Five sneaker directions worth watching in 2026

1. The low, flat runner returns

Thin soles and suede uppers are back, but not as fragile fashion objects. The 2026 versions borrow from marathon shoes: a slim midsole, a wide toe box and a colour palette that stays close to grey, cream and olive.

Buying note: low-profile shoes expose shape errors. Ask for a straight side photo and check the toe height before anything else.

A flat shoe has nowhere to hide. The shape is the product.

2. Trail soles on city uppers

Lugged outsoles are appearing on silhouettes that never see a mountain. The appeal is grip and stance: a taller sole changes how trousers break.

Buying note: weight and flexibility matter more than tread depth for city wear. Ask for the outsole compound and whether the shoe breaks in.

3. Football flats as everyday shoes

Terrace-inspired shapes keep moving from the pitch to the pavement. Suede, gum soles and a low profile make them easy to style with wide trousers.

Buying note: football lasts run narrow. Measure your foot and ask about width before choosing a size.

4. Retro basketball, but quieter

High-tops are still present, but the colourways are moving away from loud retros toward tonal and aged finishes. The silhouette does the talking.

Buying note: tonal shoes show glue stains and paint errors more clearly. Ask for a toe and midsole close-up.

5. The comfort-led chunky shoe

The chunky category is consolidating around actual comfort: rocker soles, wide platforms and cushioned midsoles. It is less about exaggeration, more about walking.

Buying note: ask for weight in grams. A heavy shoe that looks comfortable can be miserable after a mile.