Farewell, dad sneakers. Say hello to streamlined hybrids, nostalgic sneaker trends, and minimalist sneakers designed in 2025.
The trend with chunky and ugly sneakers has been in the center stage all these years, but 2025 promises a fresher, slicker, and smarter sneaker world. GQ says that it is hybrid silhouettes leading the pack- sneaker loafers, ballet-sneaker combo, and more. The looks combine fashion and functionality, old school vibe and new school technology, all the time giving heavy soles a run for their money.
Sneaker trends you have to know now include the following five:
1. Sneaker Loafers- The Epitome of Two
You can think of them as the more all-purpose cousin of the dress shoe. The sneaker loafers use clean leather uppers on light, springy sneaker soles, polish, and comfort in a single step. They are as good with a pair of bespoke trousers as they are with relaxed denim or cargos.
How to get them: Cole Haan, Camper, Fear of God
2. Slim 70s runners
These were inspired by vintage track sneakers, so all of this is a low-profile silhouette, retro color blocking, and thin gum soles. They are portable, can be worn, and produce very serious normcore-cool vibes, without weighing you down.
Include: wide leg jeans, ribbed tanks, zip-up windbreakers
Attempt: Adidas SL 72, Nike Daybreak, New Balance 327
3. Ballet-Sneaker fusions (Ballet-Sneaker Hybrids aka Sneakerinas)
It is one of the most surprising pairs: ballet flat and sneaker. These are usually characterized by velcro straps, mesh uppers, and soft curves -feminine and sporty. Jennifer Lawrence was spotted in Wales Bonner’s version of it just a few days ago, which, officially, makes it fashion-approved.
Wears well with: mini skirts, socks, long-line blazers
Best of the best: Miu Miu, Asics x Cecilie Bahnsen, Loewe
4. Grandpa Walking Shoes-Yet Cool
These sneakers borrow ideas of orthopedic styles, and are mostly about comfort tech and anti-fashion looks. They go bulky, but with contemporary impact and off-putting color schemes, instead of attempting to be sleek.
Spot: tonal creams, mesh and suede, curved soles
Hot brands: Hoka One One, Salomon, ASICS
5. Soccer-Inspired Kicks
The Energy Mundial is back. Soccer shoes are having some fashion luck of their own-low tops styles, cleat shapes, and smooth leather styles take over the runway and the streets.
To wear with: cropped pants or shorts athletic
Editor picks: adidas Samba OG, Puma Palermo, Nike Premier II
Final Kick
The sneakers we see in 2025 are cleaner, smarter, and more wearable than the big-size monstrosities we are used to. Be it retro-chic, minimalist, or sporty-chic tastes, these five new trends guarantee one thing: It is now officially time to put the awkward soles to rest and move into something cleverer, chicer, and way cooler.
