTROM | $150 FREE PEOPLE
Save to wishlist
Save to wishlist
Asics GEL-K1011 sneakers $130 NORDSTROM
Fancy Sneakers
Tired of the clean-girl aesthetic? Spring’s fancy sneakers are the perfect antidote to bland dressing. Defined by intricate details—like floral embroidery and tapestry fabrics at Louis Vuitton and Dries Van Noten, or sequins seen on Valentino’s runway and the new Adidas x Wales Bonner release—sneakers with personality are fashion’s latest obsession.
Save to wishlist
Save to wishlist
Adidas Originals x Wales Bonner Karintha sneakers $300 NET-A-PORTER
Save to wishlist
Save to wishlist
Valentino Garavani Bay By Bay sneakers $790 BERGDORF GOODMAN
Save to wishlist
Save to wishlist
Jimmy Choo Sunny sneakers $595 MYTHERESA | $650 BLOOMINGDALE’S
Save to wishlist
Save to wishlist
Golden Goose True-Star sneakers $950 GOLDEN GOOSE
Hybrid Silhouettes
Just as sneakerina styles quietly took off earlier this year, we’re noticing the early rise of hybrid sneakers for 2026. At Calvin Klein Collection, loafer-inspired shoes with chunky sneaker soles stole the show, redefining chic sportswear. Loewe’s new creative directors, Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, presented their own hybrid design with off-center laces and a rubber cap-toe, while Bottega Veneta’s futuristic shoes—with an athletic look and gummy sole—felt entirely forward-thinking.Sumptuous Brown Suede
As fashion brands and sneaker labels dive into their archives, retro-inspired styles are being reimagined in suede. Brown has emerged as the most sought-after shade, from designer versions at Bottega Veneta and Prada to Emily Ratajkowski’s go-to Puma Speedcats, which remain street-style staples. This rich, ’70s-inspired color palette feels perfectly on-trend as we head into the new year.
– Puma Mostro sneakers – $120 | FREE PEOPLE
– Proenza Schouler Arcadia sneakers – $565 | NET-A-PORTER | $690 | SHOPBOP
– New Balance 1906L sneakers – $160 | NEW BALANCE
– Coperni 5T sneakers – $920 | SHOPBOP | $920 | MODA OPERANDI
– Puma Speedcat OG sneakers – $100 | NORDSTROM | $100 | FREE PEOPLE
– Bottega Veneta Orbit sneakers – $990 | NET-A-PORTER | $990 | BOTTEGA VENETA
– Prada suede sneakers – $1,020 | PRADA
– Tory Burch Field sneakers – $250 | TORY BURCH
Skater Shapes
Skater shoes continue to hold strong in 2026. Vans Slip-Ons and Old Skools have gained traction thanks to celebrity fans like Zoë Kravitz, Harry Styles, and Jennifer Lawrence, who often wear them in their effortlessly cool off-duty looks. The Vans x Valentino collaboration proves they’re more relevant than ever (and finally available to buy). For a more under-the-radar skate style, try the Adidas Busenitz—or hunt for a worn-in pair of Etnies on eBay.
– Vans Old Skool sneakers – $70 | NORDSTROM | $70 | SHOPBOP
– Converse One Star CC Slip Pro sneakers – $65 | CONVERSE
– Valentino Garavani x Vans authentic checked sneakers – $590 | NET-A-PORTER
– Adidas Busenitz Pro sneakers – $85 | ADIDAS
Boxing High-Tops
This micro-trend hit the mainstream in fall 2025 and is still going strong into 2026. Though boxing-inspired high-tops may feel niche, they won us over after debuting at Michael Rider’s first Celine show earlier in 2025. For spring/summer 2026, they reappeared on the brand’s runway, styled elegantly with slim pants. Alongside Chloé’s ’80s-inspired pairs, these high-tops blend wearability with Parisian flair.
– Adidas Japan high-top sneakers – $130 | NORDSTROM
– Chloé Kick high-top sneakers – $850 | NET-A-PORTER
– Alaïa Basket high-top sneakers – $1,100 | NET-A-PORTER
– Stella McCartney Rasant high-top sneakers – $245 | BERGDORF GOODMAN
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs 10 Sneaker Trends to Watch for Spring 2026
Beginner General Questions
1 What are the biggest sneaker trends for Spring 2026
The key trends focus on sustainability comforttech hybrids and bold aesthetics Look for BioFabricated materials CloudCushion maximalist soles Digital Print hyperrealism and a major comeback of RetroRunning silhouettes from the early 2000s
2 Why are BioFabricated sneakers a trend
They address the demand for sustainable fashion These sneakers are made from labgrown materials like mushroom leather or algaebased foam offering a ecofriendly alternative to traditional plastics and leathers without sacrificing style or durability
3 What does Quiet Luxury mean in sneakers
It refers to minimalist highquality sneakers in neutral monochromatic color palettes The focus is on exceptional materials perfect construction and subtle brandingthink less logos more refined texture and shape
4 Are chunky CloudCushion sneakers still in style
Yes but theyre evolving The trend is moving toward maximalist comfort with even more exaggerated organicshaped midsoles that look like soft clouds or bubbles often using advanced ultralightweight foam compounds
5 I keep hearing about Modular sneakers What are they
These are sneakers with interchangeable parts You might be able to swap out the laces heel counters or even snap on different outer soles or strap systems allowing one shoe to have multiple looks and functions
Advanced Practical Questions
6 How do I style Digital Print hyperrealistic sneakers without my outfit looking too busy
Keep the rest of your outfit simple and solidcolored Let the sneakers be the statement piece Pair them with neutraltoned tailored trousers clean denim or a minimalist dress to balance the bold graphic print on your feet
7 Whats the practical benefit of Adaptive Fit technology beyond a gimmick
It offers a truly customized fit that adjusts throughout the day Using internal lacing systems or responsive materials the shoe can adapt to foot swelling during activity or provide a snugger fit for performance enhancing both comfort and