As summer draws to a close, the sneaker trend continues to dominate the fashion landscape, evolving with exciting new “hybrid” styles. Fashion insiders are setting the pace for autumn footwear, featuring everything from retro runners to minimalist must-haves, as compiled by editors at ELLE.
Key Sneaker Trends for Fall 2025
The upcoming fall season will see a strong emphasis on varied sneaker silhouettes, with a particular spotlight on unexpected hybrids that blend athletic comfort with classic footwear designs like Mary Janes, mules, and ballet flats. Editors predict a blend of rich textures, nostalgic retro styles, and sleek, minimalist designs will be the most sought-after.
Here’s a breakdown of the top picks from fashion insiders:
- Editor’s Choice: Golden Goose Marathon ($550)
- Features: This sneaker, a favorite of ELLE’s fashion and accessories market director Alexis Wolfe, offers “old-school ’70s running sneaker vibes.” Each pair is uniquely distressed, with in-store customization options for a personalized touch.
- Colors: Red
- Material: Leather, polyester, polyamide, polyurethane
- Best Sneakerina: Puma Speedcat Ballet ($80)
- Features: These “sneakerinas” are taking the internet by storm, leading the conversation around ballet-flat-sneaker hybrids. This iteration comes in eye-catching metallic, making a strong statement.
- Colors: Silver, White
- Material: Leather, elastic, rubber
- Most Versatile: Alo Sunset Runner ($225)
- Features: A neutral pair perfect for transitioning from exercise classes to after-work drinks. It includes a recovery foam insole for cushioning and comfort.
- Colors: Sandstone, Black
- Material: Suede
- Best Luxury: Gucci Re-Motion Sneaker ($1,080)
- Features: A retro-inspired striped sneaker with a detachable ankle strap for added flair, allowing for a “Sporty Spice” vibe suitable for both active and casual settings.
- Colors: Black, Pink, Light Brown
- Material: Suede, nylon, rubber
- Best Streetwear: Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 ($106)
- Features: Inspired by 1960s training shoes, this model features the brand’s signature stripes in a slim, modern, and timeless silhouette.
- Colors: 12 options
- Material: Leather, rubber
- Best New Arrival: Tory Burch Field Sneaker ($250)
- Features: Described as sleek and perfect for “running around,” these sneakers are expected to be a staple among fashion editors.
- Colors: 9 options
- Material: Polyester mesh, suede, leather, rubber
- Best Statement: Bottega Veneta Orbit Sneaker ($1,050)
- Features: These low-top runners feature a metallic trim over a lightweight mesh outsole, offering a glossy, statement-making look.
- Colors: 7 options
- Material: Technical fabric, mesh, rubber
- Best Under $100: JW Pei Caitlin Lace-Up Ballerina Sneakers ($99)
- Features: A stylish and comfortable option crafted from soft suede with a fabric lining and durable rubber sole, suitable for all-day wear. Suede is a dominant fabric this season.
- Colors: Grey, Pink, Light Brown, Beige, Black
- Material: Suede, rubber
- Best Mary Janes: Miu Miu Tyre Technical Ballerinas ($1,020)
- Features: These “sneakerinas” combine style and sport with a technical and chic design, featuring a classic Mary Jane strap.
- Colors: Ivory, Cloudy Gray
- Material: Recycled polyamide
- Best Chunky Sole: New Balance 9060 ($150)
- Features: A classic for any season, these sneakers offer a chunky sole in a neutral palette for perfect balance.
- Colors: Rain Cloud, Sea Salt
- Material: Leather, synthetic
Other notable mentions include the Fenty x Puma x Smurfs Avanti Sneaker ($120) for its playful denim design, the Adidas Taekwondo Shoes ($100) making a strong 2000s revival, the Maison Margiela x Salomon MM6 XT-4 Mules ($410) for their blend of performance and whimsy, the Lacoste for FP Movement Club Low Sneakers ($125) embracing prep and tennis-inspired style, the Sam Edelman Isabel Sneaker ($98) bringing butter yellow to the forefront, and the Alohas Tb.490 Crochet Sneakers ($190) offering a bohemian upgrade with crochet lace trim.
