The One Sneaker Style Every Fashion Person Will Wear in 2026

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Derby sneakers on the Celine runway
(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

The runways, celebrity looks, street style scene, and outfits on social media feeds are already indicating how sneaker trends are beginning to shift this year. While there are many styles on our radar for 2026, one key trend will win out: derby sneakers. Michael Rider introduced the shoes on the runway for his debut at the Celine resort 2026 collection with a sleek white leather pair that was styled with everything from jeans to trousers. Then, he doubled down on the style for the spring/summer 2026 collection, where they appeared with miniskirts and tailored outfits. Now that they're hitting the Celine stores, they're in hot demand as everyone is adding the bright white sneakers to their spring wardrobes.

The footwear trend is appearing in the spring collections of other brands as well. With styles from Jamie Haller, Reformation, and Zara, they're available in a range of silhouettes and price points. Ahead, shop the editor-approved derby sneakers, which are set to be the most important sneaker trend in 2026.

Derby Sneakers at Celine

Derby sneakers on the Celine runway

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

Derby sneakers on the Celine runway

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

Derby sneakers on the Celine runway

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

Derby sneakers on the Celine runway

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

Shop Derby Sneakers

Kristen Nichols
Associate Director, Special Projects

Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear where she oversees luxury, runway content, and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, and Tiffany & Co., and her style has been featured in publications including The New York Times, Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.