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Sporty, nostalgic, and surprisingly affordable, with standout styles starting at $40.
Courtesy of Free People/Salomon
Sneakers have officially entered their reinvention era.
If your current rotation suddenly feels a little meh, you’re not imagining it. The biggest spring 2026 sneaker trends are flipping the script on what everyday kicks look like. Think barely-there soles that feel sleek and directional, satin finishes replacing traditional leather and suede, and hybrid silhouettes that blur the line between ballet flats, loafers, and classic trainers. Yes, sneaker-meets-balletcore is very real.
The best part? These styles aren’t just runway bait. They’re surprisingly easy to work into your wardrobe, whether you’re pairing nostalgic runners with relaxed denim or styling slim-profile sneakers with tailored trousers.
Even better, standout pairs start at just $40, proving you don’t need a designer budget to tap into the top sneaker trends for spring 2026. Sporty, slightly nostalgic, and undeniably fresh, you don’t want to miss out on wearing these beauties.
Shop the trending sneakers below:
Retro Running Shoes
Steve Madden Women's Abbi Sneaker
If you buy one sporty sneaker this season, make it a ’70s-inspired track shoe. The foam midsole keeps things comfy while heritage pairs and newcomers (including this Steve Madden style) bring serious retro energy—especially with crew socks.
Barely-there Soles
LUCKY STEP Women's Retro Sneakers
The thinnest soles imaginable are defining the sneaker conversation right now, a shift sparked by Dries Van Noten and reinforced on the runways at Prada and Celine. Sleek and refined, the silhouette transitions seamlessly from office tailoring to after-hours dresses.
Backcountry Trainers
Editor's Pick
Salomon XT-6
If your feed is filled with rugged, trail-ready sneakers, you can credit Scandi style and brands like Salomon. Mesh uppers, statement laces, and thick soles bring performance energy to both city streets and actual hikes.
Fun Color Combos
Madden Girl Womens' Giia Sneaker
Colorful sneakers aren’t new, but the latest wave of bold, unexpected palettes feels especially fresh. Brown and pink are leading the charge (yes, even $50 Amazon finds), though green and yellow or burgundy and blue feel just as fashion-forward.
Mary Jane Sneakers
adidas Barreda Mary Jane Sneaker
The newest sneaker trend is blurring all the rules: Mary Jane flats fused with sporty silhouettes. From Adidas’ updated classics to dainty new finds, these hybrids are stylish without ever feeling clunky.
Why sneakers and jeans are the only duo you’ll need this spring + how to wear them.
How We Choose
The E! Insider Shop editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews, and use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.
As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think our readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not E!. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.
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