The Sneaker Trend That's So Outdated In 2025

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Sneakers are the one item we can all agree is an essential in our closets. Whether they're worn for fashion or function, we still want to look cute in them, and that means staying on top of what's in style. We can say for sure that one of the outdated shoe trends you don't want to be caught wearing in 2025 is chunky dad sneakers. 

"There was a shift ... in the fall of 2023, where you saw a lot more [Adidas] Sambas on the street, with that slick sole," vice president of Ssense, Frederico Barassi, told The New York Times. "People started to have some fatigue with those big bubble-y, older sneakers," he added. Brendan Dunne, fashion writer for Complex, noted that there's an "inverse correlation" between shoe and pants shape. "Look back eight years ago when every rapper was wearing skinny jeans and gigantic Balenciaga trainers," he said. "Now it's the other way around: slim, low silhouettes, and gigantic pants."

As the trends shift away from oversized soles, you want to think low and lean. Cuffed denim is staging a comeback for 2025, making it easy to show off cute kicks. And for the summer, skinny trainers are perfect with a skirt or shorts and a pair of cute ankle socks. While white sneakers are always classic, pastel shades are particularly fun for the warmer months, with ballet-inspired dressier options to elevate your 'fit.

Balletcore was at its peak a few years ago, but that doesn't mean the trend has gone away completely. Enter ballet sneakers, which are making the rounds on many celebrities' feet, including Bella Hadid and Amelia Gray Hamlin. One standout version, Puma Speedcats, took over in 2024 and remain trendy today. Functional, yet dressy enough to wear during a night out, ballet sneakers have become the darling of the sneaker world. 

"Ballet sneakers have Y2K origins so it's not at all surprising to see them coming back around like many Y2K trends have been in recent seasons," stylist Allison Berlin told CNN. "This is a bit of a polarizing look — then and now — but runway versions that inspired the revival from the likes of Miu Miu and Simone Rocha represent a fun option to chunkier dad sneakers combined with a comfortable shoe that could be worn in a casual setting."

Ballet sneakers, also known as sneakerinas, have become so popular that designers have created various versions of the trend, so there are many options out there. From realistic-looking satin styles to ones that have a more sporty feel, fashionistas will be sure to find at least one pair to their liking. Cushionaire offers an off-white pair with lacy details that will look gorgeous with any outfit, while Skechers has strappy black ones that are practical, yet stylish. If you're going to embrace the skinny sneaker trend, there's nothing like choosing sneakerinas to go all in.