Whether you’re walking down Broadway to tick off weekend errands, hiking through the Adirondacks, or logging miles in preparation for your next marathon, sneakers are the backbone of a modern wardrobe. Designed to keep up with busy schedules, long days, and whatever the calendar throws your way, they’ve earned their place as a true essential. A celebrity-approved staple, sneakers are also top of mind for our editors as we gear up for NYFW—after all, we’ll be running around town.
Vogue Editors’ Favorite Sneakers
For those looking to invest, fashion-forward options from Loewe, Dries Van Noten, and Louis Vuitton bring runway credibility to everyday dressing. On the more playful end of the spectrum, Adidas, Nike, and Puma offer an array of colorful styles that inject personality into even the most pared-back looks. Sneakers are an effortless way to add visual interest—just look to Onitsuka Tiger’s Mexico 66 in silver, a favorite among multiple of our editors, for an eye-catching accent that feels perfectly primed for spring.
And speaking of spring, the 2026 spring shows made one thing clear: sneakers are here to stay. One standout trend our editors couldn’t ignore was the rise of the slim sneaker silhouette. Spotted at Prada, Dries Van Noten, and Fendi, the streamlined shape feels modern and versatile—now is the moment to get ahead of the curve. The aforementioned labels, as well as a few heritage trainer brands, already have strong contenders on the market, including Adidas’s laceless Taekwondo style, which offers an especially chic way to exaggerate the profile.
Below, shop our editors’s favorite sneakers—tested, trend-approved, and made for walking.
Chloe Malle, head of editorial content
“I dream of Dries! I’ve never actually had the chutzpah to pay for these but I love them so! Similar shape but very different, I love these Nike Pacifics from playground to happy hour.”
Libby Page, executive director, shopping
“A Stan Smith is the definition of timeless style. Some might argue that it’s no longer as relevant as the Tokyo Samba have overtaken as Adidas’s bestselling styles, but for me I am still reaching for my Stan Smiths when I need a classic, chic and subtle sneaker to wear to work. Forever engraved in my brain is the image of Phoebe Philo bowing at one of her Celine Shows in a grey sweater, grey pant and Stan Smiths—chic.”
Daisy Shaw-Ellis, jewelry director
“I appreciate a clean, classic sneaker. While I’ve been known to dabble with Adidas Sambas and SL72s, the Vans Premium Authentic are my favorite. A little preppy with a nod to skate culture—the perfect combo in my opinion.”
Maddy Fass, fashion market director, shopping
“I never felt that sneakers and real clothes looked great on me, so I’ve long been a fan of the understated, retro look that is so popular now. Slim in silhouette, they wear more like ballet flats than sneakers. I got a pair from Marni off The Real Real ages ago which are my go-to white sneaker.I was happy to see this new iteration from the brand pop up at the end of last year. My other favorite pair are my original Loewe ballet runners- Vogue fashion editor, Max Ortega inspired the purchase. They don’t produce the exact style anymore, but here’s them in 2.0!”
Talia Abbas, shopping director
“I feel very strongly about not wearing sneakers with jeans unless they’re ultra-slim and low-profile. I have all-white pair from Dries that I bought in Antwerp a few winters ago, but really reach for my Nike x Jacquemus Moons most often. I brought them with me on a recent trip to Paris and I wore them almost everyday.”
Mai Morsch, fashion editor
“I have a tough time with sneakers! Every time I try to make a fashion sneaker work, I end up not feeling like myself. Maybe one day I’ll find a more dressed-up sneaker I love, but for now my go-to is a more technical option: the Salomon Whisper sneakers in all black. I wear them at the gym, for short hikes, or on the weekends while running errands around the city.”
Hannah Jackson, fashion writer
“I m completely obsessed with my Adidas Japans (so obsessed that I have them in two colorways), and have gotten my entire family on board. They’re sleek, soft, and so comfortable—no break-in required. If you’re into the low-profile look but aren’t keen on a wacky sneakerina, this is the shoe for you.”
Ciarra Lorren Zatorski, fashion editor
“Back in Vogue’s earlier days, the idea that a sneaker could elevate any look would never have made it past the edit—yet here we are, celebrating the classic silhouette that can seamlessly carry you from desk to dinner. Recent runways inspired a desire for Vuitton’s Sneakerina!”
Irene Kim, production and editorial associate
“I am a huge sneakerhead. have every Wales Bonner x Adidas collaboration sneaker because they’re the best shoes ever. Not only are they super comfortable they also come in great colorways and textiles. My favorite ever pair is a sequin and croc leather style that I got two years ago. Tory Burch also makes a great pair of sneakers that not only feel comfy but also look great. My favorite colorway has been the brown suede. The only downside is that I wear them so much that the flat soles have been wearing down so quickly!”
Elly Leavitt, lifestyle shopping editor
“I am not a sneakers person, but my New Balance 574s have been in my wardrobe for years and are still my most-relied-on travel shoe. My navy All-Stars are the second exception to my rule—I wear them in the summer with poplin dresses and skirts.”
Kiana Murden, beauty editor, shopping
“A sneaker, in my opinion, should keep a low profile. I’ve tried chunkier, sportier styles but found my footing with Onitsuka Tiger’s Mexico 66 that offers the comfort and athleticism of a tennis shoe, with the sleekness of a flat. With that pair in silver, I’m ready to add more neutral tones into the mix. The Jacquemus sneaker in chocolate brown suede is impossible to resist.”
Minty Mellon, shopping market editor
“My favorite sneaker has to be the Adidas Taekwondo. The laceless design eliminates all unnecessary fuss, while the flat sole keeps the silhouette clean and streamlined. Lightweight and easy to pack, they have earned a permanent spot in my closet and carry-on!”
Andrea Zendejas, shopping market editor
“My favorite sneakers are no longer shoppable, but I found two worthy alternatives that come close. The Cos navy sneakers are the best substitute I’ve seen for the Khaite x Adidas country OG collaboration I love—they have the same clean, retro style. For the weekend, the Nike Air Max 90 Futura remains my go-to. The colorway I own (white, grey, black combo) is sold out, but it’s still available in a variety of options.”
Concetta Ciarlo, beauty commerce writer
“It’s only recently come to my attention that I gravitate towards sneakers that look like little soccer cleats (pardon me, football boots!). For starters, nothing beats the arch support of an Onitsuka Tiger, despite them looking anything but orthopedic—I completely understand why these were Uma Thurman’s shoe of choice in Kill Bill. Similarly, the Puma x Fenty collabs—both sneakers fit so snug and comfy without sacrificing any cool.”
