5 Celebrity-approved ways to style your sneakers this summer

Bidding farewell to the past season? You may as well bid farewell to the rut of the Adidas Sambas too. Whatever you take into the new season, stays with you all summer long. So, yup, that’s adieu Sambas. Granted, parting ways isn’t easy. After all, these classics carried you through 10k steps with ease, while those oxblood pumps are still just for Instagram. 2024 may have been the year of coveted customisation and collaborations, but some celebrities have chosen a slightly different route for this season and paved the way for these sneaker trends to shine. 

HELLO! India has spent time sleuthing out what the celebs might be wearing this summer. If you’re planning a shoe closet revamp, here’s your definitive guide to the styles we’re placing our bets on.

SNEAKERHEADS ASSEMBLE!

1. Off The Court

Athleisure’s reign isn’t over just yet. And its hold over the sneaker world? Undeniable. The rise of Adidas Sambas and Puma Speedycats wasn’t solely due to their versatility but also because of their pitch-ready appeal. With both of them integrating sporty aesthetics into the comfort of everyday lifestyle, their timelessness is indisputable.

Reigning across the runways of New York Fashion Week and London Fashion Week, they’re an ode to the modern on-the-go lifestyle sneakers, equipped with foam midsoles and grippy outsoles. Easy to style, you can find them across footwear brands like Nike and Puma as well as luxury labels like Loewe. 

2. Low-Profile Slim Retro 

A street-style mainstay, the ultra-thin sole sneaker is carving its territory in 2025. With a retro-chic vibe and a refreshingly understated silhouette, these sneakers signal a shift toward practicality and ergonomic sensibility.

Barely-there soles are dominating Paris and Milan runways, becoming a quiet proclamation of luxury. Whether paired with tailored separates or casual denim, these low-profile kicks are an exercise in minimalism—the perfect combination of form and function.

3. The Non-Sneaker Sneakers

We declare 2025 as the repertoire of comfort-first styling. Move over Mary Janes and Mesh Ballet flats; this season's antithesis to classic sneakers are loafers and mules. Leading the pack are hybrids like the New Balance 1906L loafer-trainers. Unlike most hybrids, their amalgamation of casual and semi-formal ends in stylish fruition.

Catering to both performance and style, we attest that these are ideal for everyday wear. Close on the heels, Nike and Miu Miu have introduced standout designs that are gathering impressive nods. Meanwhile, Salomon x MM6 Maison Margiela’s mule-trainers are a classic statement for the bold.

4. Suede Supremes

Bella Hadid’s street-style moments in 2024 made one thing clear—suede is the fabric du jour for footwear aficionados. While it’s not the most practical choice, a protective spray is a small price to pay for those #OOTDs. While suede is sophisticated, we’ve spotted two colours outshining in this space.

Mocha Mousse—the Pantone Colour of the year—and the big, bright and bold red. Bleeding crimson (quite literally), these sneakers are a striking accessory, adding character to your attire while not overwhelming it. The rustics, on the other hand, are successful and might we add, the coveted replacement for the plain white sneakers.

Merging with every outfit while adding warmth with its natural pairing, this is our favourite pick of the season. 

5. Chunky Crushers

What starts on the streets of Nordic fashion capitals inevitably finds its way to the runways of Paris and Copenhagen. We said we are prioritising comfort this year, and we stand by it. The thick chunky sneakers make a statement, go with everything from wide-legged jeans to maxi skirts and are the peak of comfort. They won't go out of style unless you get bored of them.

Another iteration of these are the sneakers under Gorpcore. Think hiker gear but make it urban streetwear fashion. With thick soles and utilitarian details, these sneakers are perfect for city adventures or weekend getaways. Sling a crossbody bag over your jacket and pump-up those kicks for the year ahead. 

If you needed a reason to make this summer all about the sneaker, these trends will convince you to ditch the boots meant for walking, for sneakers meant for a fashion statement. 

Edited by Sabrina Mathews