New Yorkers Know Their Sneakers—7 Styles They're Coveting for Summer 2025


If you're looking to discover the next pair of sneakers that you're going to drool over, there's no better place to start searching than the streets of New York. Every corner I turn, I feel like I'm influenced to purchase a different style. It's also fun to watch how quickly a pair of shoes will go from the purchase of one or two It girls to suddenly being on every block.
I wanted to get ahead of what's next, so I decided to ask some of my favorite style muses what sneakers they're coveting and wearing for the rest of 2025. The results certainly came as a surprise to me. I've chosen fashionable people who are the first to step into new trends, so I trust that the sneakers they've stepped into for the first half of the summer are worth noting. Below, find seven sneaker styles I'm suddenly convinced I need to buy.
@vivid
"My go-to sneakers this summer are the Nike Air Superfly in silver and black. They're ultra-lightweight, effortlessly cool, and easy to dress up or down—perfect for city days that go from errands to evenings out walking the streets of New York. I love how the sleek metallic finish gives any outfit a modern twist."
@devapollon
"These are the sneakers of the spring simply because they bring an elevated feel that we might not always revert to, especially in the spring. I walk miles in these (they are my travel sneaks), and I am instantly reaching for them. They have so many gorgeous colorways that always work with any outfit. I love how the soft suede element grounds the sneaker yet is still light for the season. I love how you can dress them up or down. Overall, it's such a well-rounded sneak that, yes, is an investment, but everyone should have [it] in their closet."
@abihoffman
"When styling sneakers, I'm drawn to bold details or unique colorways. The Dries Van Noten Suede-Trimmed Sneakers are, undoubtedly, a standout style this summer. I love the brown-and-black version as a grounding contrast to a colorful outfit."
@rendagrella
"I'm most excited to wear the Veja Volley Sneakers! I've been eyeing silver sneakers for a while and finally chose these because they're incredibly comfortable. I can walk miles around NYC in them, and they last forever. I've had my first pair of Vejas for three years, and they still look great. Plus, no one does chic like the French, and these are effortlessly sleek."
@cocobassey
"I have a lot of travel on the books for summer, so I was looking for a pair of sneakers that are comfortable and chic and found just that in the Hermès Bouncing Sneaker. They're really lightweight and still not too casual looking, so they make for a really versatile sneaker!"
@cocoschiffer
"The sneakers I'm most excited to wear this summer are the Dries Van Noten suede sneakers. I'm super picky with my sneakers because they most often look too much like athleisure, and that's not my vibe. I think they're the perfect amount of versatile—not too over-the-top but also classic."
@carolineinnycity
"My favorite part of these sneakers is the gummy sole—it's such a unique touch. I also really love the contrast of the bold, bright yellow and neutral black tones. These will look amazing paired with denim cutoffs or classic jeans this summer!"
@isanelba
"Cutest. Sneaks. Ever. I love that the brown color makes them either a staple piece or a chic addition to a neutral outfit. I've probably walked miles in these, and their soft structure makes them so comfortable."
@haileysani
"I haven't been able to stop wearing the Golden Goose Super-Star Sabots. They're technically a 'sneaker slide,' so they're so easy to slide on before I leave my house. You don't have to worry about ruining them while you're traveling because they already have that distressed look. It also makes for the perfect airport shoe!"
@thejessxu
"The Puma H-Street is my go-to sneaker this NYC summer. They're super lightweight—literally feels like I'm walking on air—and add the perfect pop of color to every 'fit for those days [when] inspiration isn't always hitting. Effortless, comfy, and cute? Say less."

Sierra Mayhew is a fashion editor at Who What Wear, bringing a decade of industry experience to the editorial team. Since joining in 2021, she has made her mark by blending luxury and accessible fashion, decoding runway trends, and curating must-have shopping lists. Before joining Who What Wear, Sierra sharpened her skills at Harper's Bazaar and Elle, with bylines in Bazaar.com and collaborated with iconic brands such as Gucci and Ferragamo. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Sierra translates editorial expertise into viral social content, making fashion engaging for a new generation. Her unique perspective is rooted in her love for travel, music, and discovering the hidden gems that make New York City a constant source of inspiration.
-
I'm a New Shopping Editor in NYC—These 31 Gorgeous Summer Nordstrom Finds Have My Attention
PS: Everything's under $150.
-
Red Who? Sorry, But Cool Fashion People Are Only Interested in Wearing Jeans With *This* Sneaker Color
It's the new red (and yellow, green, and silver).
-
Adam Sandler–Coded Outfits Are Still Going Strong—5 Ways to Style Baggy Shorts This Summer
Fashion icon first. Comedian second.
-
If I See You Swap Your Classic Ballet Flats for This Specific Alternative, I'll Know You Have Chic Taste
Don't think about it—just do it.
-
It's Settled: This Is the #1 Sneaker Trend to Wear With Leggings This Summer
Confirmed by Dakota Johnson.
-
The Adidas and Liberty London Collab Just Dropped, and the Samba Sneakers Will Sell Out
Call me obsessed.
-
Not Skinny, Not Wide-Leg—the Specific Denim Trend Frequent Flyers Always Wear to the Airport With Sneakers
"Just right" jeans.
-
Confirmed: This Is the Sneaker Color Fashion People Are Swapping Their White Pairs For
It's true.