You don't have to be a full-blown sneakerhead to clock the value trainers add to a wardrobe. There's nearly no event, at least in chronically casual Australia, where a pair of sneakers can't be subbed in in place of heels.

So what's making waves in the sneaker world this year? Recently, sneaker trends have slimmed down drastically. Basketball styles like Nike Dunks and Air Force 1s were subbed out for dainty soccer-forward silhouettes like the adidas Tokyo (a slightly sleeker iteration of the ubiquitous Adidas Samba and Spezial styles), the Puma Speedcats, and the Onitsuka Tigers. Things got daintier still, with the fusion of these styles and ballet flats, in what's being aptly dubbed the 'sneakerina' trend.

But don't worry. You'll still catch bulky trail-running footwear in droves (Salomons are still on the rise). And who among us is willing to part with our always comfy Asics, especially when Cecilie Bahnsen has once again put its own spin on the style, with a sculptural, couture-inspired Gel-Kayano 20?

There are plenty of other designers also playing in the field of sneakers in 2025. In fact, Dries Van Noten is responsible for one of our favourite styles of the moment, with their retro-style sneakers in the most sumptuous leather, and perfect muted hues. And Miu Miu will forever have us in its grips, though perhaps more than ever this year, with the launch of the Tyre Technical sneakers, tying with their collab with New Balance for 'most wanted' shoe in the Miu Miu catalogue.

And while there's plenty of newness to behold, there will always be a place for old favourites in our sneaker wardrobes. We're filled with nostalgia at the thought of Vans making a comeback in 2025 — their sleek, low-top profile the perfect accompaniment to vintage denim and dresses alike. And Nike is also behind some of the hottest footwear real estate, with the 'LD-1000' sneakers  reinterpreting the brand's classic 1977 style.

Below, peruse and shop the sneaker trends and styles we're obsessed with in 2025.

New Balance ABZORB 2000

The lightning-fast sell-out of the first 2000 silhouette colourway last Thursday confirms its early cult appeal – and hints that New Balance may have found its next breakout icon.

VANS Super Lowpro

The Vans Super Lowpro is the kind of sneaker that makes sense right now. Inspired by ‘80s runners and flats, it brings back a low-key, athletic look without trying too hard. It’s lightweight, easy to wear, and fits into whatever your day looks like. A quiet revival of vintage Vans energy, made for moving through 2025 in style.

ADIDAS Taekwondo

Rooted in a 60s silhouette, the adidas Taekwondo's low-profile shape and minimalist design strike the perfect balance between heritage and versatility. A premium leather upper and signature 3-Stripes honour adidas' sportstyle legacy, while the streamlined look makes it a seamless fit for everyday wear.

ADIDAS x CECILE BAHNSEN Gel-Kayano 20

ASICS and Cecilie Bahnsen have reworked the Gel-Kayano 20 into a runway-ready statement. First seen at the Cecile Bahnsen AW25 Paris show, the sneaker blends form and function with floral cage details, asymmetrical lacing, and a cushioned sole built for movement. Available in vanilla or olive.

PUMA x COLLINA STRADA Mostro

We've had a close eye on this collaboration, ever since it debuted on the runway at New York Fashion Week. Equal parts girly and grungy, the studded style comes in three unique colourways: baby pink, all-white, and plaid green. They're also crafted from mostly recycled materials, and each pair comes with a set of two interchangeable tongue flaps. Get your hot little hands on them only via both the PUMA and Collina Strada websites, or in person at their flagship locations.

Paloma Wool Silver Miles Sneakers

Just about everything Miuccia Prada touches turns to gold, particularly when it comes to sneakers. Her latest innovation for Miu Miu is the Tyre ballerinas, a hybrid between the brand's much-loved sneaker styles and always-iconic ballerina flats. Equal parts elegant and aesthetic, if you can get your hands on a pair of these, consider yourself very lucky.

PUMA Speedcats

The Speedcat has experienced a resurgence in popularity over the last six months, becoming a go-to choice for those seeking a blend of retro appeal and motorsport heritage. Originally introduced in 1999, the sneaker draws inspiration from Formula 1 racing footwear, featuring a sleek, low-profile design, a distinctive suede upper, and grippy rubber soles to enhances traction.

ADIDAS SL 72

Let's suppose interest in the adidas Samba dies down after three years of going gangbusters. Where does that leave us? Perhaps with the addidas SL72s.  The style is enjoying a surge in popularity thanks to its slender, nostalgic profile. Plus, it helps that they have Bella Hadid and RUSSH digital cover star Mary Fowler's tick of approval.

ONITSUKA TIGER Mexico 66

Like most sneakers, the Mexico 66 style from Onitsuka Tiger comes with its own origin story. Far from simply being the shoe Uma Thurman wears in Kill Bill, they were designed initially as a style for athletics, and in 1968 were selected as the official sneaker of the Olympic Games in Mexico City (yes, the one when Tommie Smith and John Carlos did the Black Power salute). Hence the name. Their shape has always seen people draw comparisons with the adidas Samba, and recently they've had a moment as an alternative to the popular German sneaker. Although, we suspect the style will hit its peak in 2024. Shrewd shoppers might opt for the Onitsuka Tiger Tokuten instead.

NIKE LD-1000

Yes, Nike is dipping into the archives once again, but if you ask us, this style never really went out of fashion. The LD-1000 is a 1977 runner reworked for now. With mesh, suede, and leather in the mix, it keeps that vintage track feel while the flared sole adds a subtle edge. If you couldn't get hold of the Nike x Bode Astro Grabber collaboration, then this is your next best bet.

DRIES VAN NOTEN Sneakers

Dries Van Noten's slim sneakers have quickly become a cult favourite with the luxury crowd, embodying the House's signature blend of avant-garde design and understated luxury. The soft suede, coupled with a distinct two-tone palette, makes them a go-to statement piece for fashion-forward individuals seeking a more subtle kind of sophistication.

NEW BALANCE x MIU MIU 530 SL leather sneakers

While in 2024 the New Balance X Miu Miu 530 SL suede sneakers were the designer shoe of the moment, we're predicting for 2025 it will be the House's new leather iteration. Seamlessly blending sport and high fashion, and capturing the hearts of sneakerheads and fashion enthusiasts alike, this collaboration's minimalist design and signature distressed finish offer a luxe twist on a classic silhouette, making them the perfect addition to a polished, off-duty look.

RADICAL YES Ballet Core Trainer

If you're running with the silver sneaker trend but want something a little differnet from the Onitsukas, then these Melbourne-made Ballet Core Trainers from RADICAL YES might just be your answer. Already adored for their fusion of performance wear and delicate, ballet-inspired aesthetics, they're designed with a lightweight silhouette and flexible sole.

Feature image: one.