The Coolest Sneakers to Wear in 2026, According to Sneakerheads
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You might think of sneakers as the shoe you slip into when you want to be comfortable, but don’t let them become an afterthought. While there are plenty of cult-favorite sneakers that people line up overnight for, the definition of a cool sneaker doesn’t have to mean exclusivity or limited-edition collabs. And whether you wear sneakers solely for the gym or they’re your go-to shoe for every occasion, 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. We 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.
“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.” Lajoie adds to this, saying that “cool” is “when form, function, and story intersect—when what you’re wearing says something without saying anything.” According to him, it’s as much about you as the shoe itself. “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 14 favorite styles that are cool now (and will be for seasons to come), below.
Somewhere between an everyday sneaker and a pair that you line up around the block for is any option from the Adidas x Wales Bonner collab. “Everybody has Sambas or Onitsuka Tigers. So why not wear something in the middle? The Adidas x Wales Bonner Japan sneaker is the best of both worlds and more comfortable, too, thanks to extra heel padding,” notes Claire Stern Milch, ELLE’s senior digital director.
The 9060 offers a feminine, futuristic twist on the dad-shoe trend—representing another stylish evolution from the past year. “Reviving archived styles has been extremely successful because there’s an element of nostalgia built in,” Makar says. “When you combine that emotional connection with wearability and strong design, you create real longevity.”
Miu Miu has practically driven the sneaker trends of recent seasons. The reason everyone’s buying skinny, flat, retro sneakers? It’s all thanks to Miu Miu. Everyone, say, “Thank Miu.”
“I’m a big fan of runners and revamped performance styles,” says Makar. “Some of our top performers are the Gel-NYC from Asics and Salomon’s XT-6and the newer XT-Whisper. The appeal lies in their ability to blend comfort and edge. Once strictly for the gym or trail, these models now work dressed up or down, for a sporty fit or a more elevated look at the office. It’s a great time for sneakers that balance utility with style.”
“A sneaker that lasts isn’t chasing moments—it’s built from one,” says Lajoie. “The classics endure because they connect to a broader cultural truth, whether it’s a subculture, a sport, or a social movement.” Vans embodies that ethos with the Super Lowpro, inspired by the Serio Style 84.
Jacquemus is known for its feminine, French-inspired silhouettes, but don’t let its stylish ready-to-wear overpower the brand’s accessories. “Jacquemus excels at making everyday pieces feel intentional, and these sneakers are no exception,” says Moriel Mizrahi Finder, ELLE’s editorial and social media assistant. “They’re comfortable enough for all-day wear, chic enough that you don’t feel underdressed—exactly what an everyday sneaker should be.”
Leave it to Tory Burch to put a fresh spin on the ever-popular ballerina sneaker. Retro-inspired colorblocking, delicate vamp cutouts, and slim laces strike the perfect balance between sporty and feminine.
Colors: Yellow/Cream/Yellow, Tory Navy/Cream/Tory Navy, Olive/Tory Red/Olive, Cream/Perfect Black/Cream
If you're looking to get ahead of a trend before it reaches cult status, practical, grandma-esque sneakers are the unexpected style quietly gaining momentum. Rather than opting for Keds’ most classic cut, consider this low-vamp take for an especially eclectic feel. We love the idea of pairing the crisp white style with an asymmetrical slip dress or baggy, cuffed jeans and a simple tee.
Colors: White, Snow White Eyelet, Navy Daisy Eyelet
Cleat-inspired sneakers are having a moment, and Gola’s take offers the perfect mix of athletic and casual.
Colors: Chalk Pink/Off White, Air/Off White, Bone/Off White
In the world of designer sneakers, Dries Van Noten’s suede sneakers have quickly become one of the most coveted pairs. Not only do they come in a slew of colors to choose from—from punchy, bright tones to demure neutrals—but they’re also some of the most comfortable shoes on the market.
Yellow Onitsuka Tiger sneakers are all over the streets of New York City. Vibrant, statement-making sneakers are the perfect way to top off an ultra-cool outfit.
If it wasn’t obvious already, playful hybrid styles are some of our favorite silhouettes of the moment. Inspired by pairs worn for martial arts, these split-sole beauties done in a high-shine ballet pink feel equal parts bold and streamlined.
Mule sneakers are reclaiming their spot as the casual, effortless It shoe. There are several styles to choose from, but we love this Anthropologie pair thanks to its cozy shearling accent.
A shoe that ELLE senior fashion commerce editor Dale Arden Chong calls “a mix between an Air Max and a running sneaker,” the highly coveted Nike Pegasus Premium features springy cushioning, high energy return, and breathable material.
Rachel Makar is the Senior Director of Merchandising at StockX.Ricardo Lajoie is the Global Chief Merchant at Vans.
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