Sneaker culture is moving faster than ever. New styles drop constantly, older silhouettes return without warning, and it isn’t always clear which trends will actually stick.
So, Business Insider asked three professional stylists to share the sneaker trends that’ll still be going strong in 2026 — and the ones they suggest letting go. Here were their picks.
Sneakers that showcase different textures and colorways will be popular.
As quiet luxury continues to fade, sneakers that combine materials and bolder colorways are starting to take over, Natalie Tincher, principal stylist and founder of BU Style, told Business Insider.
This could look like anything from leopard print paired with bright-green accents to a combination of nylon and suede, or jacquard and lace prints, she said.
“I think we all get a little bit tired of the drabness of the fall-winter, so it’s a great way to brighten an outfit, and then it also can lead you into spring-summer as well,” Tincher said. “So, it’s a good investment.”
The trail shoe has crossed over into everyday fashion.
Instead of being reserved exclusively for fitness purposes, trail runners and hiking sneakers are becoming daily wear, Kendra Sharpe, stylist and founder of Kendra Sharpe Styling and Creative, said.
She told BI that “they give a sporty vibe,” thanks to their use of technical materials (such as bungee cord laces), and people are pairing them with dresses for an elevated take on athleisure.
Tincher highlighted the trend, too, and said it fits the Scandi (Scandinavian) trend of having more functional sneakers.
Ballet-inspired sneakers are gaining momentum.
Sharpe said ballet-style sneakers are continuing to trend, and they can lean more dramatic or understated depending on your personal style.
Some shoes may look like Mary Janes with a square toe box, while others may use silk materials or ankle straps to give that subtle ballerina feel, the stylist told BI, adding that “the possibilities for this trend are growing.”
Hybrid sneakers offer office-ready polish with comfort.
With stricter return-to-office dress codes, Tincher said hybrid styles are becoming increasingly popular as people seek footwear that bridges the gap between casual and professional dressing.
These include loafers, Derbys, or Oxfords that feature sneaker soles, providing both comfort and support.
Slim, retro runners are making waves again.
According to both Sharpe and Tincher, low-profile retro sneakers will continue to be a major trend in the new year.
These minimalist sneakers typically features nylon uppers with a textured sole and a foamy footbed, giving them an old-school track look.
In line with the trend, Tincher said Adidas SL 72s are coming in hotter than the Sambas and Gazelles that have been popular recently, and also pointed to brands Reebok and Puma, which evoke a similar retro vibe.
On the other hand, sneakers with ultra-limited releases are falling out of favor.
Najm Loyd, a men’s stylist and content creator also known as Steelo, said sneakers with limited, exclusive drops are losing their appeal.
Instead, he said products offering authentic storytelling are resonating more with consumers.
“I feel like people are coming into their own style and just wanting what speaks to them,” Loyd told BI, adding that the price point is often a lot better, too.
This extends to himself, too. Rather than waiting on apps or in lines like he used to, he said, “I’m more prone to go into the mall and find any sneaker that speaks to me and just grab that instead.”
Chunky dad sneakers are no longer the look.
Loyd told BI that the chunky dad shoe trend is on its way out.
Instead, those oversize, mall-walker styles are being replaced by more minimalist sneakers that fit the shape of the foot, he said.
Swap the crispy white sneakers for pairs with more neutral tones.
The very stark, clean, all-white sneaker is becoming less practical and versatile for year-round wear, Tincher said.
Instead, she suggests opting for a sneaker with more neutral tones, such as cream, ivory, and gray, or a texture like suede, that works across seasons.
“You can still keep a lighter shoe in color, but it will work better for year-round tones and shades,” she said.
Platform sneakers are losing momentum.
Sharpe said elevated, platform-style sneakers aren’t getting as much attention as lower-profile designs step into the spotlight.
Tincher also said that part of what’s driving the shift is the rise of flare and wide-leg pants, which tend to look more balanced with a slimmer, streamlined shoe.
“If you have this smaller form, it’s a nice juxtaposition to keep the look less heavy, and then the pant usually falls more nicely over it,” Tincher said, adding that “it creates longer, leaner lines.”
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