Every time the weather turns, the conversation snaps to boots. And honestly, boots earn their spot — they’re built for bad weather and slippery pavement. But ankle-high leather isn’t the only answer. Sneakers are still very much in play this cold season.
There’s a loud minority in the menswear world arguing sneakers are on their last legs, that loafers and derby shoes are the new everyday shoes. I don’t buy it. Sneakers have been around for decades, and the dramatic talk of their demise is itself just a trend. If anything, the range is getting more interesting: slim, understated silhouettes still going strong, plus chunkier shapes, technical materials and retro designs all holding their own. Good news if you like options.
So here are the six sneaker trends I’d keep on your radar for autumn/winter 2026. Not all of them will fit your wardrobe — that’s fine. Pick the ones that work with what you already own.
1. Low-profile sneakers
Trends come in two flavors: pieces that last a year or two, and big shifts that run for up to a decade. The maximalist, chunky-soled era that dominated until recently belongs to the second group — and the pendulum has swung back. Slim sneakers with barely-there outsoles are the result.
It started with the Samba, but the look has moved well beyond one model. The Adidas Japan, Puma Speedcat OG and Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 SD VIN all keep the low-profile shape alive — narrow uppers, flat soles, silhouettes that owe more to vintage athletics than to modern running tech.
Their real strength is versatility. Neat enough for tailored pants, casual enough for denim, and especially good at balancing out relaxed-leg trousers. Keep the pants straight or gently tapered, then layer a coat, bomber jacket or chunky knit over the top. Done.
2. Rich brown suede
White leather sneakers will always have a place in a closet. But when the light gets shorter, there’s a strong case for swapping them for something with more texture and warmth.
Suede is one of my favorite sneaker materials, full stop. The soft nap makes even the simplest design feel more considered, and it takes dye beautifully — which is why it looks genuinely rich in earthy colors.
For autumn/winter 2026, go brown. Chocolate, tobacco, espresso, warm tan — all of it looks excellent in suede and gives you a real alternative to the usual white, grey and black.
And dark brown is more versatile than people expect. It works with indigo denim, navy tailoring, cream pants, and just about anything olive green. A simple, low-key silhouette — the kind Velasca, Myrqvist or Common Projects make — can dress up a pair of jeans or take the edge off a smarter outfit.
Will suede survive wet weather? It’s tougher than its reputation suggests. A protective spray and a little regular brushing keep it looking good. Just save the suede pair for days when the forecast isn’t brutal.
3. German Army Trainers
The GAT is having a renaissance, and it shows no sign of slowing down.
Originally designed for the West German military, this stripped-back sneaker combines simplicity and versatility in a way that’s hard to beat. Quiet, understated, slim-fitting — leather uppers, suede overlays, gum rubber soles. Everything a good everyday sneaker should be.
Maison Margiela championed the design for decades with its Replica, and more affordable versions from Adidas, Oliver Cabell and Reproduction of Found brought it to a wider audience.
What’s interesting now is how the shape is evolving. After years of the original formula, brands are experimenting with new materials, exaggerated proportions and hybrid silhouettes. I still think the classic white, grey and gum combination is the one to beat — it looks as good with washed denim and a sweatshirt as it does with wool pants and an overcoat. Military footwear has rarely looked this refined.
4. Retro-tech runners
Sneaker brands have been mining their archives for years, and nothing has paid off more than reviving late-1990s and early-2000s running shoes.
We’re talking mesh uppers, metallic overlays, visible cushioning — designs that look lifted straight out of a turn-of-the-millennium running catalog. What was once considered a little uncool is now one of the most interesting corners of the market.
The ASICS Gel-Kayano 14, New Balance 1906R and Nike Zoom Vomero 5 are the reference points. They’re unapologetically technical-looking, but that layered, complex construction makes them surprisingly effective as everyday shoes.
For cold weather, steer toward darker, muted colorways: gunmetal grey, silver, black, deep navy. You get the futuristic edge without the shoes becoming hard to wear. Keep the rest of the outfit simple — straight-leg jeans, cargo pants or relaxed chinos, with a fleece, technical jacket or plain wool coat on top. Let the sneakers carry the detail.
One honest caveat: all that breathable mesh does almost nothing for a downpour. These are crisp, dry-day shoes, not deep-winter shoes.
5. Chunky skate shoes
Just as everyone decided sneakers were getting slimmer and quieter, chunky skate shoes came back to prove otherwise.
They take their cues from the oversized footwear of the late 1990s and early 2000s: broad uppers, padded tongues, thick soles, an altogether more substantial shape. These are the shoes that once went with baggy jeans, a wallet chain and a questionable haircut — thankfully the styling has improved.
The Vans Knu Skool and Adidas Campus 00s are the most visible examples, and traditional skate brands like DC still make plenty of suitably bulky options.
Don’t confuse this with the exaggerated “dad sneaker” era of a few years ago. This is less about oversized running soles and more about the padded, relaxed proportions of old-school skate shoes.
They’re best worn casually, but you don’t need to dress like a teenager to do it. Relaxed-fit jeans, carpenter pants or straight-leg corduroys work, then balance the bulk with something simple up top — a heavyweight sweatshirt, an overshirt or a cropped work jacket.
Not every sneaker has to work with a suit. Sometimes you just need something that looks good with jeans on the weekend.
6. Technical approach shoes
If you want something that can handle the less pleasant side of autumn and winter, approach shoes deserve a look.
Originally designed for climbers wearing them on the approach to a route, these hybrids sit between hiking boots and sneakers. Lower profile than a walking boot, but still with grippy rubber soles, protective toe caps and tough materials built for rough terrain. Somewhat unexpectedly, that makes them a lot of sense for everyday wear.
The aesthetic is distinctive too: extended lacing, rubber rands, technical outsoles. You get an outdoorsy edge without the full bulk of hiking footwear — a natural step up from the trail runners that have become a staple of modern menswear. The Salomon X-ALP is a good example, and brands like Scarpa and La Sportiva cover the trail side, while fashion-leaning labels like ROA and Diemme offer more design-led takes.
For everyday use, keep it understated. Dark suede or neutral colorways integrate into a wardrobe far more easily — with jeans, corduroys, workwear and technical outerwear.
One thing to check: not all approach shoes are waterproof. If you need something for prolonged rain, look for a version with a waterproof membrane like Gore-Tex, or budget for a dedicated weatherproof pair.
Either way, it’s a nice thing to have — an option that doesn’t force you to choose between sneakers and keeping your feet dry when the weather turns.
Style Math: one good sneaker beats three trendy ones
The cost-per-wear math works the same for shoes as it does for coats. A pair of well-made low-profile sneakers at a mid-range price, worn for a full two-season rotation, comes out to a few dollars a wear. Three cheap trendy pairs that get discarded each season will almost always cost more per wear — and leave you with nothing that actually goes with your existing wardrobe. When in doubt, buy one pair that works with at least half your closet and skip the novelty shape.
FAQ
Are sneakers really good enough for winter?
For most days, yes — especially low-profile suede or leather styles, and approach shoes with grippier soles. For deep winter downpours, keep your boots for those specific days and let sneakers handle everything else.
Which of these trends actually lasts?
The low-profile silhouette and the GAT have both run for years and show no sign of stopping. Retro-tech runners are the most cyclical — they come and go. If you’re buying one pair, I’d put my money on the long-running shapes.
How do I care for suede sneakers in cold weather?
A protective spray before the first wear and regular brushing with a suede brush cover most of it. Don’t wear suede in a downpour, and let them dry away from direct heat if they do get damp.
A note from Lena: I used to buy the trend first and ask questions later. Now I let the season vote — and this year, it’s voting for quiet, useful shoes that work hard with what I already own.
More on building around fewer, better pairs: my guide to capsule wardrobe basics and a closer look at how cost-per-wear actually works.