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 in the year 2026? Recently, sneaker trends have slimmed down drastically. Basketball styles like Nike Dunks and Air Force 1s  have been 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 Aasics, especially when Cecilie Bahnsen has once again put its own spin on the style, with a sculptural, couture-inspired Gel-Kayano 20?

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

1. Soccer sneakers

About the trend:

The reign of the chunky basketball sneaker has officially tapered off. In its place: sleek, low-profile styles borrowed from the pitch. The adidas Tokyo leads the charge – a streamlined cousin to the ubiquitous Samba and Spezial – alongside cult favourites like the Puma Speedcat and the ever-iconic Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66. They’re lightweight, narrow, and feel refreshingly unfussy – perfect with tailored trousers, micro shorts or a slinky slip dress.

What to look for:

• ultra-slim soles
• suede or soft leather uppers
• T-toe panelling
• bold, sporty colourways (think red, cobalt, silver)

What we're shopping:

adidas Tokyo

Puma Speedcat

Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66

2. The ‘Sneakerina’

About the trend:

If 2025 was about coquette dressing, 2026 is where ballet meets sport. Enter the ‘sneakerina’ — a hybrid silhouette merging the delicacy of a ballet flat with the functionality of a trainer. Spearheaded by brands like Miu Miu and Simone Rocha, the look blends satin finishes, wraparound laces and slim rubber soles. They feel playful, slightly subversive, and surprisingly wearable.

What to look for:

• ribbon or elastic strap detailing
• satin, mesh or high-shine finishes
• wafer-thin soles
• pastel or monochrome palettes

What we're shopping:

Miu Miu Tyre Technical Sneaker

Simone Rocha Tracker Ballerina

adidas Taekwondo Mei Sneaker

3. Trail runners

About the trend:

Gorpcore isn’t going anywhere. Technical trail sneakers — particularly from Salomon — remain a street style staple. The XT-6 and ACS Pro silhouettes continue to dominate, thanks to their sculptural shape and practical comfort. Styled with everything from nylon skirts to oversized tailoring, they offer that perfect tension between utilitarian and fashion-forward.

What to look for:

• quick-lace systems
• chunky, grippy soles
• technical mesh
• unexpected colour combinations

What we're shopping:

Salomon XT-6

Merrell Moab 2 Mesa Luxe SE

Hoka Clifton One9 S

4. Satin Sneakers

About the trend:

If the ‘sneakerina’ cracked the door open for softness, satin sneakers have flung it wide. Sport is getting a silkier spin in 2026, with glossy satin uppers replacing standard mesh and leather across both fashion and performance silhouettes. The effect? A trainer that feels equal parts romantic and directional — less locker room, more late-night dinner reservation.

What to look for:

• lustrous satin or silk-blend uppers
• tonal laces (or ribbon swaps for extra romance)
• slim or gently sculpted soles
• soft neutrals, pastels or moody jewel tones

What we're shopping:

ALOHAS TB.69 Rife Satin Low-Top Sneakers

Miu Miu Plume Satin Sneakers

Repetto Black Silk Tennis Sneakers

5. Retro silhouettes

About the trend:

Designers are flirting with nostalgic silhouettes from bowling alleys and tennis courts. Dries Van Noten has delivered luxe, leather retro trainers in muted hues that feel equal parts nostalgic and refined. Meanwhile, the bowling shoe is quietly resurging (along with the bowling bag), and Nike is breathing new life into its LD-1000 – a reissue of the 1977 classic.

What to look for:

• gum soles
• vintage-inspired colourways
• low-top silhouettes
• premium leather updates

What we're shopping:

Dries Van Noten leather retro sneakers

Nike LD-1000

adidas Bowling Shoes

Looking for more footwear inspiration? Explore our edit of the best designer sneakers to invest in now, or revisit the cult classics that defined the 2010s.