Stylists share 6 sneaker trends that are in right now and 4 that are out
Business Insider spoke to three professional stylists about sneakers that will be in and out in 2025
Adidas sambas may be a little basic, but the silhouette still offers a great look.
You can take a break from your Converse this year — they're not as popular right now.
Sneakers seem to be more versatile than ever, bridging the gap between 9-to-5 and 5-to-9 ensembles.
However, with brands dropping styles for every occasion, finding the right look in a sea of options can feel overwhelming.
Business Insider spoke with three professional stylists to figure out which trends to look out for in 2025 — and what silhouettes to leave in your closet.
Step into some gum soles.
Personal and celebrity stylist Kim Appelt sees gum-bottom sneakers — which feature grippy, neutral-colored soles — as a "monstrous trend" at the moment.
The pop of tan can be found on Adidas gazelles and Hogan beige-suede sneakers, to name a few.
Appelt said adding this touch of neutral goes along with the general fashion trends toward browns and natural colors.
Adidas sambas are here to stay.
Adidas sambas have been a popular choice across aesthetics for years, and that doesn't seem to be slowing down in 2025.
Ceila "CQ" Quarles, the designer of CQ Studios who's styled multiple musicians and rappers, said the sneakers have a timeless look and a "killer silhouette."
"It's a throw-on shoe you can put on whenever, wherever," she told BI. "It's a little basic, but you can't go wrong with it."
Runners aren't just for jogging.
Celebrity stylist Sandra Okerulu said running shoes aren't just for the sporty crowd.
The trend really grew around the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and offered people a comfortable, more supportive footwear choice.
"You need flexibility," she told BI. "That's why this switch happened; because we're thinking longevity."
With athletic footwear becoming mainstream, fashion brands like Betsey Johnson and Steve Madden are even making fun options that can be worn with both street clothes and gym attire.
On is somewhat of a new kid on the block.
With comfort taking the front seat this year, CQ suggests looking into On's Cloudtilt sneakers.
With endorsements from and collaborations with celebrities like Zendaya, the shoe has skyrocketed in popularity in recent years. The stylist thinks it has the power to keep trending through 2025, especially because the shoes are designed to be comfortable.
"Comfortable shoes are typically timeless," CQ told BI.
Consider grabbing a pair from Onitsuka Tiger.
Appelt said Onitsuka Tiger's classic sneakers will likely trickle into the top trends this coming year.
The Japanese brand has several styles to choose from, all featuring its signature abstract checkerboard-like stripes in fun colors.
The professional stylist recently bought multiple pairs herself on a trip to Tokyo and sees the chic shoe making its way to the US in droves in 2025.
Asics are a comfortable choice.
With dad-style shoes coming back in fashion, Asics continues to be in the spotlight.
It's been producing comfortable shoes for decades, but beyond brand loyalty, its modern lines have made it more of a fashion staple.
"People are obsessed with being cozy all the time," CQ said, noting the more fashion-forward Asics Sportstyle collection may be especially popular throughout 2025.
On the other hand, it's time to take a breather from wild prints.
In recent years, it wasn't uncommon to spot cowhide, snakeskin, or zebra stripes on shoes, but Okerulu said that fad is dwindling.
Although animal print cycles in and out of fashion all the time, it's less practical on shoes, which should ideally be versatile enough to work with outfits across your wardrobe.
Step away from the chunky Converse.
Both Appelt and CQ said they're seeing the Converse craze start to die after the brand's resurgence in 2020. This is especially true for its ultra-trendy Run Star Motion platforms.
Appelt clarified that the brand itself, which has been around since the early 1900s, has longevity and will eventually circle back into style.
"It's the platform we can leave behind," she told BI.
Wedge sneakers belong in the past.
Many have a love-hate relationship with sneaker wedges, and Okerulu still doesn't think the shoe has enough buzz to really come back in style.
"People try to inch back on it, and I don't think that's going to work," she said. "Consumers are looking for something that's more realistic."
The style kind of defeats the purpose of a good, sturdy sneaker. You certainly can't take it from the gym to the office.
Nike Dunks perhaps aren't as popular as they once were.
CQ said people seem to be switching out their Nike Dunks for more elevated shoes — especially after the brand made the shoe less of a collector's item by producing droves in a myriad of colors.
"They're just not hitting like they used to," she said. "It used to be people lining up around the block for them. That is not the case anymore."
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