I've Banished Ballet Flats in Favor of All These Chic Spring Sneakers

Look, don't be mad (I’m a good person!), but I'm really not a ballet-flat gal. I know this may be hard to hear, and to be honest I don’t know what it is, because you know I love a flat. But even back in the day watching The Hills, I was the only person I knew not coveting those black ballerinas that Lauren would wear on repeat (an important early 2000s visual cue that she was *serious* about fashion).
I will say that the past couple of years, the rise of glove slippers and flat slingbacks have helped me find my way into the general vicinity of ballet flat–adjacent styles—do they count? I think they count. But truth be told, I’m still not even half as excited about these as I am about this onslaught of chic spring sneakers that are already hitting the internet. All 2025's best sneaker trends are here: suede sneakers, red sneakers, slim vintage-inspired sneakers, plus pastels (I know, for spring?!), and some fresh-feeling animal print. From Adidas to Zara to Toteme, here are 41 pairs of sneakers I’d buy in a heartbeat.
As someone who owns, loves, and is continually asked about this colorway of the SL 72s, I'm thrilled to report that they're back in stock at Nordstrom.
But also, the "Glam" edition—ruffle details, suede panels, and organza ribbon laces.
These will make your Saturday-morning Pilates-then–Trader Joe's legging outfits cooler.
If you're into the color palette but don't trust yourself with $700 shoes.
These Miu Miu sneakers are about to stage a full-scale assault on your Instagram feed.
Speaking of wearing pink this spring, these burgundy sneakers with a soft pink sweater and [insert your favorite jeans or pants or skirt] is a no-brainer look you can rely on.
On the other hand, poppy sneakers can be just the bit of weird your neutral look needs.
Gum soles high enough to protect that fresh white leather from many a scuff.
Speaking of Sambas, this retro navy blue is sending me.
Natalie Cantell is an NYC-based style director, creative consultant, and fashion editor, who regularly contributes from Paris. She was the executive director of Who What Wear and Marie Claire’s brand studio until 2023, and now freelances globally on shoots, stories, and special projects.
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