I've Banished Ballet Flats in Favor of All These Chic Spring Sneakers

Look, don't be mad (I’m a good person!), but I'm really not a ballet-flat gal. I know this may be hard to hear, and to be honest I don’t know what it is, because you know I love a flat. But even back in the day watching The Hills, I was the only person I knew not coveting those black ballerinas that Lauren would wear on repeat (an important early 2000s visual cue that she was *serious* about fashion).

I will say that the past couple of years, the rise of glove slippers and flat slingbacks have helped me find my way into the general vicinity of ballet flat–adjacent styles—do they count? I think they count. But truth be told, I’m still not even half as excited about these as I am about this onslaught of chic spring sneakers that are already hitting the internet. All 2025's best sneaker trends are here: suede sneakers, red sneakers, slim vintage-inspired sneakers, plus pastels (I know, for spring?!), and some fresh-feeling animal print. From Adidas to Zara to Toteme, here are 41 pairs of sneakers I’d buy in a heartbeat.

As someone who owns, loves, and is continually asked about this colorway of the SL 72s, I'm thrilled to report that they're back in stock at Nordstrom.

Also a great color combo.

Puma

Easy Rider Vintage Sneakers

Puma

Easy Rider Glam Athletics Sneaker

But also, the "Glam" edition—ruffle details, suede panels, and organza ribbon laces.

Cos

Minimal Suede Trainers

Pops of red are back—prepare accordingly.

Veja

Rio Branco Ii Sneakers

These will make your Saturday-morning Pilates-then–Trader Joe's legging outfits cooler.

Zara

Combination Running Shoes

For days when you want to be comfortable but also chic.

Zara

Soft Athletic Sneakers

Suede-effect sneakers are a spring staple.

Chloé

Kick Suede, Mesh and Leather Sneakers

Adidas Originals

Taekwondo Striped Leather Sneakers

If you're into the color palette but don't trust yourself with $700 shoes.

Jeffrey Campbell

Aleta Sneaker

Such a good, rich, chocolaty brown.

These Miu Miu sneakers are about to stage a full-scale assault on your Instagram feed.

Mango

Lace-Up Sneakers - Women | Mango Usa

Ghoud

Starlight Soft Low Sneakers

This dusky mint green is where it's at.

Marc Fisher Ltd

Teddy Sneaker

There's about to be a lot of powder pink in the mix.

An even softer pink. Entry-level pink.

Speaking of wearing pink this spring, these burgundy sneakers with a soft pink sweater and is a no-brainer look you can rely on.

Alohas

490 Rife Soft Tan Leather Sneakers

Love these for not quite being a leopard print.

Rag & Bone

Retro Runner Sneaker

The Row

Owen Runner Leather and Mesh Sneakers

Veja

Volley Suede Sneakers

On the other hand, poppy sneakers can be just the bit of weird your neutral look needs.

Sam Edelman

Kallen Sneakers

Love. (Also love the price.)

Rag & Bone

Retro Runner Slim Ultra Sneaker

The colors work; don't ask why.

Veronica Beard

Riviera Sneaker

A little more muted, if you're still working up to it.

Also really into black sneakers as a very intentional-feeling neutral.

Vince

Mojave Trainer Sneaker

Acne Studios

Bars Sneakers

Gum soles high enough to protect that fresh white leather from many a scuff.

Nike

Air Superfly Suede and Perforated Leather Sneakers

Wales Bonner

Samba Sneakers

Wales Bonner collab styles are never in stock for long.

Adidas Originals

Samba LT Nubuck and Suede-Trimmed Leather Sneakers

Speaking of Sambas, this retro navy blue is sending me.

Dries Van Noten

Paneled Snake-Effect Leather Sneakers

Nike

Zoom Vomero 5 Roam Sneaker

If you'd like to tell the world that you're down with the kids.

Zara

Padded Running Shoes

The second-to-last pair of red sneakers I'm going to show you.

Toteme

Suede-Trimmed Wool-Flannel Sneakers

She's not a regular mom; she's a cool mom.

Rag & Bone

Retro Runner Slim Sneaker

Rag & Bone's retro sneakers should be on your radar.

Adidas Originals

Japan Suede-Trimmed Leather Sneakers

Vince

Oasis Runner Sneakers