2025 has been a pivotal year for sneakers — a moment where aesthetics, functionality, and culture intertwined to set new directions. Rather than choosing “the best,” we highlight eight models that capture the spirit of the moment and hint at how trends may continue evolving into 2026.
Now is the time to look back at the year and identify the silhouettes that set the pace. Sneakers that broke out in 2025 and helped us understand the trends that took root throughout the year. Will they continue into 2026?
More than simply naming “the best sneakers of the year,” we revisit those that have shaped a cultural, aesthetic, and functional landscape.
Jordan 4 x Nigel Sylvester “Brick by Brick”
One of the standout sneakers of the moment. The Jordan 4, removed from its natural habitat—basketball—enters the world of BMX through Nigel Sylvester. Beyond an aesthetic shift, with layers and materials adapted to new functionality, it’s a fresh way to reinterpret a classic from a different perspective.
Nike Vomero Premium
Nike has streamlined its running lineup down to three major franchises: Pegasus, Structure, and Vomero. The Vomero Premium brings together the most advanced technologies, but also adds an aesthetic layer that has turned it into one of the most relevant silhouettes of the year.
Salomon XT-6
Salomon took over the streets during the rise of gorpcore, but has managed to evolve its visual language even further. The XT-6 has become an urban essential thanks to its balance of functionality and design, drifting definitively away from a purely mountain-oriented aesthetic.
Converse Shai 001
2025 has been the year of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander — and of his sneakers. The Shai 001 marks the return of basketball to the cultural conversation, led by Converse, a historic brand that has skillfully reinterpreted the present of both sport and style.
ASICS Gel-Cumulus 16
A model that perfectly reflects the current state of footwear. Originally launched in 2014, this silhouette returns as a symbol of the running-inspired aesthetic. Extremely comfortable and available in a wide range of colors and editions, it’s a sneaker for aligning with the moment without needing to stand out.
Puma Mostro
Alongside the Speedcat, the Mostro was an icon for a generation stepping into the new millennium. Its low profile, associated with speed, has made a strong comeback in 2025. The Mostro now stands as a defining symbol of what many are calling “the year of the low profile.”
New Balance 204
Another running-inspired model, though this time blending influences from the ’70s and the 2000s. Its extremely low profile places it firmly within the range of silhouettes dominating the current landscape. A hybrid of styles that has landed with force — boosted by its appearance as Rosalía’s presentation shoe.
adidas EVO SL
The success of the adidas EVO SL lies in understanding the spirit of the moment: recognizing that running is far more than running alone. This silhouette merges high-performance technology with a clean, instantly recognizable aesthetic, making it one of the most influential proposals of the year.
