5 “Dated” Sneaker Trends We’re Pausing and the Ones We’re Buying Instead
Personally, I don’t like talking about dated fashion trends. Because what’s considered stylish is wildly subjective. For instance, the funnel-neck jackets I love might feel a touch criminal to you, but I couldn’t imagine a chicer jacket for winter 2025. It’s for this reason that I wholeheartedly support the idea of a personal capsule wardrobe. When curated well, it will fit your personality, and more importantly, personal style, which means the only person who can truly decipher what’s “in” and “out” is you.
The same goes for dated sneaker trends in winter 2025—while the Adidas Sambas, for example, continue to reign supreme as a popular sneaker choice, with so many fresher silhouettes being released in 2025, I’m personally yearning for an alternative.
At times, it feels like popular sneaker styles come in waves. After all, it was only a few years ago that chunky sneakers adorned with monograms were the go-tos (think the chunky Gucci Ryhton or the ever-popular Balenciaga Triple S). Although there’s a maximalist timelessness to these sneakers, the sleeker and more pared-back styles seen at Miu Miu and Dries Van Noten are becoming cult favorites among fashion people, paving the way for a more low-key style to gain popularity, which are logoless and have a slimmer, elongated frame.
After noticing the shift in the sneaker-sphere, a mere few weeks ago, I tried on hundreds of fall sneakers beloved by you and Who What Wear editors alike, and it seems we’re all on the same wavelength with the colors, silhouettes, and brands we all seem to be gravitating toward. That said, for further clarification, I reached out to my fellow editors, and even though we can be an indecisive bunch, there are five sneaker trends we’re unanimously hitting the pause button on for now, and others we’re buying into instead. Scroll to discover them.
5 “Dated” Sneaker Trends and the Ones We’re Loving Instead
1. Skipping: Chunky Sneakers
Style Notes: For winter 2025, shopping editor Florrie Alexander says they’re “setting my high-top sneakers aside in favor of a 2025 favorite: the low-profile sneaker.” With a capsule wardrobe filled with relaxed denim and smart denim, she’s using their retro edge and streamlined look to complement her staples more.
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COS
Minimal Leather Sneakers
These COS sneakers have been selling out fast!
Tory Burch
Tory Field Sneakers
An editor and influencer favorite.
It’s hard to believe that these are from Zara. The quality is second to none.
Dolce Vita
Serina Sneaker
The beige tone and gum sole makes these so expensive-looking.
& Other Stories
Suede-Detail Trainers
The quilting adds a unique point of difference to other sneakers.
2. Skipping: Neutral Sneakers
Style Notes: Now, neutral sneakers have always been a classic choice, but in winter 2025, we’re no longer playing it safe and are instead choosing bright colors. Adding visual interest, senior shopping editor Marina Avraam, who’s “always kept her sneakers fairly minimalist,” is all about letting them be the moment this year. She tells me, “My most-worn pair so far this year has been my yellow Onitsukas” for their versatility and ability to add, as she puts it, “polish and pizzazz to the simplest outfit.”
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LOEWE
Ballet Runner 2.0 Logo-Appliquéd Leather and Suede Sneakers
I’d pair these with a leather bomber and jeans for a low-key weekend look.
Reebok
Classic Legacy AZ Sneakers
Free People
Puma Speedcat Sneakers
I wear a pair of Puma Speedcats on a weekly basis.
Adidas
SL 72 OG Suede and Leather Sneakers
I love the contrast of the green and yellow on this pair.
Adidas
Handball Spezial Shoes
Navy sneakers are surprisingly versatile come winter.
3. Skipping: Laceless Sneakers
Style Notes: Now, I know what you’re thinking: Dad sneakers? My mind, like yours, was instantly brought back to the once-popular Balenciaga Triple S trainers, which now feels like a fever dream. But editorial assistant Brittany Davy is turning to “cooler” dad sneakers, which will make her staples feel a little more elevated and edgier. From the Salomon Gore Tex to the Reebok Club-C, there are so many chic styles to choose from.
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SALOMON
XT-6 Rubber-Trimmed Sneakers
The Salomon XT-6 is a slightly lesser-known sneaker silhouette, yet its particularly sporty edge and transitional ability make it one of my top choices this winter.
Asics
Gel-Kayano 14 Sneakers
Asics are such an underrated sneaker brand.
Simple yet effective and comfortable.
New Balance
1906a Running Shoe
The thick, cushioned sole means you can walk miles in these and not feel a pinch.
ZARA
Color Combination Sneakers
The burgundy accents make these feel even more elevated.
4. Skipping: Metallic Sneakers
Style Notes: You heard it here first: Animal-print sneakers are set to be the next big footwear trend of 2025. We’ve seen the rise of tactile cow-print leather bags, and who could forget the ever-popular Damson Madder leopard-print jeans, which soared in popularity last year?
But in winter 2025, it’s sneakers grabbing our attention. Take it from SEO writer Ava Gilchrist, who is “leaving my metallic shades for my party heels and leaning into the sultry animal prints that are currently making the rounds.” Her top picks? “The Dries Van Noten snakeskin pair is currently a top runner, but there’s also a jewel-toned-blue-and-beige pair from Wales Bonner that’s piquing my interest.”
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ZARA
Animal Print Leather Sneakers
Think how chic these will look with navy, cream, and black clothing.
I’m a big fan of anything Sézane.
Puma Select
Speedcat Zebra Sneaker
These would look undeniably cool with a pair of jeans and a cashmere sweater.
Puma Select
Speedcat Wild Ballet Flat
Animal print in a sneakerina silhouette? I can’t lie, I’m obsessed.
5. Skipping: Chunky Sneakers
(Image credit: @rebeccaferrazwyatt)
Style Notes: As a previous sneakerina hater, over the past few months, I’ve been significantly humbled by the excellence of this trendy shape. Part ballet flat, part trainer, it adds a fun kind of polish to jeans and makes tailored trousers feel more casual. Personally, I’m swapping classic flat sneakers like Sambas for this cool silhouette.
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Adidas
Taekwondo Mei Ballet Sneakers
PUMA
Speedcat Ballet Suede Sneakers
These have been all over my feeds lately.
The silver is a nice touch.
Miu Miu
Gymnasium Ballet Flats
This Miu Miu hybrid has been flying off the shelves.
ZARA
Satin Effect Stitched Ballet Flats
The satin finish oozes elegance.
This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK.
