Standing out isn’t easy. In fashion, to distinguish yourself from the crowd means you may not be hopping onto every fleeting trend, or changing your personal style ethos for the sake of a new circulating print—what if pattern isn’t your thing? On the current sneaker market, being unique is in, and the options encourage you to divert from the norm. Live a little, if you will.
Vogue’s favorite unique sneaker options:
- The Powder Pink: Salomon XT-6 mesh sneakers, $180
- The Silver Slipper: Miu Miu metallic leather retro runner sneakers, $895
- The Golden Must-Have: Adidas Original Tokyo gold sneakers, $90
- The Red Ones: Cos minimal suede sneakers, $135
- The Fashion-Girl Find: Nike Air Max Muse sneakers, $160
- The Hybride Option: Simone Rocha beaded tracker ballerina sneakers, $1,210
- The Mesh Pick: Dries Van Noten Dustin mesh low-top sneakers, $475
- The Zebra Print: Alohas Tb.490 sneaker, $220
- The Sleek High-Rise: Alaia ‘La Sneaker’ sneakers, $1,100
There is plenty of sneaker newness to play with. For one, metallic sneakers of all kinds are making waves, and there’s a fresh silhouette for every aesthetic. For the fashion-forward gal, look to Balenciaga and Dries Van Noten for fresh takes, or Miu Miu and Rag & Bone to add a subtle pop to more pared-back outfit pairings.
To diversify your color wheel, consider a pair of cobalt-blue Puma Speedcats, Loewe’s mishmash of pinks, or Cos’s affordable siren red option, designed in a low-profile shape. There are, of course, styles for the IYKYK crowd—you know the ones, those hard-to-come-by, hyper-specific models that challenge a sneaker’s traditional definition. (If you’re triggered by toe shoes, look away!) Think of the Simone Rocha ballerina sneakers or a pair of Acne Studios glossy lace-ups, which would look unexpectedly fabulous teamed with a great white dress for the new season.
All of these unique sneaker finds, from cleat-inspired shapes to unconventional high-tops and more, to shop ahead.
Make it Metallic
Gold lamé and shiny silver! The best sneakers right now have a statement-making sheen. After the success of the Adidas x Wales Bonner Samba Millennium’s, it was clear that metallic sneakers had staying power. Find cool-girl golden options from Dries Van Noten and Adidas, and chunkier pairs from Balenciaga and Miu Miu.
Spin the Color Wheel
Sneakers have historically come in a variety of colors, especially on the streetwear scene. Lately, we’re noticing unexpected color combinations that will make you rethink complementary tones. There are a punchy combination of pinks, like fuchsia paired with powder pink and dark lilac, bright blues teamed with pale grey, and a rainbow at Miu Miu with bright green, blue, pink, and sunny yellow. Wear them with tonal looks to add balance.
The Directional Fashion Girl
She has a vibe, and she isn’t afraid to embrace it, be it with a cool crop of pieces that are currently trending, or hard-to-find styles from niche designer brands. And she’s probably wearing one of these directional fashion sneakers from Simone Rocha, Acne Studios, or Balenciaga. These edgy styles work how you want them to—and depending on your look, pair well with lace trims, ruffled hems, and clean lines, too.
Arts & Crafts
Stemming from the spring/summer 2025 runways, you’ll find craftiness and texture in the from of mesh, raffia, and crocheted trimmings. It’s trickled down to the best sneakers now, too. Take a look at The Row’s technical mesh sneakers, or the ruffled crochet trim adorning these Alohas sneakers.
Walk on the Wild Side
If you’re not the type to sport a leopard-print coat, or prefer solids to the overtly edgy animal print trouser, sneakers are the best place to take a dip in the patterned pool. Try out snakeskin with Dries Van Noten and Wales Bonner, or a playful cow print with Adidas.
The Higher the Top…
You can thank Converse and Chuck Taylor himself for the first recognizable high-top sneakers, originally created to protect the ankles during a game of basketball. A pair of Converse were the norm in the late ’90s and early aughts, and while hard to beat, more fashion-forward takes have an element of now, like ones from Rick Owens, Loewe, and Isabel Marant.
Bend it Like Beckham
Sporty uniforms are continuing to change and shape the way we dress, and rework what we consider fashionable. We started with basketball and have now arrived at the soccer field. And while we aren’t styling them with jerseys and soft shorts, the soccer cleat has become a hero item for the spring and summer. To juxtapose the silhouette, wear them with suiting, denim, dresses, and silk.
