Key Facts
- ✓ Hiking sneakers and trail runners are becoming daily wear, moving beyond fitness purposes.
- ✓ Retro runners like the Adidas SL 72 are predicted to be more popular than Sambas and Gazelles.
- ✓ Chunky dad sneakers and ultra-limited releases are falling out of favor, replaced by minimalist designs.
- ✓ Hybrid sneakers (loafers/oxfords with sneaker soles) are rising due to return-to-office dress codes.
Quick Summary
Professional stylists have identified the sneaker trends set to define 2026, signaling a shift away from ultra-limited releases and chunky silhouettes. Key trends include hiking sneakers becoming daily wear, ballet-inspired designs gaining momentum, and hybrid styles offering office-ready comfort.
Stylists Natalie Tincher and Kendra Sharpe highlight the rise of mixed textures and bold colorways, while retro runners like the Adidas SL 72 are set to overtake recent favorites. Conversely, the chunky dad sneaker trend is fading, along with stark all-white designs and high platforms, which are being replaced by minimalist shapes and versatile neutral tones.
Emerging Styles for 2026
Sneaker culture is moving faster than ever, with new styles dropping constantly and older silhouettes returning without warning. To navigate this, professional stylists have pinpointed specific designs that will remain strong through 2026.
Texture and Color Take Center Stage
As the quiet luxury aesthetic continues to fade, sneakers that combine materials and bolder colorways are starting to take over. Natalie Tincher, principal stylist and founder of BU Style, notes that this trend helps break the drabness of fall and winter.
Examples of this trend include:
- Leopard print paired with bright-green accents
- Combinations of nylon and suede
- Jacquard and lace prints
According to Tincher, these styles serve as a good investment to brighten an outfit and transition smoothly into spring-summer.
The Rise of the Trail Shoe
Trail runners and hiking sneakers are moving beyond fitness purposes to become daily wear. Kendra Sharpe, founder of Kendra Sharpe Styling and Creative, explains that these shoes provide a sporty vibe through technical materials like bungee cord laces.
The trend fits the Scandi (Scandinavian) preference for functional sneakers. Sharpe mentions that people are pairing these athletic shoes with dresses for an elevated take on athleisure.
Ballet and Hybrid Inspirations
Ballet-style sneakers are continuing to trend, offering interpretations that range from dramatic to understated. Designs may feature square toe boxes, silk materials, or ankle straps to evoke a subtle ballerina feel.
Additionally, with stricter return-to-office dress codes, hybrid sneakers are gaining popularity. These styles bridge the gap between casual and professional dressing, featuring loafers, Derbys, or Oxfords with sneaker soles for added comfort and support.
"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."
— Natalie Tincher, Principal Stylist at BU Style
The Return of Retro
Minimalist designs are making a significant comeback, specifically low-profile retro sneakers. Both Kendra Sharpe and Natalie Tincher agree that these will be a major trend in the new year.
These sneakers typically feature:
- Nylon uppers
- Textured soles
- Foamy footbeds
This combination creates an old-school track look. Tincher specifically pointed out that Adidas SL 72s are coming in hotter than the recently popular Sambas and Gazelles. She also highlighted brands like Reebok and Puma for evoking a similar retro vibe.
Trends Losing Momentum
While some styles are rising, others are falling out of favor. Stylists agree that the era of exclusivity and bulkiness is ending.
The End of the Hype Cycle
Najm Loyd, a men's stylist and content creator known as Steelo, states that sneakers with ultra-limited releases are losing their appeal. Consumers are shifting toward products offering authentic storytelling rather than waiting in lines for exclusive drops.
Bye-Bye, Dad Shoes
The chunky dad shoe trend is officially on its way out. Loyd notes that these oversize, mall-walker styles are being replaced by minimalist sneakers that fit the shape of the foot.
Stark Whites and High Platforms
Stylists suggest swapping crisp, all-white sneakers for pairs with more neutral tones like cream, ivory, and gray. Natalie Tincher argues that stark white is becoming less practical and versatile for year-round wear, while textures like suede work better across seasons.
Finally, platform sneakers are losing momentum. The rise of flare and wide-leg pants creates a need for slimmer, streamlined shoes to balance the silhouette. Tincher explains that a smaller shoe form creates a nice juxtaposition that allows the pant to fall more nicely, creating longer, leaner lines.
Conclusion
The sneaker landscape of 2026 is defined by a balance of functionality and expression. The focus is shifting away from hype-driven exclusivity and bulky shapes toward designs that offer versatility, comfort, and visual interest. From the crossover of hiking boots into daily fashion to the resurgence of slim retro runners, the coming year favors personal style and practicality over fleeting trends.
"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."
— Kendra Sharpe, Founder of Kendra Sharpe Styling and Creative
"I feel like people are coming into their own style and just wanting what speaks to them."
— Najm Loyd, Men's Stylist and Content Creator
"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."
— Natalie Tincher, Principal Stylist at BU Style
