Every year, like clockwork, a new sneaker obsession takes over—and 2025 is already bringing the heat. We’ve watched chunky white sneakers have their moment, dad shoes (which, let’s be honest, are here to stay) become everyday essentials, and classic basketball silhouettes step off the court and into streetwear spotlights. This year a whole new posse of sneaker trends has come out to play. Expect to see daring designs, retro-inspired takes, and fresh details to level up your rotation.
The sneaker wave now is all about bold updates and unexpected twists. Think sleek 70s-style runners, reworked high-tops, ballet flat sneakers (sneakerinas, rise!), and even backless slip-ons that we all thought would sit and rot in the back of our mom's closet for the rest of time. Personalization is big, too, with charms and custom touches taking over.
But what stands out about these 2025 sneaker trends is how these styles blend nostalgia with now. They're a blast from the past but not a total copy-and-paste. Look forward to fresh silhouettes, playful accents, and tons of edge to keep things interesting. And I gotta say, some of these styles caught me off guard and are honestly out of my comfort zone, but I’m all in—and I have a feeling you will be too.
Retro Low-Profile Sneakers
SHOP THE RETRO LOW-PROFILE SNEAKERS TREND
The slim structure and low profile of these retro sneakers have the masses in a chokehold right now. We’ve moved on from platform soles to a cleaner, more subtle look that's still just as punchy and commanding. Compared to their original versions, these have been revamped with bolder colorways and funky textures. And don’t worry, running isn’t required to wear these bad boys! Style them with jorts, baggy jeans, or a frilly skirt.
adidas Tokyo Shoes
High-Tops
SHOP THE HIGH-TOPS TREND
I am proud to say that I never left the high-top sneakers era—and I couldn’t be happier for its return. This time around, the styles are refreshed with unexpected extras like embroidery and unconventional add-ons like fuzzy, leather, and suede details. Some silhouettes even go up mid-calf, channeling a chic, boxing-inspired vibe that’s equal parts badass and fashion-forward. You will 100 percent catch me wearing this with some sort of blazer and skirt combo!
Sneakerina
SHOP THE SNEAKERINA TREND
One thing I didn’t see coming? Ballet flats are making such a comeback that they brought ballet-inspired sneakers with them. But hey, the people know what they like—and I'm about it! They’re dainty yet edgy at the same time. It’s giving grandmacore in the best way: cute and functional. And they're perfect if your vibe leans coquette, but you still want something you can actually wear all day, thanks to those extra straps.
Slip-on Sneakers
SHOP THE SLIP-ON SNEAKERS TREND
Backless, slip-on sneakers (or as I like to call them sneak-ons) weren’t exactly on my 2025 bingo card, but here we are, and honestly, the options are better than I could’ve ever imagined. While the classic all-white look remains a go-to, we’ve expanded into new materials like raffia, leather, suede, and more. It’s so much more versatile with designs that complement just about any outfit or aesthetic, whether you're headed to a relaxing beach vacay or brunch with friends or just to your mailbox.
Charms
SHOP THE CHARMS TREND
Adding charms is an easy, fun way to personalize your sneakers and let your style shine through. There are some pre-curated sets out there that cater to different styles and vibes. But the way I’d do this charms trend? I’d mix and match various bits and bobbles for a totally personalized look. Whether you're into something playful, minimal, edgy, or totally over-the-top, there’s something out there to make your shoes feel extra you.
Megan Uy is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, where she searches for the best products in all things fashion, home, beauty, sex, gifts, and more, so you don’t have to. When she’s not writing for the site, she’s whipping up some cool and trendy content for the fashion section of the print magazine. She’s been with the brand since 2019 (when she was an itty-bitty editorial fellow), and she's also written for Delish, House Beautiful, and People. Follow her on Instagram to get some BTS of the editor life and chaotic NYC content. Also, feel free to hit her up if you ever wanna discuss the madness that is TikTok.
