(Courtesy of Vogue)
Sneaker style always brings out strong opinions: are you rooting for the sleek, slim classics, or are you all about those chunky statement kicks? Every celebrity seems to pick a side in the great sneaker showdown.
Slim Is All the Rage, But Chunky Holds Its Ground
(Courtesy of Vogue)
Jennifer Lawrence is championing the slim sneaker cause, rocking crisp Adidas Tokyos accented with bold cherry-red stripes, while Bad Bunny amplifies the sleek appeal courtside at Madison Square Garden in vivid yellow Adidas Ballerinas.
Dua Lipa, too, sticks firmly to streamlined sophistication, stepping out in chic black Puma Speedcats. Even designer sneakers have entered the slim showdown, with Harry Styles flashing vibrant yellow Prada Collapse Re-nylons and Cara Delevingne making a compelling argument in the understated all-black version.
(Courtesy of Vogue)
Still, chunky sneakers are far from surrendering. Bella Hadid has solidified her street-style dominance in chunky Nike Air Max 95s, while Amelia Gray effortlessly integrates sturdy black Asics Gel Venture 8s into her laid-back model-off-duty vibe.
(Courtesy of Marie Claire)
Meanwhile, queen of maximalism Taraji P. Henson steals every sidewalk she graces with ultra-bold Lanvin lace-ups, proving there’s no such thing as “too much” when it comes to standout shoes.
Why Sneakers (and Everything Else) Are Suddenly Shrinking
(Courtesy of Vogue)
The sneaker world’s recent pivot toward slim, streamlined footwear signals a notable departure from the bulky, so-called "ugly shoe" craze that dominated both runways and wardrobes for nearly a decade. According to industry insiders, this new minimalist aesthetic reflects a broader cultural shift toward simplicity and subtlety.
(Courtesy of CNN)
David Fischer, CEO of the influential youth-culture hub Highsnobiety, described the new footwear vibe as “more simple, it’s less flashy,” according to CNN.
Katharine Carter, footwear specialist and analyst for global retail analytics company Edited, echoed these sentiments, pinpointing slimline running-inspired sneakers as the defining footwear trend of 2025.
(Courtesy of CNN)
Julia Macrae, luxury buying manager at Level Shoes, confirmed that the slim sneaker craze is officially in full swing.“We've seen a clear shift in customer demand toward low-profile sneakers this season, particularly from luxury brands, as the ballerina trend begins to ease,” she said (per Vogue).
“Collaborations like Miu Miu x New Balance and the rapid sell-through of Dries Van Noten all reflect this evolving aesthetic. Maison Margiela, a new addition for us this season, also exceeded expectations – especially within our men's department – highlighting that this shift is resonating across both genders.”
(Courtesy of Vogue)
Even major fashion names like H&M and Zara are getting in on the slim sneaker trend—this season alone, Carter pointed out a whopping 367% jump in sleek-soled styles compared to last year. In stark contrast, Edited also reported a 37% annual decline in new chunky and platform sneaker designs, underscoring the shift in consumer tastes.
What’s interesting is that this slimming trend isn’t just about shoes—it’s actually part of a bigger shift toward sleeker, more fitted looks across the fashion scene. From skinny jeans staging an unexpected comeback to the renewed popularity of micro-shorts and crop tops, the fashion world is undeniably shrinking in scale.
(Courtesy of HuffPost)
According to observers, this sartorial evolution is no coincidence, but rather a reflection of the deep, tangible connection between culture and how we choose to dress. “Fashion doesn’t happen in a vacuum,” said Emma McClendon, assistant professor of fashion studies at St John’s University in New York. “It’s possibly one of the most visceral ways that we bodily engage with culture.”
Chunky Sneakers Refuse to Step Aside
(Courtesy of InStyle)
While slim footwear is definitely having a moment, chunky sneakers are still holding their ground in the fashion world. Those bold, exaggerated sneakers are sticking around for a reason—they serve up standout style while giving your feet the support and comfort that slimmer trainers rarely offer.
(Courtesy of InStyle)
Slim silhouettes, despite their sleekness, can sometimes lack the comfort factor chunky sneakers consistently deliver, especially when it comes to avoiding the perpetual struggle of hems caught awkwardly beneath thin soles. Even the appealing aesthetics of the Puma Speedcat don't necessarily translate into comfort for everyone, and delicate "sneakerinas" certainly don’t suit every sneaker enthusiast's vibe.
Thankfully, chunky sneakers are enjoying a celebrity‑packed renaissance.
(Courtesy of InStyle)
Katie Holmes practically single-handedly sparked a resurgence for the Autry Medalist Low, while liquid-silver Nike Air Max Muses have become the unofficial uniform at British Vogue. The fashion pendulum might not swing back to the excessive bulkiness of Balenciaga’s infamous 10XLs, but there’s certainly a rebellion brewing against minimalist classics like Adidas Sambas.
For those embracing the bold, Vogue recommends doubling down on chunkier styles this summer. Asics’ performance-meets-fashion appeal, Nike’s statement-making Air Max Muse, the effortlessly cool Autry Medalist Low, timelessly edgy skate trainers, and the nostalgically futuristic Nike Shox are all perfectly suited to lead a chunky footwear revival.
Shop Designer Sneakers for Every Mood and Move
(Courtesy of Vogue)
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About The Writer
Meet Mariam — a fashion writer who lives and breathes all things vogue and glamour. For her, the most therapeutic aspect of fashion goes beyond simply shopping for the latest styles that appear in stores; it’s fully experiencing this glamorous world from the little details to the big moments (there's nothing quite like the thrill of flipping through a sleek fashion magazine, is there?).
