2026 is the year of the low-slung sneaker. From understated to offbeat, these are the season’s buys for collectors going sleeker.
Some live by the motto “bigger is better”, but footwear calls for more nuance. The chunky, athletic “dad sneaker” of the 1990s endures for good reason — just look to the late Princess Diana and the Spice Girls, and to today’s “It girls” Dakota Johnson and Hailey Bieber.
That said, slimmer styles have been the footwear collector’s biggest obsession of late, serving as the antidote for the arguably dated and bulky look of their heftier counterparts. Arch support arguments aside (we suggest hunting down a reliable pair of inserts if this is a hindrance for you), these shoes are more flexible, lighter and offer sleeker lines that complement any casual outfit.
They also tend to be more comfortable to wear on relaxed days out in the city, providing just enough cushioning and protection without the stiffness of dedicated active shoes.
If you are on a mission to put a little extra spring back in your step, check out these six options, which range from the latest output by sportswear top dogs to haute couture renditions.
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1. Onitsuka Tiger x Versace Tai Chi Sakura
Part of the draw of a slimmer sneaker is how easily it slips on without you having to untie and redo the laces — exceptionally helpful for when you are rushing out the door in the morning. Onitsuka Tiger and Versace have taken it a step further with the late Tai Chi Sakuras. One of the more niche classics in the Japanese footwear label’s catalogue, it echoes the low-top slippers worn for its namesake martial art, bordering on boating shoe or loafer territory. Crafted from either nappa leather or suede in a range of colours, they come with double stitching on the classic Onitsuka stripes and metallic Medusa studs on the tongue. The Italian couturier’s logo has also been added to the heel counter.
2. Puma x Jil Sander K-Street
Puma and German designer Jil Sander continue their nearly three-decade long partnership with the unisex K-Street silhouette. Coming after the revival of the King Avanti style in October 2025, this new variant debuted at the Milan Autumn/Winter 2026 Fashion Week and, at first glance, seems to be an urban evolution of the H-Street — the sportswear company’s archival spiked runners. The contoured fit moulds to the natural curves of the feet while a thin sole gives additional agility. The matte bronze and beige colourways are created with breathable perforated suede, while the electric blue and white have a nylon body with suede overlays. The rounded toes and matching-tone laces ensure a timeless appeal.
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3. Dior Saltwind
Fashion’s busiest man, Jonathan Anderson, not only dreams up fantastical frocks and jackets but strut-worthy shoes too. Among the more laid-back choices from the Spring/Summer 2026 collection is the Saltwind sneaker in the house’s Secret Garden motif. Delicate pastel blooms inspired by floral tapestries blossom across the cotton jacquard, matched with a tonal grosgrain detail. A branded patch adorns the tongue, while a lambskin lining ensures better comfort and longevity. In true JW Anderson fashion, details exist even where the eye does not immediately see them — the shoes flip over to reveal robin’s egg blue outsoles imprinted with the Dior Cannage motif, honouring maison codes while helping you gain real traction.
4. Nike Moon Shoe
Tying with cool sneakers for Most Desirable Shoes of 2026 is the ballet flat, which, at some point in the past couple of years, led to several viral hybrid designs that enchanted some and evoked frowns from others. Nike and Jacquemus’ take on the marriage manifested in the form of the reimagined 1972 Moon Shoe. The collaborative expression first appeared on the Parisian fashion house’s Spring/Summer 2025 runway and sold out expeditiously when released online. This season, the design makes its return in a trio of Neapolitan ice cream hues. Most interesting is its elastic heel collar and crinkled effect nylon, reminiscent of soft dancing shoes.
5. Loewe Grip
High-end brands looking to expand into activewear often borrow from the shapes and styles of popular sports, and there is no denying the fascination with bouldering. While Loewe’s Grip refrains from the traditionally aggressive downturned profile, it evokes the same close-fitting lineation, asymmetrical toe box and lacing system seen on many real climbing shoes. It is constructed out of calfskin suede and moulded thermoplastic polyurethane parts for a flexible, slightly cushy quality and completed with an obstructed L monogram on the sides. Most of the colours lean on the brighter end — the bold Jungle Green shade in particular makes this unusual silhouette one for those unafraid of attracting attention.
6. Valentino Garavani x Vans
Vans sneakers were the peak of 2010s street suave, and we think a trip down memory lane is always worthwhile. The hipster shoemaker has teamed up with Italian label Valentino for a refresh, presenting six new funky prints. The classic chequered pattern now features shocking tones of red and pink and tiny V logos. Not quite zany enough for you? Consider the versions with contrasting tropical leaf, large polka dot or Le Chat motifs. The low-top silhouette has been maintained, with a thick rubber sole to match the shoes’ fabric composition. Nostalgic and suited for urban maximalists who know what they like, they come in either slip-on or lace-up styles.
