Have you been feeling like your current shoe rotation just isn’t cutting it? You’re not alone—the biggest sneaker trends of 2026 are pushing your tried-and-true staples into uncharted territory, giving us the itch to invest in some new hero pairs. Many of the most of-the-moment kicks barely have soles at all; some are leaving behind classic leather and suede in favor of satin; others are blurring the lines between ballet flats, loafers, and sneakers. The good news? They’re all highly wearable and ready to punch up all your outfits. These are the biggest sneaker trends we’ll be wearing in 2026, from nostalgic runners to animal-print beauties.
Glamour’s 2026 sneaker trends edit
1. Retro runners
Everyone needs a good pair of athletic sneakers in their closet, and one of the hottest silhouettes going into the new year is the ’70s track shoe. Defined by foam midsoles and grippy outsoles, these kicks combine the foot-friendly benefits of walking shoes with the retro charm of vintage sneakers. Heritage styles from Adidas, Puma, and Reebok are enjoying a major moment, while everyone from Margiela to Tory Burch has its own take on the style. Whichever way you go, style your choice with crew socks for the full throwback effect.
2. Not-quite sneakers
While sneakers will never fall out of style, there’s an undeniable vibe shift afoot: The very coolest sneakers are barely sneakers at all. New Balance released a sneaker-loafer hybrid in 2024, and it blew the door open for more unholy (yet chic) combinations. Miu Miu now offers monkstrap brogues with sporty soles, while ballerina sneakers have become a major new category within just the past few months. As fashion moves away from slouchy comfort and into a more buttoned-up, office-ready vibe, these pairs are bridging the gap with good looks and more than a little humor.
3. Extra-slim soles
Ask any fashion insider what the silhouette of the moment is and you’ll get the same answer: the absolute thinnest soles possible, a look ushered in at the start of 2025 by Dries Van Noten’s streamlined sneakers, available below. So while chunky kicks are on the back burner for now, that’s for the best, especially if you’re on the hunt for a pair of shoes to wear everywhere. You can easily style a pair with a blazer and work pants for the office or with a dress on a dinner date without feeling underdressed. How many other pairs of sneakers can do that?
4. Slipper sneakers
While 2024 was defined by suede, we’re calling satin and nylon as the materials of 2026, lending everything a slipper-like elegance. Prada, Dries Van Noten, and Onitsuka Tiger all showed satin sneakers for spring, and celebrities like Julia Roberts and Charli XCX can’t stop wearing Vivaia’s coquettish sneakerinas. All signs point to an especially dainty year ahead for our footwear—so invest in these sleek shoes before they inevitably sell out in the coming months.
5. Trail-ready kicks
While you might associate this genre with your dad, you can thank Scandinavian girls and hiking’s growing influence on fashion for the recent explosion in technical, outdoorsy sneakers. (Everyone we know owns or wants a pair of Salomons, after all.) Suitable for backcountry runs and city treks alike, these pairs are unapologetically athletic: mesh accents, bold laces, thick soles. Channel gorpcore with a tank top, a funnel-neck jacket, and track pants, or try your hand at Scandi styling with a chunky cardigan, a full skirt, and an oversized scrunchie. Either way, you’re in for an exceptionally comfortable 10,000-step day.
6. Safari prints
Bold animal prints started trending in the back half of 2025, and they’re only growing stronger for the coming year. Ferragamo showed leopard on the runway for spring and summer, while Sergio Hudson went big on zebra. If you’re feeling a little more cold-blooded, snakeskin appeared at Alaïa and Nina Ricci, while Tom Ford’s slick outerwear suggested a reptilian sheen. So whether you deck out your sneaks in python, cheetah, or cow—all faux, of course—your footwear rotation will keep up with fashion’s current edgy, glamorous streak.
