In a world of ballet flats, baby wedges, and jelly shoes of varying silhouettes, the sneaker will forever and always persevere. On days when it feels like our feet simply can't take anymore that a walkable city like New York offers and where your favorite tabi flats just won't cut it for a 10,000+ step day, you'll need a rotation of sneakers that you can rely on—some chunky, some slim, some bold, and some neutral, ideally. As with anything, sneaker trends are changing seasonally, so we're taking this opportunity to regroup. How will our current sneaker rotations hold up against the trends that will rule the fall 2026 season?
We’ve found that sneaker trends are, more often than not, an extension of general fashion trends. For the fall, that means texture, child-like details, metallics, and technical, outdoorsy silhouettes.
Ahead, the sneaker trends that we’ll be relying on come fall.
Metallics
Simone Rocha SS26 // Launchmetrics Both fashion and beauty have turned metallic as of late—and it's safe to predict that metallic sneakers will continue to rule the fall season. Sometimes are neutral palettes are in need of a pop. Metallic sneakers provide that while also remaining somewhat neutral. For metallic sneaker inspiration, turn to Simone Rocha's Spring/Summer 2026 runway, Cecilie Bahnsen's Fall/Winter 2026 runway, and Miu Miu's Fall 2026 runway.
Shop The Trend:
Suede
Jil Sander FW26 // Launchmetrics As fashion begins to favor texture more and more and as almost all of us own at least one suede bag at this point, it's not surprising that suede sneakers are on the rise. Suede, as a material, feels luxurious without being overly loud, retro while still feeling modern, and intrinsically connected to the fall season.
Shop The Trend:
Hiking & Climbing Sneakers
Miu Miu FW26 // LaunchmetricsAs city folk, we'll always love cosplaying as those navigating regularly navigating the great outdoors—I don't make the rules. Beyond the well known and loved gorpcore aesthetic, we've learned that fashion and function can indeed coincide—and sometimes that's for the better. Hiking and trail sneakers, with chunky rugged soles and all, offer a contrast to otherwise sleek outfits. And if we've learned anything from both the wrong coat and wrong shoe theories, a surprising contrast is often what makes an outfit.
Velcro
Fila FW26 // LaunchmetricsWe've noticed both fashion and beauty trends embracing a childhood whimsy that we're all clearly trying to reconnect with. There's something about a velcro shoe closure that feels inherently child-like, but it also simply feels nostalgic for eras past. At the same time, it feels practical and sleek and offers an intrigue that a simple lace-up closure could never provide.
