Shorter days and colder, wetter weather. It's a recipe for feeling blue. Nobody likes leaving summer behind, but on the plus side, it's an excuse to make some new additions to your wardrobe. And if your anything like us, sometimes all it takes to lift your spirits is a fresh pair of kicks. So, what are the best sneakers for fall this year, and where can you buy them? Allow us to fill you in.
From rugged, trail-ready Salomons to motorsport-inspired Pumas, these are the brands, styles and models trending this season. Keep scrolling to find out more.
Flat-soled sneakers
Key brand: Puma
Thin-soled, low-profile sneakers are making a significant comeback. Maximalist designs have dominated for several years now, so it was only natural for the pendulum to swing back at some point. Puma and New Balance have been leading the charge with stripped-back designs that focus on simplicity and form. The revival of Puma's Speedcat and Mostro styles is a great example – two sleek, low-profile sneakers with a sporty silhouette and a barely-there sole.
New Balance has also entered the scene with its 530 SL Miu Miu collaboration. The viral shoe from earlier in the year features a wafer-thin sole and premium materials. Meanwhile, Adidas has thrown its hat (shoe?) into the ring by reviving the iconic Taekwondo slip-on.
Max-cushioned running shoes
Key brand: Hoka
At the opposite end of the sole spectrum, max-cushioned running shoes are now exploding in popularity. Brands like Hoka are dominating the market among fashion-conscious consumers, giving long-established names like Nike and Adidas a run for their money. Once seen purely as performance shoes, chunky runners are becoming an increasingly common sight on the feet of those in the know.
The success of brands like Hoka and On proves that comfort-first designs can be fashionable. Models like the Bondi, Clifton and Cloudmonster offer superior cushioning, and the exaggerated proportion tap into the ongoing trend for anything ‘ugly’.
Approach shoes
Key brand: La Sportiva
The rise of ‘gorpcore’ has paved the way for approach shoes to take off. These rugged, functional sneakers were originally designed for hiking and scrambling. Now they have become essential components of urban wardrobes. La Sportiva is a standout brand in this category, offering shoes designed for technical use that also work seamlessly as streetwear.
The recent collaboration between Keen and Gramicci shows the fusion of function and fashion. The Keen x Gramicci Jasper Zionic sneaker blends durable construction with a contemporary edge. Perfect for city dwellers who love the outdoors, this trend appeals to those seeking comfort, style and practicality all rolled into one. Talk about the perfect sneakers for fall.
Slim silhouettes
Key brand: Onitsuka Tiger
The Adidas Samba has dominated the slim sneaker market for several years. But the shoe's reign has come to an end now, with Rishi Sunak and 'that photo' acting as the final nail in the coffin. Still, even in spite of this PR nightmare, slim silhouettes are still in high demand.
The declining popularity of the Samba gives other brands a chance to shine, and Onitsuka Tiger is positioning itself as a key player, with the Mexico 66 in particular gaining traction. The brand’s slim, low-profile sneakers are perfect for minimalist footwear lovers and work well with a variety of outfits, from tailored trousers to jeans.
Luxe runners
Key brand: JAK
For those who prefer a more premium take on athletic footwear, luxe runners are the answer. JAK, a Portuguese brand, is making waves with its minimalist designs, like the S03 Ice sneaker, which blends performance features with the refinement of high-end footwear. Made from top-tier materials (including a Vibram outsole), it offers the functionality of a runner without compromising on luxury.
Luxe runners are defined by clean aesthetics, premium leathers, and a focus on craftsmanship. This trend fuses athleticism with upscale fashion, allowing you to easily transition from casual environments to more formal settings.
More trail runners
Key brand: Salomon
Functional footwear is no longer confined to the backcountry. Brands like Salomon have been leading the way, bringing performance-driven designs to urban environments and making trail running shoes one of the biggest footwear trends in recent memory.
As people look for practical footwear that doesn't compromise on style, trail runners have become the go-to option. They're comfortable, surprisingly versatile, grippy enough to handle those slippery autumn leaves. And although they've been popular for a while, they haven't reached the point of complete saturation just yet. If you're looking for a slid pair of sneakers for fall, it's hard to find better than this.
Distressed sneakers
Key brand: Oliver Cabell
Distressed sneakers are having a moment, with brands like Oliver Cabell and Golden Goose perfecting the worn-in look. Oliver Cabell’s Low 1 Belmont is a prime example – a sneaker that looks as though it’s been lived in for years... but in a good way. This trend plays into the broader cultural shift towards vintage and pre-loved aesthetics, where glossy perfection is no longer the goal.
Distressed sneakers offer a unique, laid-back vibe that’s ideal for casual outfits. Sure, the deliberately worn-in look isn't for everyone, the same way that some people can't fathom why anyone would buy a pair of jeans with holes in them. But if you get it, you get it, and there's no denying it can add a bit of flavour to otherwise bland outfits.
Noughties running shoes
Key brand: New Balance
Nostalgia for the early 2000s is driving the return of chunky, technical running shoes, with brands like New Balance at the forefront. The New Balance 1906R has become one of the standout models this year, offering a robust sole and a performance-driven design that blends retro influences with contemporary trends.
New Balance has mastered the art of mixing nostalgia with innovation, making its noughties-inspired runner some of the best sneakers for fall.
Waterproof sneakers
Key brand: Tropicfeel
Tropicfeel’s designs are perfect for those who want versatility without compromising on aesthetics, making its waterproof sneakers an increasingly popular choice for fashion-conscious, practically minded consumers.
As the weather turns, waterproof sneakers are becoming an essential addition to any wardrobe. And Tropicfeel, known for its all-weather footwear, is leading the charge with sneakers designed to handle rain, puddles, and everything in between.
Check out more fall footwear styles here.