NoAlthough the season’s tempting trends offer elegant alternatives, there are occasions when they are necessary comfortable and practical shoes. For a long-haul trip, a road trip, city hiking or simply for your everyday routine, sneakers are an indispensable must. Even for the fashionistas who pay the most attention to their lookswho find in the new athletic but cool proposals of 2025 the solution for a style ready for anything.
The green light comes directly from the Spring Summer 2025 catwalks, where streetwear and casual models they demonstrated their versatility under elegant trousers and long dresses. Elegance is saved in the cornerthanks to a perfect balance between comfort and style.
Gymnastic elegance: the shoes that set the trend in 2025
The success of Miu Miu x New Balancecelebrities’ obsession with On, the virality of Solomon on TikTok: the signs are clear. Sneakers are playing on offense, establishing themselves not just as a practical choice, but as a true cultural phenomenon which dictates the trend. Brands are riding the wave coming back to the origins of their designsabandoning crossovers in a casual key and betting on models with a strong sporting identity, reinterpreted with a contemporary touch. High soles, waterproof fabrics and bold color choices: the recipe for success focuses on the contrast between look and footwear.
How to pair sneakers with classic looks. (Photo by Valentina Frugiuele/Getty Images)
The top models for city hiking
A pair of comfortable sneakers in your wardrobe is essential. To be used for long trips by plane or train, for weekend away in the capitals of Europe, or to alternate with pumps to rest your feet, having the right pair in your shoe rack ensures elegance even off-duty. The novelty lies in the models chosen for 2025who embrace ayouthful aesthetics while vintage, referring to the models that have made the history of athleisure. From those from running from aerodynamic lines to hiking versions in Gorotex: they are worn 24 hours a day under the most elegant outfits, for daring mix&matches.
Comfortable shoes, elegant look: an example of Street Style. (Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)
Sneakers + leggings is the ensemble to put on the benchleaving it to baggy jeans, tailored trousers, column skirts and long bohemian dresses to renew the reputation of these ugly-chic footwear.
The coolest walking shoes of 2025
Credit card in hand, the models to focus on to be on the safe side are different. If you want a look like that of Zendaya and Jennifer Lopez, the choice falls on the On, recognizable thanks to their iconic perforated sole. If you love the style of the Gen Z it-girls spotted on TikTok, the Solomon they are the ideal walking shoes for city cross-overs. Something more basic and comforting? A couple of New Balance in shades of gray and cream, easy to match with everything. Or the classics Nike, better if monochrome and with minimal details, so as not to overdo it.
The secret is this: focus on discreet colours. Replacing the usual optical white with a more sophisticated beige (as proposed by Victoria Shoes) or by bold but soft alternatives, like the Saucony burgundy colour.
For a final sprint of style: high neutral socks combined with garments with a long hem that touch the ankle, for a play on proportions that enhances the silhouette and the wardrobe.
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