5 Spring Sneaker Trends We’re Wearing Everywhere in 2026

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 this tried-and-true wardrobe staple 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.

1. Retro runners

Everyone needs a good pair of athletic sneakers in their closet, and one of the hottest silhouettes this 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 newcomers from the likes of Sam Edelman and Veronica Beard are also worth having on your radar. Whichever way you go, style your choice with crew socks for the full throwback effect.

Styling tip: Offset these shoes’ athletic vibe with more laid-back pieces like wide-leg jeans or tailored trousers.

2. 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 the brand Dries Van Noten. (Prada and Celine, meanwhile, showed super-slim sneaks for spring.) Chunky kicks are officially on the back burner—and we’re okay with that, since this shape is much more versatile. You can easily style the pairs below with a blazer and work pants for the office or with a dress for a dinner date without feeling underdressed. How many other sneakers can do that?

Styling tip: Wear these shoes anywhere you’d otherwise go with ballet flats—including, yes, with dresses for post-work drinks or weekend celebrations.

3. High-tech trainers

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 right now.) Suitable for backcountry runs and city treks alike, these styles are unapologetically athletic: mesh accents, bold laces, thick soles. Channel gorpcore with a funnel-neck jacket and track pants—or try your hand at Scandi styling with a chunky cardigan and an oversized scrunchie. Either way, you’re in for an exceptionally comfortable 10,000-step day.

Styling tip: Consider these sneakers your secret weapon for office-to-gym days. At work, wear them with a thin sweater and loose trousers; you can then swap into your workout gear without lugging around an extra pair of shoes.

4. Fresh color combos

Colorful sneakers are easier than ever to find these days, but we’re most charmed by the explosion in styles featuring out-there color palettes. Brown and pink is perhaps the most popular combination of the moment—you can find it everywhere from $50 Amazon pairs to viral Alohas—but any candy-colored combo is worth a go this spring. Why not the sporty pairing of green and yellow or the fashion-girl darling that is burgundy and blue?

Styling tip: Because the hues here are so vivid, you can keep the rest of your outfit low-key—think white tees, black skirts, or blue jeans—to give them room to shine.

5. Mary Jane sneakers

One of spring’s most popular sneakers is barely a sneaker at all. Combining Mary Jane flats with athletic kicks, this style has gone from niche to mainstream in virtually no time. (Jennifer Lawrence was on the trend early.) Puma and Adidas have already adapted some of their classic pairs into ballet-flat-esque shapes, and you can now find tons of dainty pairs everywhere from Amazon to Nordstrom. None of the pairs below looks orthopedic; instead, they’re just plain cool.

Styling tip: Wear socks here as you would with ballet flats; go with no-shows or tall, dramatic pairs, as seen above.