Expect to see these sneaker trends everywhere in 2026
image via @cacarrracha and @pumaau/INSTAGRAM
words by daisy henry
On the front foot.
Although Nike first came out with its Air Force 1’s in 1982, they had a massive resurgence circa 2010 – or, in my world, they did. They shot to the top of my birthday wish list, and I felt well and truly at the forefront of fashion when I finally got a pair and fastened my velcro for the first time.
More than a decade on, it’s safe to say the sneaker world has seen some change. In the years since, we’ve seen the rise (and in some cases, decline) in popularity of styles ranging from Air Jordans, Sambas, Balenciaga Triple S, Converse All Stars and plenty more.
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Whether you’re a devout sneaker head or not, footwear trends have a particularly unique grip on the zeitgeist. If a style is popular enough, it’ll sell out within minutes, instantly landing on resale platforms with massive markups. It’s also a world where anything is possible – runners build for hiking are now seen pounding the cement in the inner city, while ballet flats have become sneaker-fied and Frankenstein-ed beyond belief.
Curious about where the pendulum is swinging this year, we enlisted the help of people on the inside. Joshua Chait, the senior buyer at Hype DC, and Eve Young, the Head of Buying at Platypus Shoes, are both at the forefront when it comes to footwear forecasting. Find their top predictions for 2026 below.
The continued dominance of trail
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There’s no question for both Eve and Josh that terrace and trail sneakers reached a high point in 2025. “These trends were quite democratic and easily adoptable by many consumers, the ultimate intersection of casual form and function,” Josh explains.
Looking ahead, Josh is confident that the styles will continue to be mainstays in the coming year. “This trend continues to grow at a rapid pace for us, with many heritage and household names entering the melee,” he says.
Though trailheads can expect slight shifts and variations within the category. Josh points towards both water shoes and ‘approach’ footwear, referring to the kinds of shoes climbers typically wear for vertical ascents. “I can’t get enough of approach shoes. [It’s] still in its infancy but if you know, you know!” he adds.
Salomon’s XT-6 is well-loved within the terrace and trail space, with Merrell also on the up. There’s another predicted frontrunner launching later in the year with Hype DC, though it’s currently under wraps. “Stay tuned!”
Everyday sneakers
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Running shoes
Off the back of hiking shoes are the slightly more sleek lifestyle and casual running shoes. “With marathon participation rates at a record high and run clubs dominating local parks across the world, we are seeing run culture continue to rise and with that comes the rise of running footwear,” Eve explains.
As brands like Hoka and On Running continue to gain traction, Eve and Josh forecast a merging, where performance shoes start to move beyond running tracks and start to find their way into everyday fashion. With cushioned soles adding additional comfort, they’re a great all-day option.
Among their preferred styles, Adidas’ Evo SL is a top contender, as well as Nike’s Vomero Plus. “New Balance have exciting propositions in this space, as do On Running, a brand well-loved at Hype DC,” Josh says. “If you haven’t tried on a pair of On, I absolutely recommend you do.”
A Y2K revival
Though 2000s-style runners were big up until only a few years ago, both Josh and Eve are forecasting a massive resurgence this coming year. “Think sporty meshes and shapes inspired by nature, pulled together with ‘vintage’ tech in the sole for added all-day comfort, like visible gel pods,” explains Josh.
Beyond New Balance (which has long reigned supreme in this category), Eve notes towards Asics’ upward momentum, adding that styles like the Gel NYC are growing in popularity, while Josh is looking to U.S brand, Saucony.
The sneakerina
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Ballet flats are having a strong resurgence in the broader fashion world, so it comes as no surprise that their echoes have been felt within sneaker trends as well. “What we’re coining Sneakerina is very much the evolution of Ballet and Mary-Jane styles, and a lean into soft, feminine styles re-engineered for comfort,” Josh explains.
A dainty, lower profile option compared to chunky trail sneakers, they’re easily worn with oversized pants, skirts and dresses. “Adidas is well represented here with the Samba-Jane and Tokyo MJ, as well as Puma’s Speedcat Ballet and the H-Street Ballet styles,” he adds.
A desire to dress up
Leather and suede
Beyond sneakers, Eve is predicting a return to classic, leather footwear. From loafers to Mary Janes, these styles pair seamlessly with oversized or tailored pants, as well as skirts and dresses.
“In an era long dominated by sneakers, consumers are looking to dress up again, particularly our male demographic,” Josh says. While the past few years have been largely about the loafer, Josh predicts that the boat shoe, followed by a return of the Derby, is up next.
“I love what Timberland is doing in this space, as well as the Dr Martens range,” he says. Eve points towards Sebago and Paraboot here, adding that Melbourne-based brand Noskin stocks a premium non-leather range that wears nicely.
“A special mention to Birkenstock here, whose sandals and clogs we all know, but who are developing some exciting shoe silhouettes,” Josh says. “No country loves Birkenstock quite like Australia!”
For more on footwear trends, try this.
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