This will be the sneaker trend of autumn 2026: the sleek retro sneaker
Okay, all chunky sneakers can go away again. (I actually find that really unfortunate, but oh well.) After all those years in which sneakers were mainly nice and big and chunky, fashion is now autumn a bit slimmer and subtler. In fact: the sneaker that we are suddenly going to see everywhere this fall is low, very narrow, and even retro. In other words: the slim retro sneaker.
In recent seasons, we saw those large, wide sneakers everywhere. But for the fall of 2026, everything is turning the other way again and the trend is becoming slim and delicate. So: this low-profile runner is making a big comeback.
Smaller sneaker, big effect
Okay, what makes this sneaker so nice? Actually, it’s mainly the fact that it is a lot more elegant than the chunky versions.
So think of sneakers with a narrow toe, a low sole, and a vintage, sporty look. A bit of the seventies and eighties, if you will.
Brands like Nike, adidas, and Onitsuka Tiger have their retro runners fully in their collections by now. And honestly: there are quite a few nice examples among them.
We also saw it on the catwalk
This slim retro sneaker is really not just a street trend that suddenly comes out of nowhere. The fashion world is also fully experimenting with this low, streamlined silhouette. For example, we already saw the collaboration between Nike and our beloved Jacquemus.
The Nike x Jacquemus Moon Shoe is actually a modern version of the original Nike Moon Shoe from the seventies. Jacquemus turned that historical running model into a strikingly slim sneaker that sits very low to the ground. They almost resemble a ballet flat.
The sneaker was seen during Jacquemus’ spring show of 2025 in Paris. It later came out in the striking color University Red: red with white.
And no, it doesn’t have to be silver
Although we will still see silver sneakers this fall, that is not the essence of this trend. It’s mainly about that slim retro shape. Maybe one in silver then? Then you immediately have a double trend.
By the way, I see all sorts of nice colors and materials passing by. Soft yellow, pink, silver, satin, and metallic. But those suede versions in brown, camel, sand, and cognac are perhaps even more on trend. I even saw the cutest Bambi print pass by.
The comeback of the ‘regular’ sneaker
Maybe you find this the best part of this trend. Just a bit of nostalgia. Beautiful and slim.
Fortunately, the chunky sneaker doesn’t have to go out the door immediately (thankfully!). Technical runners are still relevant, but fashion is clearly shifting towards slimmer, more streamlined models.
So if you want to add a sneaker to your fall wardrobe, you at least know which way to go.
Low, slim, a touch retro.
