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The overarching style trend of 2025 is elevation and originality. We’re stepping out into the public eye, letting people stare, and staring at ourselves as we walk past store windows. We’re getting dressed up for every occasion, whether that’s the supermarket or the front row of a runway show. But one thing we’re not doing? Sacrificing style and creativity for comfort and reliability. Our outfits are just as comfortable as they are enviable, and the key is our shoes.
Ballet flats, knee-high boots, and loafers are all great, but nothing compares to the style and wearability that the right sneaker can provide. No longer restricted to just the gym, you’d be surprised how many elevated outfits sneakers can be a part of. Stylists and trend forecasters alike think sneakers will be everywhere this fall—here are the ones you need.
The Buttoned-Up Hiker
It’s no secret that Salomon sneakers have been on the rise for several months—and they’re sticking around for the fall. Seen on celebrities like Emily Ratajkowski and Timothée Chalamet, Salomons fall under what trend forecaster Maggie Klimuszko refers to as the “buttoned-up hiker” look. We’re wearing sneakers specifically made for mountainous terrain, but “taking them out of the hiking context and wearing them with more fashionable aspects,” says Klimuszko. Try pairing them with slouchy gym socks and a pleated skirt, or your go-to cargos.
Ballet Flat-Sneaker Hybrid
If the hiker aesthetic feels a bit too masculine for you, don’t worry—the ballet flat-sneaker hybrid is also trending this fall and definitely leans feminine. Staying true to its name, this style has the support and comfort of a sneaker but the look of a ballet flat. Models like The Attico “Floor 01” and the PUMA Speedcat Ballet feature straps instead of tongues, and minimal soles. Unfortunately, Klimuszko predicts this style will be “super popular but burn hot and fast.” So, we recommend keeping to the less expensive side of the price range when making a purchase.
Animal Prints
By now, we all have at least one leopard-printed pant or top, so what’s one more item added to the closet? Leopard, zebra, snake, cow—whichever animal skin is your preference—they are all a yes when it comes to fall sneakers. “The plain white sneaker is out and people are opting for something that’s more unique,” says Summer Puricelli, wardrobe stylist and personal shopper. “Python and snakeskin prints have been really big.” Dries Van Noten, one of Puricelli’s favorite sneaker brands, has a red python skin sneaker that’s selling fast.
One-Tone Neons
When we imagine the colors of fall, we think of brown, maroon, orange, maybe a deep purple—certainly not anything from the neon family. But, this year, we would be wrong. “There have been a lot of highlighter hues and pops of bright colors on the runways,” says Klimuszko. “That one-tone highlighter-hue pop is also going to be big with sneakers.” Matching close to nothing in your closet, it could be fun to play around with a neon green or blue sneaker as your pop of color. Klimuszko recommends checking out Nike.
The Sprinters
“The style of the season is a low-profile sneaker,” says Regan Heinrichs, fashion consultant, wardrobe stylist, and founder of The Wardrobe Edit. “Something that has a very minimal sole and is super low to the ground.” Think old-fashioned soccer cleats or bowling shoes, or what many brands are referring to as the sprinters.
Similar to the ballet flat-sneaker hybrid, sprinters are sleek and slim with a narrow fit. They are the perfect silhouette to complement a pair of trousers for the office or a long skirt for a morning at the farmer’s market. To find a pair, you can never go wrong with trend-setters, Maison Margiela or Loewe. “But, you can also go to places like H&M and Zara,” says Heinrichs. “They’re always on the cusp of what’s on trend.”
Silver Metallics
While this last sneaker trend might not be favored among our gold jewelry gals, it’s sure to be a crowd favorite with those who crave all things neutral. We’re talking about silver metallic sneakers. It appears silver is making a comeback across all avenues of the fashion world—jewelry, bags, and now shoes—and it’s the perfect way to add a pop of something different without adding any color. The OGs are the Onitsuka Tiger, but Adidas and Gola sell dreamy metallics as well.