Want to support independent women's media? Become a Mamamia subscriber and get an all-access pass to everything we make, including exclusive podcasts, articles, videos and our exercise app, MOVE.

For the past few years, sneakers have dominated wardrobes in a way few fashion items ever have.

From Meghan Markle's Veja sneakers to chunky New Balance 9060s and Adidas Sambas, there's been a "must-have" pair for every era (and a moment where every. single. person. seemed to own them).

But lately, the same sneakers that once felt cool now feel overdone and are giving us the… ick. And according to fashion trend forecaster and Nothing to Wear co-host Lucinda Pikkat, there's a reason for that.

WATCH: Here's where to shop the sneakerina trend. Post continues below.

"As much as I hate to say it, there is truth to that," she said on a recent Nothing to Wear episode.

"We've reached a point of oversaturation. There's an 'it' cool shoe, and then there's an overconsumption, over-purchasing of this shoe. That's what people love about sneakers — that cool facto. But when everyone has them, that starts to fade."

The good news is this isn't a concrete Sambas breakup.

"Sneakers don't die, they cycle," Lucinda said. "Like jeans, they're always evergreen."

"This isn't a collapse; it's just a cool-off period… and historically, this is what needs to happen for that upswing of sneakers to become cool again."

Translation: your Adidas Sambas might be looking a little tired, but sneakers themselves aren't going anywhere.

In fact, a new wave is already emerging, and it's far more low-key. Right now, it's less about hype and more of an "if you know, you know" situation.

So, here are the sneakers currently in the know, so you're in the know. Yah know?

6 sneaker trends for 2026.

1. Sneakerinas (or ballet flat sneakers).

Put away your chunky trainers for more feminine silhouettes, like the sneakerina (aka, the love child of a sneaker and ballet flat).

The Puma Speedcat style is iconic, but you'll find plenty of sneaker ballet flats in different materials and tones in shops as we come into winter.

Vivaia Square-Toe Lace-Up Satin Sneakerina (Cristina), $268.

Target Sporty Ballerina Flat, $35.

Puma Speedcat Suede Ballet, $150.

Adidas Barreda Mary Jane Shoes, $120.

NikeSKIMS Rift Mesh, $230.

2. Converse high-tops.

Thanks to Margot Robbie, you can dust off your nostalgic Converse high-tops.

The humble canvas sneaker coming back around is proof trends are cyclical, so we hope you haven't thrown yours away.

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Core Hi Adult, $129.95.

3. Sneaker mules.

Are they Birkenstocks or are they sneakers? Well, they're both!

If you love the look of sneakers but the freedom of a mule, these could be for you.

Charles and Keith Lace-Up Suede Mules, $119.

Steve Madden Augustina Taupe/White, $139.95.

Alohas Women's TB.490 Mule Cream Leather Sneakers, $360.

Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 Sabot Unisex, $220.

4. Suede sneakers.

Sneakers in suede just look a little more chic, soft and elevated.

Give them a good doussing of waterproofing spray and you're good to wear them throughout winter.

Puma Speedcat OG Unisex, $180.

Veja Volley Suede Unisex, $220.

Nokwol Atlas Sneakers, $199.

Betts AXTON Suede Leather Sneakers, $159.99.

5. Gorpcore sneakers (or approach shoes).

FYI, we're still riding the gorpcore wave, so your trail sneakers haven't lost their edge.

From fashion girlie to rock climber, you'll find plenty of iterations of these "ugly" sneakers to suit your comfort level.

Salomon XT-6 Unisex, from $255.

Nike V2K Run, $180.

On Cloudaway 2, $250.

The North Face Verto Approach Shoes, $300.

6. Sneakers with charms, ribbons and colourful laces.

We've pimped out our bags with charms, so now it's time to do the same for our shoes.

Dip your toe into the trend with a contrasting pair of coloured laces (or replace your laces with satin ribbon!), or go all out with charms and pendants.

Nokwol Atlas Sneakers, $199.

Betts Daisy Tassel Charm, $6.99.

Stylerunner Satin Shoelaces, $10 (down from $16.99).

Stylerunner Shoe Charms, $10 (down from $24.99).

For more helpful style advice and shopping recommendations, subscribe to the weekly Nothing to Wear Substack, listen to the Nothing to Wear podcast or watch Nothing to Wear on YouTube.

At Mamamia, we independently curate and write about products we rave about in our group chats and think you should know about too. If you purchase a product we have recommended, we may earn a small commission.

Feature image: Instagram @evapatrick__.