By Retail Verdict Editorial · Last Updated June 2026 · 12 min read

Trending Sneakers Right Now: 9 Editor Picks

Sneaker culture moves fast and what dominated the trend six months ago can already feel like yesterday’s news by tomorrow.

This season’s lineup has something at every price point, from heritage runners to clean-cut court shoes. Below are nine picks, sorted by style so you can scan straight to what fits your style with a quick note on when each one works best. Every pair is available at Foot Locker.

Key Takeaways

The most versatile pick right now is the New Balance 550 or the adidas Samba either one bridges streetwear and smart-casual without trying too hard.
The rule that matters most is fit: a sneaker that suits your wardrobe’s vibe will always outperform a hyped release that clashes with everything else you own.
Easy seasonal swaps: trade chunky runners and high-tops for low-profile court shoes and retro trainers once the weather warms up. (Need ideas? See our spring outfit shift for more.)
Style tip: monochrome or tonal colourways are the easiest to dress up; save loud colour-blocking for casual fits where the sneaker is the statement.
Shop smart buy one clean, neutral pair first. It will carry the most outfits before you spend on a trend-driven colourway.

Nike Dunk Low

Source: Nike

The Dunk Low refuses to cool off. Originally a basketball shoe, it crossed over into skate culture and never left the mainstream; the low-profile shape and endless colourway rotation keep it fresh season after season. A white-and-grey pair works with practically anything from cargos to chinos, while a two-tone hit like University Blue adds just enough edge. If you only own one sneaker on this list, this is a strong contender.

New Balance 550

Source: New Balance

The 550 is the retro court shoe that quietly became a modern essential. Its boxy, slightly chunky silhouette reads vintage without tipping into fancy dress, and the leather upper cleans up better than most sneakers in this price range. White with green or navy accents is the move for everyday wear; it pairs just as easily with wide-leg trousers as with shorts. The 550 bridges the gap between a dad shoe and a fashion shoe and lands right in the sweet spot.

adidas Samba OG

Source: Adidas

If one sneaker defined the last two years, it’s the Samba and it’s still going. The slim, low-to-the-ground shape, gum sole, and suede T-toe have made it the default “going out” sneaker for people who don’t want to wear heels. Black/white is the classic, but cream and collegiate colourways have been gaining ground. It runs narrow, so try before you commit. The Samba looks best when you’re not overthinking it: straight-leg jeans, a tee, and out the door. If you’re rethinking your denim rotation too, our guide on whether skinny jeans are still in style is worth a read.

ASICS Gel-Kayano 14

Source: ASICS

Techy runners took over street style, and the Kayano 14 led the pack. The layered mesh, gel cushioning, and early-2000s silhouette check every box for the performance-meets-fashion crowd. Silver and white colourways lean futuristic; earthy tones keep it grounded. It’s chunkier than a Samba but slimmer than a New Balance dad shoe a useful middle ground if you want a runner that doesn’t swallow your ankle. Comfort is genuine here, not just marketing.

Nike Air Max 1

Source: Nike

The shoe that made visible Air famous still looks current almost four decades later. The Air Max 1’s sculpted mudguard and mini-Swoosh give it more personality than most retro runners, and the cushioning holds up for real all-day wear. Neutral colourways slot into any rotation, while seasonal drops think olive suede or oxidised blue give collectors a reason to double up. It sits lower than an Air Max 90 and reads a little more refined, which makes it easier to dress up.

Jordan 1 Low

Source: Nike

The high-top gets the headlines, but the Jordan 1 Low is the version most people actually wear every day. Same iconic shape, less ankle bulk, and a price tag that stings a little less. A clean white-on-white or the ever-popular Black Toe colourway works year-round with joggers, jeans, or even tailored shorts. It’s the entry point into Jordan culture without the resale lottery and Foot Locker keeps a steady range on the shelf.

New Balance 1906R

Source: New Balance

The 1906R is having a serious moment. Built on the bones of New Balance’s 2000s-era performance line, it stacks N-ergy and ABZORB cushioning into a silhouette that looks like it was pulled from a sci-fi prop closet in the best way. Silver and grey tones are the fan favourites, but muted earth tones have been moving fast. It’s thicker than the 550 and more statement-driven, so let the shoe do the talking and keep the rest of the fit simple.

Puma Suede Classic

Source: Puma

While newer silhouettes grab attention, the Puma Suede has been quietly cool since the 1960s. The soft suede upper, flat rubber sole, and Formstrip logo keep it minimal; it’s one of the few sneakers that genuinely looks better with age. Black, navy, and burgundy are the workhorses; a brighter hit like red or archive gold works as an accent shoe. At its price point, it’s one of the best value picks on this list and a smart buy if you want something that skips trends entirely.

Nike P-6000

Source: Nike

The P-6000 flew under the radar for years before the Y2K running revival pushed it into the spotlight. Its sculpted overlays, metallic accents, and visible Air unit give it an aggressive, technical look that photographs extremely well which partly explains its popularity. Silver/white is the go-to, but blacked-out pairs have been selling out quietly. It runs true to size, cushions well for the price, and looks best with tapered or straight-leg pants that let the profile show.

How to Choose Trending Sneakers That Actually Work for You

Know Your Wardrobe First

The best sneaker is the one that works with what you already own. If your closet leans casual and relaxed joggers, hoodies, loose denim a chunky runner like the 1906R or Kayano 14 will slot right in. If you dress in sharper chinos, button-downs, tailored trousers, a court shoe like the Samba or 550 earns more wear.

Colourway Matters More Than Model

Neutral tones white, black, grey, cream, navy pair with everything and age well. Once you own a reliable neutral, then branch into seasonal or louder colourways that work as statement pieces. One versatile pair first, one fun pair second.

Comfort Is Non-Negotiable

Retro looks are great until your feet hurt. Check for real cushioning tech (Air, Gel, ABZORB, Fresh Foam) if you’re on your feet all day. Court shoes and suede classics tend to be flatter, which is fine for shorter outings but worth knowing upfront. If comfort is your top priority, you might also want to look at dedicated comfort-first shoes like On Cloud. Try them in-store at Foot Locker if you can fit varies wildly across brands.

Rotation Over Collection

Three pairs in steady rotation outlast ten sitting on a shelf. A clean low-top for everyday, a runner for active days, and a slightly dressier option for nights out covers nearly everything. Rotating also lets each pair rest and last longer sneaker care is mostly just not wearing the same shoe every single day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What sneakers are trending right now?

The biggest movers heading into late 2026 include the Nike Dunk Low, New Balance 550, adidas Samba OG, ASICS Gel-Kayano 14, and the New Balance 1906R. Retro court shoes and techy Y2K runners continue to dominate, with clean, tonal colourways leading over loud colour-blocking.

What is the most popular sneaker of 2026?

It depends on the circle, but the adidas Samba OG and Nike Dunk Low remain the two most consistently spotted across street style, social media, and sales charts. The New Balance 550 is close behind, especially in the smart-casual space.

Are chunky sneakers still in style?

Yes, but the definition has shifted. Ultra-thick, exaggerated soles have pulled back the trend and now favours chunky-but-shaped silhouettes like the ASICS Gel-Kayano 14 or the New Balance 1906R, which have visible tech details and a sculpted profile rather than pure bulk.

What sneakers can you dress up in?

Low-profile court shoes are your best bet. The adidas Samba, New Balance 550, and Nike Dunk Low in neutral colourways all pair cleanly with chinos, tailored trousers, or a smart-casual outfit. Stick to leather or suede uppers and avoid bright, sporty colourways for dressier settings.

Where to Find These Sneakers at Foot Locker

Every sneaker on this list is available at Foot Locker online and in most stores. Foot Locker tends to stock core colourways year-round, with limited and seasonal drops rotating in regularly so if you see a colourway you like, don’t sit on it. Signing up for a FLX membership gets you early access to select releases, points on purchases, and the occasional member-only drop. You can also reserve online and try on in-store, which is worth doing if you’re between sizes or trying a brand for the first time.

Keep Exploring

That’s the full lineup of trending sneakers worth lacing up right now all available at Foot Locker. For more honest gear breakdowns, head-to-head comparisons, and money-saving picks, explore the rest of our style guides on Retail Verdict before your next pickup.