Slim Ballet Sneakers

Over the past few years, slim sneakers have been rising in the ranks of coveted footwear. Now, they top the list with their streamlined silhouette and undeniably chic flair. “There’s something quietly cool about ballet sneakers because they feel both effortless and expressive,” says Anthropologie’s head of styling, Kyla Flax. “They’re rooted in real movement and function, which gives them this timeless quality that works as well with a flowing dress as it does with denim. You can feel the influence of dancewear, but it’s translated for everyday.”

Think you might want to slip into the slim footwear trend? Ballet sneakers come in more styles than ever, some mimicking the laces and satin textiles of traditional ballet slippers and others sticking to a slim, track-inspired silhouette.

Trail Silhouettes

Whether or not you live and breathe the mountain life, trail-inspired silhouettes are popping up left and right on social media and IRL in 2026. According to fashion stylist Audree Kate López, we can expect to see a steady shift from traditional athletic sneakers to silhouettes inspired by fluid activity, like hiking, martial arts, dance, and cycling—she calls out the Adidas Taekwondo Mei Shoes and Coperni 5T Sneakers as proof.

Of these, though, López believes that trail silhouettes will be most popular of all. “‘Gorpcore’—mixing technical outdoor sneakers with normal streetwear like a dress, trousers, or a blazer—is a trend we saw hit mainstream last year,” she explains. “You can expect to see trail runners, hiking boots, and sneakers with hiking elements, like bungee cord laces and nature-inspired prints.”

Skater Shapes

If casual, less-laced sneaks are more your thing, you’ll be thrilled to know that 2026 marks the official return of skater shoes. This should come as no surprise considering 2026 is the new 2016, and many of us can remember the firm hold Vans had on society back then. “Slip-on, checkered Vans are set to make a major comeback,” Flax says. “From Zoë Kravitz to Bella Hadid, we’re seeing these shoes embraced for their effortless, nostalgic vibe. I love pairing them with crisp denim, or even a full monochromatic winter white look for a fresh twist.”

If checkered shoes feel too bold for your liking, fret not: Flax says that skater shapes, in general, are trending for 2026. “Vans as a whole are experiencing a renaissance this year, as we revisit the fun, casual energy of the 2010s,” she tells us. It doesn’t hurt that the brand recently launched a collaboration with Valentino to really ramp up the fanfare.

Hybrid and Experimental Designs

Remember in 1999 when Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century came out? The fashion felt so futuristic and fun. In 2026 (now closer to when the movie was set than to when it premiered!), we’re witnessing hybrid and experimental designs worthy of the film—from sneaker heels to sneaker loafers—begin to saturate the market. “With futuristic sneakers, it feels like we’re pushing toward something new,” Flax says. “There’s a joy in experimenting with form, texture, and material that feels imaginative but still intentional. When design and technology come together, it invites us to think about footwear in a more playful way.”

The way López sees it, this shift is in large part a real-world byproduct of AI. “As the world moves into the future with technology and AI, so does the design,” she explains. “Things are more experimental, futuristic, and daring.” As a result, she says that we can expect to see more of a ‘Frankenstein’ approach to design, “mixing two types of shoes like the New Balance sneaker loafer, the ballet sneaker, and the Sneex heels.”

Bold and Bright

More is more in 2026. This year is all about living in full color, perhaps with a little texture to boot. “So long to the days of minimalism and the white sneaker,” López says. “This year, you can expect bright pops of color in the sneaker world, plus maximalist embellishments like metallics, rhinestones, patchwork design, and multiple loud colors together. It adds personality to an outfit without committing to an entire bold look—just a peep at the shoe.” (In the words of content creator and actress Deanna Giulietti, “Peep the Shoe.”)

Approachable Animal Print

Animal print has been in rotation for the past few years, and there are no signs of it slowing down any time soon. “Animal print is constantly evolving,” Flax says. “After so much leopard print last year, it feels fresh to see zebra, cow, and tiger coming into focus. These prints are graphic and bold, but they still feel approachable. A printed sneaker instantly gives personality to something as simple as jeans and a tee, which feels expressive and fun.”

Converse Revival

Like Vans, Converse are once again having a full-blown moment. “Converse never really go away, but they’re having a moment again,” Flax confirms. “There’s a familiarity to them that people trust. They work with everything. I wear them with vintage denim and a button-down, or with printed skirts and slouchy sweaters. They have that lived-in quality that makes an outfit feel personal, like it’s been built over time.”

Boxing High-Tops

A slightly more unexpected 2026 sneaker trend is the emergence of boxing high-tops in the fashion sphere. “This silhouette comes from a place of performance and movement, which is why it feels so interesting in fashion right now,” Flax says. “Originally designed for support and agility, they’ve made their way from the ring to the runway. We first saw them emerge on spring 2025 runways, and they’re really going to take off again this upcoming spring as hemlines get shorter and outfits feel more transitional.”