Winter is coming to an end and in fashion that usually means one thing: rotations change.
TL;DR:
- The chunky sneaker makes way for slimmer, lower silhouettes in 2026
- Retro runners inspired by 70s and 80s running shoes are the natural successor to the Samba era
- Suede in soft tones like ecru, beige and washed brown replaces clean white leather
- Technical sneakers and gorpcore keep growing as functional fashion
- Archive classics aren't changing, but they are styled differently: wide trousers instead of skinny jeans
Sneakers are often the first indicator of a new season. Even before collections hit stores or campaigns go online, you can already see it on the street. And this year one development in particular stands out: the chunky sneaker is slowly disappearing from the streetscape.
For years everything revolved around bulky silhouettes. Big soles, heavy paneling and dad sneakers defined the fashion picture since around 2017. They worked perfectly with skinny jeans and tight fits. But fashion moves in cycles. Now that trousers are getting wider and tailoring is falling looser, that type of sneaker simply works less well under an outfit.
The 2026 sneaker is therefore almost the opposite: lower, slimmer and subtler. Big fits up top, narrower shoes below. More balance, less volume.
Looking for new pairs for the season? Take a look at our latest sneaker collection too.
These are the five sneaker trends you'll be seeing everywhere this coming season.
1. Slim silhouettes
The biggest change is in the shape.
The dominant sneaker right now has a low sole, a narrow toe and an upper that sits closer to the foot. Fewer layers, fewer exaggerated details and, precisely because of that, stronger in an outfit.
Under wide denim, cargos or tailored trousers, a slender sneaker visually lengthens the silhouette. A bulky sneaker weighs an outfit down, while a low-profile pair brings calm to a fit.
What began with terrace sneakers is now developing into even more minimal models. It feels less like a hype and more like a new baseline.
Take a look at our selection of low-profile sneakers that work perfectly under wide denim and tailored trousers too.
2. Retro runners
After years of skate and basketball influences, the focus shifts toward running heritage.
Sneakers inspired by 70s and 80s running shoes pop up more and more often in street style. Light materials, nylon panels and classic colorways make them sporty yet still wearable every day.
The difference with earlier retro trends: this time it's styled deliberately. Not ironically, but integrated into outfits with knitwear, denim and relaxed tailoring. For many people this feels like the natural successor to the Samba era.
Shop our retro sneakers inspired by classic running silhouettes here.
3. Suede colorways
If there's one material that comes back everywhere this season, it's suede.
Where sneakers have mostly been clean white leather in recent years, the palette is now shifting toward softer tones: ecru, beige, light grey and washed brown. It gives outfits more depth without becoming loud.
Suede fits better with how people currently dress: denim, hoodies, knitwear and workwear. It feels less fresh-out-of-the-box and more like part of an outfit.
Discover our suede sneakers in light colours that are easy to combine with everyday outfits.
4. Technical sneakers and gorpcore
At the same time, another category is growing: technical sneakers.
Trail-running-style models with mesh uppers, outdoor details and functional soles are appearing more and more often in the city rather than on hiking trails. Functionality has become part of the aesthetic.
Why this stays popular: outfits are getting simpler. A basic fit with a hoodie and loose pants instantly gains character from a technical sneaker. It breaks up an outfit visually without feeling overdone.
Take a look at our technical sneakers and trail-inspired models for a more functional look.
5. Archive classics (newly styled)
Classics never disappear, but the styling changes.
Skate-style and archive models stay popular, just no longer combined with skinny jeans. They're now worn with wide trousers, oversized hoodies and even tailoring.
That's perhaps the biggest shift of 2026: not necessarily new sneakers, but a new way of wearing them. The same shoe can feel completely different depending on the fit around it.
Take a look at our classic sneakers and archive models that always stay relevant too.
What this says about 2026
If you put it all together, a clear picture emerges. The hype era of sneakers is behind us. It's less about one striking release and more about how a shoe works in an outfit.
Sneakers are getting subtler, outfits more important.
Less "look at my shoes", more "look at my fit".
That's why chunky silhouettes are slowly disappearing and slimmer models are coming back. It also ties in with what you hear everywhere now: 2026 feels like a new version of 2016, but cleaner, calmer and more focused on styling.
In the end it's no longer just about which sneaker you wear, but how you wear it. Curious which sneakers are considered timeless? Read our piece on the holy grails of sneakerfreaks too. And for the warmer months you can already check out the best summer sneaker rotation.
Frequently asked questions
Are chunky sneakers completely out in 2026?
Not completely, but they are moving into the background. The trend is shifting toward slimmer, lower silhouettes that fit better with the current wider trousers and relaxed tailoring. Chunky models still work, but feel less current than two years ago.
Which sneaker works best under wide trousers?
A slim silhouette with a low sole works best under wide denim or tailored trousers. Think terrace sneakers, retro runners or minimalist models. They visually lengthen the silhouette and bring calm to an outfit, rather than adding volume at the bottom.
Is suede hard to maintain?
Suede takes a bit more care than smooth leather, but it's not too bad. Use a protector spray before first use and brush regularly with a suede brush. Treat stains with a special eraser. With a little attention, suede sneakers last a good long time.
What's the difference between retro runners and archive classics?
Retro runners are inspired by running shoes from the 70s and 80s, with nylon panels and light materials. Archive classics are more skate or basketball models that have been around for years, like the Vans Old Skool. The difference lies mainly in the origin and the silhouette.