Your sneaker rotation called…it’s ready for a glow‑up.
The Styles Pros Are Loving
- Cutest Twist on a Classic: Puma Replicatch Ballet Shoes, $70
- Throwback Charm With a Modern Touch: Toms Trvl Lite Retro Sneakers, $53 (was $95)
- Softens Your Look Instantly: Naturalizer Medina, $46 (was $65)
- Neutral Sneaker for Everyday Ease: Lucky Step Classic Retro Sneaker, $39
- Luxe Leather Sneaker: Reebok Princess Sneakers, $50 (was $60)
Sneakers are the unsung heroes of our closets—they carry us through school drop‑offs, grocery runs, long walks, and so on. But even your most-worn pair can feel a little tired. According to stylists, a few once‑popular sneaker trends are quietly dating your outfits. So, it’s time to let go and embrace a little change.
We spoke with three professional style experts to help us identify the sneaker trends that we should let go of and what we should be replacing them with. Their expert picks are wearable, flattering, and the kind of shoes you’ll actually reach for. Plus, you can conveniently shop them on Amazon.
Consider this your gentle nudge to treat yourself to a pair that makes every outfit feel a little newer, a little lighter, and a lot more you.
Best Sneaker Trends at Amazon
- Puma Replicatch Ballet Shoes, $70
- Lucky Step Classic Retro Sneaker, $39
- Reebok Princess Sneakers, $50 (was $60)
- Naturalizer Medina, $46 (was $65)
- Toms Trvl Lite Retro Sneakers, $53 (was $95)
Dated: Chunky “Dad” Sneakers
Fresh: Ballerina Sneakers
Puma Replicatch Ballet Shoes
“Chunky dad sneakers have dominated for so long that they no longer feel unexpected,” says Madison Semarjian, founder of Mada, a personal styling app. This is fashion’s pendulum swinging from one extreme to another, she explains.
She recommends opting for the “slimmer and more refined” silhouette of ballerina sneakers that “feel like the natural next step after the ballet flat revival.” Think of these as the perfect feminine cross between sporty sneakers and comfy flats. It also “creates an interesting contrast within an outfit—softening jeans and trousers while giving feminine dresses and skirts a sportier, less expected edge,” according to Semarjian.
Dated: Bright White Kicks
Fresh: Soft Neutrals
Lucky Step Classic Retro Sneaker
White sneakers are, of course, a classic, but they don’t feel fresh right now. Erinn Einhauser, founder and head stylist of Everyday Aire, tells us it’s time for neutral-toned sneakers to have their moment. “The softer colors feel so much richer and blend into an outfit so much more intentionally than the stark white,” she shares.
Dated: Running Shoes for Everyday
Fresh: Leather Trainers
Reebok Princess Sneakers
Einhauser also feels it’s time to retire wearing your running shoes outside of the track or gym. “Instead, opt for a classic leather trainer that can be worn with denim/khakis or dresses and instantly elevate your look,” she notes. They still provide that sporty, laid-back vibe but look much more polished with your casual outfits.
Dated: Knit Sneakers
Fresh: Suede Low-Tops
Naturalizer Medina
According to celebrity stylist Dana Yurglich, you should drop your knit sneakers for a suede low-top style instead. They “give you the same ease as knit sneakers—but with actual polish,” and it feels like a more thoughtful pick for your summer wardrobe. Yurglich says a rich neutral hue is ideal “for the person who wants one pair of sneakers that can go to the office, dinner, and a weekend errand without an outfit change.”
Dated: Minimalist Sneakers
Fresh: Retro Runners
Toms Trvl Lite Retro Sneakers
Yurglich insists that “the plain all-white minimalist sneaker” is out and the retro runner is in, but it should include a cool print or color. The nostalgic sneaker “gives you the texture and dimension” that more minimalist styles are lacking. “This one is for anyone who lives in jeans and neutrals, because the sneaker becomes the focus of the outfit,” she shares.
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Read the original article on Real Simple