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The Coolest Sneakers to Wear in 2025, Recommended by Sneakerheads
Update your closet 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: Adidas x Bad Bunny Ballerina, $172
- The Slide: Back 70 Mule Sneakers, $150
- The All Black: On Cloud X Sneaker X, $180
- The Denim Sneaker: Puma Avanti Sneaker, $120
- The Dad Shoe: New Balance The 9060 Sneaker, $150
- The Statement Shade: Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66, $197
- The Slim Sneaker: Miu Miu Suede Sneakers, $950
- The Retro Runner: Gucci Re-Motion Sneaker, $1,080
- The Tabi Sneaker: Maison Margiela Low-top Sneakers, $750
- The Court Classic: Golden Goose Super Star Sneaker, $529
“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.

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