We Asked Stylists to Share the Hottest Sneaker Trends of 2026—Here Are 6 to Try This Year
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Over the past few years, we’ve seen a shift in how we wear sneakers. The go-to shoe style is no longer just for casual looks, especially when 2026 sneaker trends like the sneakerina exist. This year, we’re wearing sneakers with everything from shorts and a T-shirt to flowy maxi dresses to office attire, with some of last year’s most beloved micro trends (including said ballet sneakers) also stepping into the spotlight.
2026 Sneaker Trends at a Glance
- Soccer-Inspired Sneakers: Nike Total 90 Soccer Sneaker, $115
- Mary Jane Sneakers: Adidas Samba Jane Sneaker, $100
- Sculptural Shoes: SOREL Kinetic Impact II Wonder Lace Sneaker, $70 (was $135)
- Sneakerinas: PUMA Speedcat OG Ballet Sneakers, $90
- Minimalist Silhouettes: SHUSHOP Sarah Sneaker, $115
- Trail Sneakers: Salomon XT-6, $180
Whether you want to make a statement with sculptural soles or make sure your outfit looks en pointe with sneakerinas, there’s a sneaker for everyone in 2026. We’re especially ecstatic to learn that some of the more functional shoes in our wardrobe (hello, hiking sneakers) are also high up on the trends list this year. Plus, some of the more minimalist, low-profile designs are still very much a vibe, too.
If you want to give your sneaker game a refresh, we tapped a stylist to find out what’s trending, plus how to style the biggest 2026 sneaker trends.
Soccer-Inspired Sneakers
“Soccer-inspired sneakers are having a major moment in 2026,” says stylist and fashion creator Chloe Xandria. “Overall, nostalgic fashion has been huge this year, and the low profiles and vintage, retro colorways of these shoes spice up a basic outfit while still being practical and comfortable,” she says. Xandria adds that this is likely connected to the overall influence of sports culture on fashion right now, with people gravitating toward more practical, wearable shoes.
Sizes Available: 5-16.5
Colorways: 9
Sizes Available: 4-11.5
Colorways: 7
Sizes Available: 6-11
Colorways: 6
Mary Jane Sneakers
The Mary Jane sneaker trend feels like an offshoot of the ballet sneaker styles that are everywhere right now, with some really cute options that are more comfortable than ballet flats. Styles such as the Adidas Samba Jane Sneaker and the Charlotte Stone Garcia Sneaker are more casual alternatives to ballet flats and look great with everything from cropped trousers to the office or a midi sundress on the weekend.
“I bought these shoes earlier this year, and they’re some of the comfiest Mary Jane shoes I have ever worn. When I first got mine, I was visiting New York City for the week, and I ended up walking miles in them without experiencing blisters or aches in my high arches.” — Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster Contributing Writer
Sizes Available: 5-14
Colorways: 9
Sizes Available: 5-13
Colorways: 5
Sizes Available: 6-11
Colorways: 3
Sculptural Soles
“Sculptural soles will be dominant with wild twists and warped foam soles,” says celebrity stylist Samantha Brown. Since these make a statement on their own, Brown says you can pair them with more quiet wardrobe staples, such as simple jeans and a T-shirt or crewneck sweater, and “let the shoe be the focal point of the outfit.”
Sizes Available: 5-12
Colorways: 7
Sizes Available: 5-11
Colorways: 2
Sizes Available: 5-12
Colorways: 17
Sneakerinas
In 2026, we’re moving away from the chunky sneakers style and going with something a bit daintier with sneakerinas—aka, sneakers that resemble ballet slippers. “Lean into a more feminine aesthetic and pair these with girly dresses or play with juxtaposition and style them back to structured, menswear-inspired trousers,” says Brown.
Editor’s Note: “Puma kindly gifted me this shoe, and although I’ve only worn it a handful of times so far, I was stoked to see its ultra-comfortable Ortholite insole (I have a different pair of Pumas with the same kind of insole). I was also happy about the stretchy straps across the top of the foot, as someone with narrow feet that tend to slip out without a sturdy strap. The shoe’s heel has extra padding, which is great if you’re getting your steps in (I survived a whole day at the botanical garden in these ballet sneakers). While these shoes are well-cushioned, I will say you might want to size a half or even a full size up. I went a half size bigger, per reviewers’ suggestion, and probably could’ve gone up a full size for more toe room. For some PUMA Speedcat OG Ballet Sneakers outfit inspo, check out our team’s Old Navy x Christopher John Rogers try-on video.” — Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster Commerce Editor
Sizes Available: 5.5-11
Colorways: 10
Sizes Available: 5-11
Colorways: 16
Sizes Available: 6-10
Colorways: 1
Minimalist Silhouettes
One of the biggest 2026 shoe trends is equestrian-inspired, minimalistic riding boots—so we aren’t surprised to see the sleek and simple style make its way into the sneaker category. “Minimalist, wearable silhouettes continue to be front and center, as these are easy to wear with anything,” says Brown. She says to think thin soles, quiet branding, and sleek materials.
Sizes Available: 6-11
Colorways: 8
Sizes Available: 5-11
Colorways: 15
Sizes Available: 5-12
Colorways: 7
Trail Sneakers
“Trail sneakers that would ordinarily be reserved for hiking—like Solomon elastic lace sneakers—are very popular right now,” says Brown. “These have become the ‘cool girl’ go-to, paired with athleisure and casual denim looks.” The best part about this trend? It’s incredibly functional (and so comfortable if you commute on foot).
Sizes Available: 6-11
Colorways: 21
Sizes Available: 5-11
Colorways: 3
Sizes Available: 5-11
Colorways: 4
