The Top Sneaker Trends That Will Dominate in 2026

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2025 was a big year for sneakers, with everything from retro velcro to animal prints to suede trending. Looking ahead to the New Year, we’re seeing some similar 2026 shoe trends, with some of this year’s micro trends stepping into the sole spotlight.

2026 Sneaker Trends at a Glance

• Sculptural Shoes: SOREL Kinetic Impact II Wonder Lace Sneaker, $70 (was $135)
• Sneakerinas: PUMA Speedcat OG Ballet Sneakers, $80
• Minimalist Silhouettes: SHUSHOP Sarah Sneaker, $115
• Trail Sneakers: Salomon XT-6, $180

Whether you want to make a statement with sculptural soles or make sure your outfit looks en pointe with sneakerinas, there’s a sneaker for everyone in 2026. We’re especially ecstatic to learn that some of the more functional shoes in our wardrobe (hello, hiking sneakers) are also high up on the trends list next year. Plus, some of the more minimalist, low-profile designs are still very much a vibe, too. 

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If you want to get ahead on your go-to shoes in the New Year, we tapped a stylist to find out what is trending, plus how to style the biggest 2026 sneaker trends. 

Sculptural Soles 

“Sculptural soles will be dominant with wild twists and warped foam soles,” says celebrity stylist Samantha Brown. Since these make a statement on their own, Brown says you can pair them with more quiet wardrobe staples, such as simple jeans and a t-shirt or crewneck sweater, and “let the shoe be the focal point of the outfit.”

SOREL Kinetic Impact II Wonder Lace Sneaker

On Sale 48% off

$70 Buy Now

The SOREL Kinetic Impact II Wonder Lace Sneaker is a great way to try the sculptural soles trend in 2026 without feeling it too out there. These sneakers are actually a nice blend between the sculptural soles trend and the trail sneakers that are also growing in popularity. 

Sizes Available: 5-12

ALDO Aet hera Sneakers

On Sale 29% off

$70 Buy Now

The ALDO Aethera Sneakers are another trend crossover with sculptural soles and a sneakerina silhouette. These are also comfortable slip-ons that look slightly more elevated with a midi-length dress, but also work well with baggy jeans and an oversized t-shirt for some nice contrast. 

Sizes Available: 5-11

Melissa X Icon Sneakers

$399 Buy Now

If you’re looking to splurge on something truly eye-catching, the Melissa X Icon Sneakers are it. These sneakers have that sculptural sole that Brown mentions, but with tons of colorful detail to really draw attention to the design. Similar to the SOREL sneakers, it also has a hiking shoe feel, making it a great hybrid of two trends. 

Sizes Available: 5-11

More Sculptural Soles 

• Nike Air Max Muse SE Sneaker, $102 (was $170)
• Steve Madden Pryce White Sneakers, $100 
• Lonza Augusta Silver, $132 (was $165)

Sneakerinas 

In 2026, we’re moving away from the chunky sneakers style and going with something a bit daintier with sneakerinas—aka, sneakers that resemble ballet slippers. “Lean into a more feminine aesthetic and pair these with girly dresses or play with juxtaposition and style them back to structured, menswear-inspired trousers,” says Brown. 

PUMA Speedcat OG Ballet Sneakers

$80 Buy Now

The PUMA Speedcat OG Ballet Sneakers are the sneakerina shoe to wear in 2026. We love how versatile this silhouette is—and how the many different colorways can either elevate or dress down a look, depending on what you’re going for. If you’re wearing something sparkly, consider the metallic silver, and if you want a more laidback, casual style, consider the cow print or classic pink. 

Sizes Available: 5.5-11

Vivaia Square-Toe Lace-Up Satin Sneakerina

$150 Buy Now

If you want a shoe with a true ballerina feel, the Vivaia Square-Toe Lace-Up Satin Sneakerina is it—these even come with the option to add ribbon laces. In addition to their balletcore details, the satin sneakers are actually machine washable, too. 

Sizes Available: 5-11

Lacoste For FP Mvmt Club Low Sneakers

$125 Buy Now

We love the Lacoste For FP Mvmt Club Low Sneakers as an option for those who are sneakerina curious but not quite ready to commit to a full dance recital look. These low sneakers feature a flat sole and chic netting uppers for added texture and interest. 

Sizes Available: 6-10

More Sneakerinas: 

• Adidas By Stella McCartney Taekwondo, $140 
• Pane Zephyr Training Shoes, $170
• PUMA Speedcat OG Sneakers, $100

Minimalist Silhouettes

One of the biggest 2026 shoe trends is equestrian-inspired, minimalistic riding boots—so we aren’t surprised to see the sleek and simple style make its way into the sneaker category. “Minimalist, wearable silhouettes continue to be front and center, as these are easy to wear with anything,” says Brown. She says to think thin soles, quiet branding, and sleek materials. 

SHUSHOP Sarah Sneaker

$115 Buy Now

For a retro-inspired sneaker with minimal branding, consider the SHUSHOP Sarah Sneaker. This sneaker boasts a low profile with almost flat soles and slim-fitting uppers. Despite its more minimal silhouette, it’s still possible to make a statement with these sneakers, thanks to all of the fun colorways. 

Sizes Available: 6-11

All Birds Tree Runner Go

On Sale 50% off

$60 Buy Now

The All Birds Tree Runner Go is another option with a simple silhouette and minimal branding. These sneakers are great for everyday wear, and the best part is that they’re also machine-washable. 

Sizes Available: 5-11

Dolce Vita Serina Sneakers Yellow Suede

On Sale 43% off

$80 Buy Now

If you love a pop of color but want a sneaker with a more minimalist silhouette, the Dolce Vita Serina Sneakers in yellow suede are a must-try. In addition to the fun yellow tone, the sneakers are also available in pink, blue, burgundy, plus three more neutral tones, too. 

Sizes Available: 5-12

More Minimalist Silhouettes

• Sam Edelman Isella Sneaker, $66+
• Adidas Tokyo Shoes, $90
• Gola Elan Mule Sneakers, $110

Trail Sneakers 

“Trail sneakers that would ordinarily be reserved for hiking—like Solomon elastic lace sneakers—are very popular right now,” says Brown. “These have become the ‘cool girl’ go-to, paired with athleisure and casual denim looks.” The best part about this trend? It’s incredibly functional (and so comfortable if you commute on foot).

Salomon XT-6

$180 Buy Now

The Salomon XT-6 are the sneakers Brown mentions when calling out the trail sneaker trend. As she notes, these have become the ‘cool girl’ sneaker of the season and are expected to only get more and more popular into 2026. 

Sizes Available: 6-11

HOKA Anacapa Breeze Low Sneakers

$155 Buy Now

For another hiking sneaker, consider the HOKA Anacapa Breeze Low Sneakers. These are actually inspired by the HOKA hiking boots—which feature a similar look—and are even constructed from waterproof leather, so you don’t have to worry about soggy soles this winter. 

Sizes Available: 5-11

Hunter Miller Lace-up Sneakers

$185 Buy Now

The Hunter Miller Lace-up Sneakers are a mix between a sneaker, hiking shoe, and rainboot, making them one of the most versatile and functional shoes to wear this winter. They also feature a chunky, sculptural sole—a clear indicator of the trail shoe trend—and pair well with anthleisure looks. 

Sizes Available: 5-11

More Trail Sneakers

• SOREL CALLSIGN HORIZON™ LOW GTX Waterproof Sneaker, $200 
• On Cloudrock Low Waterproof, $200
• Lululemon Wildfeel Trail Running Shoe, $168