The Ultimate Sneaker Guide
The sneaker has undergone a sartorial evolution in recent years, cementing its place not just in streetwear, but on the runway and in the modern woman’s everyday wardrobe. From statement silhouettes to minimalist icons, discover the key sneaker trends of the season and how to style them
Retro sneakers
For modern interpretations of retro classics, you can’t beat Loewe’s sleek ‘Ballet Runner 2.0’ sneakers in chocolate suede and black canvas with a signature leather cursive L logo in coral. The low-top design will add serious cool points to any outfit. Meanwhile, Adidas Originals’ three-stripe ‘Japan’ sneakers have a fantastically nostalgic vibe. Wear them with relaxed jeans and a cropped jacket. Elsewhere, Dries Van Noten’s style is crafted from bold red suede and modeled after vintage running shoes from the ’70s.
GUCCIShift webbing and leather-trimmed canvas-jacquard and suede sneakers€780.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size36 - low stock36.5 - low stock37 - low stock37.5 - low stock38 - low stock38.5 - low stock3940 - low stock41
DRIES VAN NOTENLeather-trimmed suede sneakers
LOEWEBallet Runner 2.0 logo-appliquéd leather, canvas and suede sneakers
ADIDAS ORIGINALSJapan W leather-trimmed calf hair sneakers
Sneakerinas
A part-sneaker-part-ballet-pump hybrid is the unexpected frontrunner for biggest sneaker trend of 2026. Much like other hit shoes before it, the ‘sneakerina’ stands out for its individuality, and has already been spotted on trend-setters, from Bella Hadid to Dua Lipa. Chloé’s ‘Kick’ iteration comes in a pretty sage green with logo-labeled tongues that lend a retro-classic feel. For a sneakerina that makes more of a statement, Acne Studios’ pair are crafted in gold leather and threaded with a sweet lace detail on the heel – show them off with a denim midi skirt and a sporty quarter-zipped sweater.
CHLOÉKick suede and leather sneakers
ACNE STUDIOSMetallic leather sneakers
SAINT LAURENTLewis leather sneakers€690.00View Product DetailsSelect a SizeEU 35EU 36 - low stockEU 37EU 38EU 39EU 40EU 41 - low stockEU 42
ADIDAS ORIGINALSTaekwondo Mei Ballet metallic leather-trimmed leather sneakers
Technical sneakers
Sneakers have become more experimental in shape and color, with chunkier styles now the easiest and most comfortable way to (quite literally) elevate your look. Salomon’s ‘XT-6’ runners are the latest style by the brand to have transitioned seamlessly from track to street – they look cool styled with everything from cargo pants to maxi skirts. For off-duty style at its slickest, consider Nike’s ‘Shox Z’ sneakers in ivory with a tonal swoosh – style them with slouchy jeans and a blazer.
SALOMONXT-6 rubber-trimmed mesh sneakers€180.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size3.54 - out of stock4.5 - out of stock5 - out of stock5.5 - out of stock6 - out of stock6.5 - out of stock7 - out of stock7.5 - out of stock8 - out of stock8.5 - out of stock9
ADIDAS ORIGINALS+ Song For The Mute Adizero PR studded rubber-trimmed mesh sneakers€170.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size3.544.5 - low stock5 - low stock5.56 - low stock6.577.5 - out of stock88.5 - out of stock
SALOMONXT-Whisper rubber-trimmed mesh sneakers€150.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size3.5 - out of stock44.555.566.577.5 - low stock8 - low stock8.59 - low stock
NIKEShox Z mesh sneakers€130.00View Product DetailsSelect a SizeUS Women’s 5US Women’s 5.5US Women’s 6US Women’s 6.5 - low stockUS Women’s 7 - low stockUS Women’s 7.5 - low stockUS Women’s 8 - out of stockUS Women’s 8.5 - out of stockUS Women’s 9 - out of stockUS Women’s 9.5 - low stockUS Women’s 10 - low stockUS Women’s 10.5 - low stockUS Women’s 11 - low stockUS Women’s 11.5US Women’s 12
Hype sneakers
If you prefer truly statement sneakers, look to brands such as Maison Margiela and Bottega Veneta for kicks with a twist. The latter’s futuristic ‘Orbit’ sneakers are made from metallic leather and suede, and have gripped rubber soles that nod to the label’s iconic intrecciato weave. Alternatively, for a subtle pop of color, consider Maison Margiela’s ‘Replica’ sneakers, which are modeled on archival styles from the ’70s. Keep the rest of your outfit neutral to let the pink hue pop.
LOEWE+ ON Cloud rubber-trimmed recycled-mesh sneakers
BOTTEGA VENETAOrbit Flash suede-trimmed metallic crinkled-leather sneakers
RICK OWENS+ Moncler Trailgrip Megalace® leather and rubber sneakers€695.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size3637 - low stock38 - low stock39 - low stock40 - out of stock41 - low stock
MAISON MARGIELAReplica suede and leather sneakers€620.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size3535.536 - low stock36.5 - low stock37 - low stock37.5 - low stock38 - low stock38.5 - low stock39 - out of stock39.5 - low stock4040.541
Court sneakers
The beauty of understated court sneakers is that they are infinitely versatile and perennially chic. Pared-back designs in supple white leather or suede – from brands such as Saint Laurent and Gucci – make a sports-luxe aesthetic easily achievable thanks to their sleek, clean-lined shape and subtle branding. The former’s ‘Gym’ sneakers will instantly elevate your Pilates kit and take you stylishly to brunch afterwards, too. You can even wear your box-fresh sneakers to the office with oversized tailoring, or with denim at the weekend.
SAINT LAURENTGym leather sneakers€650.00View Product DetailsSelect a SizeEU 35EU 35.5EU 36 - low stockEU 36.5EU 37EU 37.5 - out of stockEU 38EU 38.5EU 39 - low stockEU 39.5 - out of stockEU 40EU 40.5 - out of stockEU 41 - out of stockEU 42 - out of stock
GUCCILeather-trimmed suede and mesh sneakers€800.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size3434.53535.53636.537 - low stock37.538 - low stock38.5 - low stock39 - low stock39.5 - low stock40 - low stock40.54141.542
GOLDEN GOOSESuper-Star distressed suede-trimmed leather sneakers
ADIDAS ORIGINALS+ Y-3 Tokyo leather sneakers
Performance sneakers
Whether you’re a seasoned marathon-runner or avid gym-goer, sneakers that offer maximum support – and therefore optimize performance – are a must. The springy soles of On’s ‘Cloudmonster Void’ sneakers feature Speedboard® technology and grippy treads for optimum comfort and stability on all terrains. Elsewhere, Nike’s ‘Vomero 18’ sneakers harness the brand’s responsive ‘ZoomX’ cushioning and have cool-mint accents. Team them with a tonal workout kit from Lululemon or Adidas by Stella McCartney and put them through their paces.
NIKEVomero 18 felt and rubber-trimmed mesh sneakers€150.00View Product DetailsSelect a SizeUS Women’s 5US Women’s 5.5US Women’s 6 - low stockUS Women’s 6.5 - low stockUS Women’s 7US Women’s 7.5 - low stockUS Women’s 8 - low stockUS Women’s 8.5 - low stockUS Women’s 9 - low stockUS Women’s 9.5 - out of stockUS Women’s 10US Women’s 10.5 - out of stockUS Women’s 11 - out of stockUS Women’s 11.5 - out of stockUS Women’s 12
ONCloudmonster Void rubber-trimmed mesh sneakers€180.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size5 - low stock5.5 - low stock66.577.5 - out of stock88.599.5 - low stock1010.511
HOKA ONE ONEMach X 3 rubber-trimmed mesh sneakers€190.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size55.56 - out of stock6.5 - low stock77.588.59 - low stock9.5 - low stock10 - out of stock10.511 - low stock
ON+ Zendaya Cloudtilt Moon stretch recycled-knit sneakers€190.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size55.5 - out of stock6 - out of stock6.5 - out of stock77.5 - out of stock88.5 - out of stock99.5 - out of stock1011
RELATED READING
The people featured in this story are not associated with NET-A-PORTER and do not endorse it or the products shown