We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
14 Of The Coolest Trainers To Wear In 2025, Recommended By Sneakerheads
Update your wardrobe with these fresh kicks.
It might be hot outside, but fashion’s It sneakers are as cool as they come. Whether you exclusively wear sneakers exclusively for workouts or they’re your go-to shoe year-round, a great pair can make you feel effortlessly stylish and even more confident—as long as you know the ones that will up your style cred.
That’s where our experts come in. I spoke with Rachel Makar, senior director of merchandising at StockX, and Ricardo Lajoie, global chief merchant of Vans, to get their takes on what makes a sneaker 'cool' today. And don’t worry—you get to shop their expert advice, too.
The Cool Sneaker Shopping List
- The Ballet Sneaker: The Bad Bunny Ballerina, £128
- The Slim Sneaker: Suede Sneakers, £690
- The Retro Runner: Re-Motion Sneaker, £785
- The Denim Sneaker: Avanti, £115
- The Dad Shoe: The 9060, £136
- The Tabi Sneaker: Low-top Sneakers, £590
- The All Black: Cloud X, £170
- The Statement Shade: Mexico 66, £221
- The Court Classic: Super Star Sneaker, £497
'What’s considered "cool" in sneakers today is super personal,' says Makar. 'People want something fun, and designers who are pushing the limits and thinking outside the norm are winning—the overnight success of the ballerina sneaker and the massive rise of the "snoafer" are perfect examples.'
'Cool is when form, function, and story intersect—when what you’re wearing says something without saying anything,' adds Lajoie. 'It’s not just the silhouette, but who’s wearing it, how they’re styling it, and what the sneaker stands for.'
The takeaway? Cool is a state of mind, with a different definition for everyone. Sneakers can add to your cool, but it’s up to you to make them your own. And while there’s no shortage of cool sneakers, it can be intimidating to wade through the hundreds—if not thousands—of options. Want to get started? Shop our favorite styles that are cool now (and will be for seasons to come), below.
Miu Miu has practically driven the sneaker trends of recent seasons. The reason everyone’s buying skinny, flat, retro sneakers? It’s all thanks to Miu Miu. Everyone say, 'Thank Miu.'
Colours: Navy, White
Material: Technical fabric, soft suede
Gucci’s vintage-esque Re-Motion sneakers are the perfect way to test out the runner trend without feeling too casual. And in burgundy, with a cute ankle strap (an ideal place to add charms, might I add), they’re a timely mix of wearable trends.
Colours: Burgundy, Olive, Chartreuse, Ivory
Material: Nylon, suede
'I’m a big fan of runners and revamped performance styles,' says Makar. 'Some of our top performers are the Gel-NYC from Asics and Salomon’s XT-6 and the newer XT-Whisper. The appeal lies in their ability to blend comfort and edge. Once strictly for the gym or trail, these models now work dressed up or down, for a sporty fit or a more elevated look at the office. It’s a great time for sneakers that balance utility with style.'
Colours: Fairy Tale/Footwear Silver
Material: Leather, rubber
Rihanna is the final boss when it comes to cool. Naturally, her Fenty x Puma collab—especially the denim pair, tied to her latest movie, Smurfs—is also ultra-cool. Pro-tip: size up!
Colours: Blue Denim
Material: Denim upper
'A sneaker that lasts isn’t chasing moments—it’s built from one,' says Lajoie. 'The classics endure because they connect to a broader cultural truth, whether it’s a subculture, a sport, or a social movement.' Vans embodies that ethos with the Super Lowpro, inspired by the Serio Style 84.
Colours: White, Black, Red, Blue, Light Blue
Material: Suede and nylon upper
Tabi discourse aside, the split-toe design of the Margiela Tabi sneaker serves as a unique conversation starter and subtly marks you as a fashion insider.
Colours: Black
Material: Canvas, rubber
The 9060 offers a feminine, futuristic twist on the dad-shoe trend—representing another stylish evolution from the past year. 'Reviving archived styles has been extremely successful because there’s an element of nostalgia built in,' Makar says. 'When you combine that emotional connection with wearability and strong design, you create real longevity.'
Colours: Rain Cloud
Material: Suede, mesh
'Right now, one of the most exciting trends we’re seeing is the rise of ballet-inspired sneakers,' says Makar. 'Styles like the Adidas Taekwondo Mei Ballet, the Puma Speedcat Ballet, and the Adidas Ballerina Bad Bunny are a few of the biggest movers, and they all blend a sleek, feminine look with practical wearability.'
Colours: White, Black, Yellow
Material: Leather, suede, and rubber
There’s something super edgy about an all-black sneaker (I would know—I have four pairs). On’s collaboration with FKA Twigs is even cooler, with paneled mesh and all-black laces.
Colours: Black
Material: Mesh, suede
Yellow Onitsuka Tiger sneakers are all over the streets of New York City. Vibrant, statement-making sneakers are the perfect way to top off an ultra-cool outfit.
Colours: Yellow
Material: Suede, rubber
Cleat-inspired sneakers are having a moment, and Gola’s take offers the perfect mix of athletic and casual.
Colours: White, Black, Hot Pink
Material: Leather, rubber
Worn-in accessories—at least, aesthetically—are still very much trending. So is suede. Golden Goose fuses both in its famously disheveled-looking gray suede sneakers.
Colours: Grey
Material: Suede
A shoe that ELLE senior fashion commerce editor Dale Arden Chong calls 'a mix between an Air Max and a running sneaker,' the highly coveted Nike Pegasus Premium features springy cushioning, high energy return, and breathable material.
Colours: White/Multi-color
Material: Mesh, foam
Texture and pattern offer compelling ways to infuse personal style and expression into your look. The Adidas Samba sneaker, designed in collaboration with Wales Bonner, features a distinctive metallic and croc-embossed texture—a prime example of the concept.
Colours: Silver Metallic/Easy Yellow
Material: Leather
Meet the Experts
- Rachel Makar is the Senior Director of Merchandising at StockX.
- Ricardo Lajoie is the Global Chief Merchant at Vans.
Why Trust ELLE
Every product featured on ELLE.com is independently researched, tested, or editor-approved. We only recommend products that we stand behind, and the merchandise featured on our site is always driven by editorial and product testing standards, not by affiliate deals or advertising relationships. Any content created in partnership with advertisers is marked as such.
Shop More From ELLE Fashion
- This Sneaker Trend Instantly Elevates Your Casually Cool Outfits
- From Heels to Sneakers, These Are the 15 Most Comfortable Platform Shoes
- 15 Retro Sneakers Fashion Girls Are Trading Their Sambas For
- It’s Official: HOKA Makes the Best Shoes for Walking
- The 11 Most Comfortable Mary Jane Shoes You’ll Wear On Repeat
24 Of The Best Handbag Brands To GTK
22 Bridal Shoe Options To Browse For The Big Day
The Best Wedding Suits For Modern Brides 2025
See Zendaya's Cult New Collab With On
