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The Coolest Sneakers to Wear in 2025, Recommended by Sneakerheads

Update your closet with these fresh kicks.

By Madison Rexroat

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

“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 Plume Technical Fabric and Suede Sneakers

Plume Technical Fabric and Suede Sneakers

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.”

Sizes: EU 34-42

Colors: Navy, White

Material: Technical fabric, soft suede

Gucci Re-Motion Sneaker

Re-Motion Sneaker

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.

Sizes: US 4-11

Colors: Burgundy, Olive, Chartreuse, Ivory

Material: Nylon, suede

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Salomon XT-Whisper

XT-Whisper

“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.”

Sizes: US 5-14

Colors: Fairy Tale/Footwear Silver

Material: Leather, rubber

Fenty x Puma x Smurfs Avanti Sneaker

Avanti Sneaker

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!

Sizes: US 5.5-11

Colors: Blue Denim

Material: Denim upper

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Vans Super Lowpro Shoe

Super Lowpro Shoe

“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.

Sizes: US 5-14.5

Colors: White, Black, Red, Blue, Light Blue

Material: Suede and nylon upper

Maison Margiela Tabi Low-Top Sneakers

Tabi Low-Top Sneakers

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.

Sizes: EU 35-41

Colors: Black

Material: Canvas, rubber

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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.”

Colors: Rain Cloud

Material: Suede, mesh

Adidas x Bad Bunny Ballerina Sneakers

Ballerina Sneakers

“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.”

Sizes: US 4.5-15

Colors: White, Black, Yellow

Material: Leather, suede, and rubber

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On x FKA Twigs Cloud x Sneaker

Cloud x Sneaker

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.

Sizes: US 6-13

Colors: 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.

Sizes: US 7.5-9

Colors: Yellow

Material: Suede, rubber

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Gola Stadium Sneakers

Stadium Sneakers

Cleat-inspired sneakers are having a moment, and Gola’s take offers the perfect mix of athletic and casual.

Sizes: US 6-11

Colors: White, Black, Hot Pink

Material: Leather, rubber

Back 70 Easter Mule Sneakers

Easter Mule Sneakers

Mule sneakers are reclaiming their spot as the casual, effortless It shoe. There are several styles to choose from, but I love this Anthropologie pair thanks to its cozy shearling accent.

Sizes: US 5-11

Colors: Black, White, Brown, Pink, Leopard

Material: Suede, faux fur

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Golden Goose Super Star Sneaker

Super Star Sneaker

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.

Sizes: EU 35-41

Colors: 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.

Sizes: 5-12

Colors: White/Multi-color

Material: Mesh, foam

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adidas x Wales Bonner Metallic Samba Sneaker

Metallic Samba Sneaker

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.

Sizes: US 5-13

Colors: Silver Metallic/Easy Yellow

Material: Leather

Additional reporting by Emily Goldberg, Ashley Achenbach, and Emma Sutich.

Meet the Experts

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  • Rachel Makar is the Senior Director of Merchandising at StockX.
  • Ricardo Lajoie is the Global Chief Merchant at Vans.
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