Color Pops Galore

Just as the world becomes more colorful with the warm weather, so should your footwear. “This summer, we’re going to see neutrals take a backseat,” says Anthropologie’s head of styling, Kyla Flax. “Bold and vibrant sneakers are stepping up as the new go-to, statement piece of the season. You can easily pair them with a breezy sundress or some wide-leg jeans to energize your outfits.”

While any color is suitable, NYC-based fashion stylist Audree Kate López says that primary colors will be especially popular as we lead into summer. “So long are the days of the white sneaker—2025 is all about drenching your look with head-to-toe color,” she says. “We’ve seen pops of color the past few years with colorful details, laces, or design, but red, blue, and yellow sneakers are the hot item this year.”

Speaking of laces, Flax encourages us experimenting with accessorized sneakers. “From charms to new laces, accessorizing your sneakers is a trend we’re going to continue to see alongside bright and funky colorways,” she reveals. “Sneakers are getting the accessory treatment with charms, metallic accents, new laces, and unexpected hardware, [all of which are] great to switch up your current favorite pair.”

Suede Materials

Suede may seem like more of a fall/winter textile, but López and NYC-based fashion stylist Brielle Bellew agree that suede sneakers are a must this year for warmer weather, as well. “The suede sneaker is the new kick on the block,” López exclaims. “Suede started trending again in fall 2024, and it’s the perfect spring and summer transitional piece.”

Nowadays, suede sneakers come in so many colors and styles. While you can’t go wrong with any of them, there’s no denying that Sydney Sweeney’s Miu Miu x New Balance 530 SL Suede Sneaker helped stir the style pot earlier this spring. The shoes were so popular, in fact, that they’re practically impossible to buy. Thankfully, though, brands like Steve Madden have recreated similar (and more affordable) alternatives. 

On the topic of the cult-favorite collab, “cord laces are everywhere, and I’m very on board,” Bellew says. “Miu Miu paired its ultra-chic suede sneakers with hiking cord laces to create the Miu Miu x New Balance 530 SL Suede Sneaker. The collab created a sporty and elevated, yet timeless style that I’m adding to cart.”

Gum and Foam Soles

Sometimes, it’s less about the overall silhouette and more about the soles. “This year’s coolest sneakers are nodding back to the ‘80s and ‘90s by really focusing in on the soles,” Flax says, noting that gum and foam soles are a must this summer. “An ultra-sleek sneaker like the Puma Speedcats or a thicker, sculpted foam sole like the classic New Balance sneakers are proving it’s all about a retro-meets-modern silhouette.”

Retro Slim Silhouette

Speaking of Puma Speedcats, López says that slim, retro-inspired sneakers are still a popular buy, after first making waves at the beginning of the year. “If you hated the chunky dad sneaker trend the past few years, you’re going to love the super slim sneaker trend,” she says. Staying true to her past advice, López confirms that Nike Cortez, Puma Speedcat, and Adidas Tokyo silhouettes continue to be the most chosen slim sneaker styles for summer 2025. “There is a slim to almost nonexistent sole or platform, and it’s the perfect contrast to the super-chunky pieces that have been trending the past couple of years,” she shares.

Metallic Sneakers

Shiny, luxe-looking metallic sneakers continue to be a popular pick. “Metallic isn’t going anywhere, and the all-over silver sneaker is trending this summer,” López says. “Silver jewelry and hardware have been rising in popularity over the past couple of years, and we’re seeing it now with sneakers—from allover metallic to hardware and accents.” The way she sees it, metallic sneakers are the new classic white sneaker for spring and summer: “It matches everything and looks light and subtle like a white sneaker, but the metallic in sunlight is the perfect pop of fashion,” she points out.

Sporty Mary Janes

Mary Janes and ballet flats tend to be a smidge dressier than your average sneaker. This summer, however, they’ve married some of our favorite gum soles to create an elevated casual silhouette that’s popping up on sidewalks and runways alike. 

“Balletcore is here to stay, and the Mary Jane sneaker is sticking around this summer, pairing a sporty silhouette with just the right touch of elegance,” Flax says. “A little delicate, a little futuristic—it’s the kind of shoe we’re spotting everywhere right now.”

López is also a fan of the silhouette. “Ballet flat sneakers are a great option if you want to dress up a bit, or want a more feminine, elevated take, but still want the comfort of a sneaker,” she explains.

Animal Print

Animal print is basically a neutral at this point, and we’re continuing to see it everywhere. “Leopard print, snake print, and tiger and zebra stripes have been at the forefront of the animal print trend, and it’s the perfect way to add a little personality to your look without committing to a bold color,” López says. 

Bellew also backs the animal print sneaker trend. “I’m an animal print aficionado, but for those who lean toward neutral colors, a printed sneaker is a great way to add some spice to an outfit,” she says.

Tech Dad Trainers

First, it was the dad hat, then it was dad jeans. Now, it’s tech dad trainers—a.k.a. Y2K-inspired athletic sneakers. “The tech dad sneaker is made for everything from errand-running to the office,” Flax says, noting that it’s cool and comfortable. “Pair the silhouette with activewear and a trench, or go full-contrast with a silky midi dress and scrunchy socks.”

Ugly-Chic Hiking Shoes

No shade to these shoes, because what many once considered ugly is now undeniably fashion-forward. With that in mind, make way for the ugly-chic hiking shoe. “We’re seeing more mixing and matching with athletic, outdoor, and blue collar/trades-typical brands with high fashion,” López says. “It’s the perfect oxymoron of fashion.”

Velcro Closures

Velcro sneakers haven’t always been in fashion, but this spring and summer, the accessible sneaker silhouette is nothing short of a cult fave. “Out with the laces and in with the velcro,” Bellew says. “My shoe-tying days are over now that I’ve found the Silent D Seena Sneakers in silver. I’ve found that removing laces elevates the everyday work look, not to mention they are so much less hassle.”