If you thought 2024 was a prime year for new sneaker releases, the 2025 roster will have your brain in a tizzy. No longer are Sambas and similar Adidas variations the *only* cool sneakers of the moment, and I thought I'd do you a favor and gather all the sneakers that are giving the soccer shoes a run for their money. As someone who lives in sneakers but never wants to sacrifice style, I feel nothing but pure joy to see another elevated sneaker style come into the market. Why should you limit your "fashion shoes" to just heels? To quote Parker Posey in The White Lotus, "I just don't think, at this age, I'm meant to live an uncomfortable life." An uncomfortable life, to me, means forcing myself into ridiculous shoes for a cool look.
It's also not just sportswear companies innovating the shoe category. Brands such as Prada and Dries Van Noten have been releasing sneakers that every fashion person I know wants to get their hands on. (Personally, the Dries red snakeskin option is currently in my cart.)
Keep scrolling for a (growing) list of all the trending sneakers you need to know about in 2025.
Have you seen richer-looking sneakers?
Dries Van Noten's suede sneakers are almost always out of stock, and I predict the hype will catch on even more with this snakeskin style.
I was skeptical at first, but every time I see someone else style these ballet-flat sneakers on TikTok, I get a little more convinced about their versatility.
If the flats style truly isn't your thing, you can buy the full-sneaker version of the Taekwondo shoes.
Last year, all I could think about was Miu Miu's collab with New Balance. I'm still thinking about it, of course, but now, it's in addition to Miu Miu's solo collection of suede sneakers.
Toteme does refined minimalism so well, so of course, the brand's design team would find a way to seamlessly blend its signature aesthetic into perfectly chic sneakers.
Isn't this color combo just divine?
Sandy Liang collaborated with Salomon again, and it's even better than last time. Powder pink is the color of the season, so it only makes sense that one of the hottest sneakers of the year is also in that shade.
If the Sandy Liang look isn't your thing, this one may be more up your alley.
If the snakeskin is a little out-there for you, these black-and-white Dries sneakers are ones you'll reach for every day.
Salomon's XT-6 style may have been introduced in 2013, but for the number of times I've been seeing it lately, you'd think it was released this past year. Of course, the new colorways must be adding to its growth in popularity.
Bottega Veneta's bags are showstoppers, but I suggest you give the shoes a good chance—especially these metallic sneakers. I'd much rather invest in these, knowing how much I'd wear them.
The number one Samba replacement definitely has to be the Puma Speedcat. (Even Dua Lipa's on board.)
New-collab alert!
Another Samba-adjacent sneaker style that I think makes a great option for those that are looking for flatter sneakers.
Asics are no longer uncool sneakers. They've quickly become one of the It sneakers of the moment, and I'm predicting these won't be in stock at Nordstrom for long.
More ballet-flats sneakers? I'm officially intrigued.
When I went to Japan, I spotted multiple people wearing this silver sneakers, and that's all I needed to see to be convinced I needed them. It's been two years since that trip, and the hype around them hasn't slowed down!
Instead of The Row jelly flip-flops, why not try sneakers? They'll definitely get a better cost per wear since they're something you can wear year-round.
While Salomon and Asics are currently popular, you can't compete with the classic sneaker brand that is New Balance.
Nike is pushing for a comeback for the Cortez with all the fun colors the brand has been launching.
If I had to pick my favorite Adidas Samba alternative, I think the SL 72s would be it.
If you are going to give into the Samba, this is the one to buy.
I recently saw these on a stylist and complimented her immediately. Her response: "Thanks! I love that they're trend-forward and high-quality but not as expensive as the Miu Miu or Dries sneakers." Valid points!
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