
Tired of big, bulky sneaker silhouettes? Judging by the latest shift in footwear trends, you’re not the only one. Low-profile, stripped-back trainers are firmly back on the radar—marking a total U-turn from the chunky styles that have dominated the past decade.
Slimline sneakers are having a serious moment. Think motorsport-inspired shapes like the Puma Speedcat, martial arts styles like the Adidas Taekwondo, and early-2000s turf trainers straight out of Nike’s futsal vault. Fashion’s most in-the-know dressers are pairing them with baggy jeans and cropped leather jackets, while brands scramble to drop the next big (or rather, small) thing.
Why now? Chalk it up to fashion’s appetite for overlooked subcultures and era-specific style, or a natural reaction to the lengthy reign of footwear maximalism. Whatever it is, they’re here – and they don’t look to be going anywhere. Below are the key models driving the trend.
Puma Speedcat
Inspired by the fireproof boots worn by racing drivers, the Puma Speedcat first rose to prominence in the early 2000s. Believe it or not, it’s the best-selling Puma sneaker ever, and having experienced a massive resurgence last year, those numbers promise to rise further still.
Designed for grip and agility in tight spaces, the Speedcat hugs the foot closely, featuring a rounded toe and a slim rubber outsole that creeps up the side of the shoe in certain areas. It just looks fast, even when standing still.
Wear it with relaxed tailoring, denim, or lean into the sporty theme with a track jacket.
Puma Mostro
Another Puma throwback straight from the early noughties is the Puma Mostro. Easily recognisable from its spiky, low-profile sole and zig-zag velcro straps, it’s an unusual-looking piece of footwear, even by today’s standards – which has probably helped it become a hit with the fashion crowd.
In fact, we’d go as far as to say that the Mostro is perhaps the most fashion-forward entry here, including shoes from the likes of Margiela and Prada below. Granted, it’s certainly not going to be for everyone, but if you’re sick and tired of the same old sneaker silhouettes, this could be the breath of fresh, weird air you’ve been waiting for.
Adidas Taekwondo
Adidas was one of the first major sports brands to delve into Taekwondo in the 1980s, and while this streamlined martial arts shoe was originally designed specifically for use on the mat, it didn’t take long for it to step out of Olympic arenas and into everyday wardrobes.
The proliferation of chunky sneakers over the last decade or so saw the Taekwondo fade into obscurity, but now that things are slimming down across the board, people are starting to take notice once again.
Nike Total 90
The original Nike Total 90 was one of the classic football boot designs of the 2000s. Sleek and streamlined, it graced the feet of players including Ronaldinho, Wayne Rooney, Luís Figo, Fernando Torres and Roberto Carlos, cementing its place in the sportswear history books.
The indoor version of the boot was also a massive hit, and it fits the current bill for slim, low-profile sneakers to a tee. Renewed interest is driving sales once more, and we have a strong feeling that this is a shoe you’re going to see a lot more of in the near future.
Maison Margiela Replica
The Replica isn’t new – it’s a modern menswear classic – but it fits this particular moment in time perfectly. Taking its cues from a 1970s German Army Trainer, Margiela’s version keeps things minimal: supple leather, suede accents, a flat sole and almost clinical precision, but reworked in luxurious, premium materials. It’s slim, yes, but also subtly sculptural.
Fashion insiders have long been loyal to it, and its enduring relevance is primarily due to its versatility. Paired with anything from tailored trousers to vintage denim, it never looks out of place.
Expensive? Well, yes. But for those who appreciate quality, timeless design and versatility, it’s a worthy investment.
Adidas Tokyo
The Adidas Tokyo is a sleeper hit, an archival runner revived for a new era. With its shallow last, curved toe and suede-on-mesh upper, it has all the hallmarks of the slim sneaker resurgence: retro-sport DNA, minimal branding, and an unusually elegant profile.
Originally designed as a track shoe, it feels light, fast and wearable. The Tokyo works particularly well with looser silhouettes – drawstring trousers, utility shirts, even suiting – giving just enough nostalgic energy without shouting.
For now, it’s a niche choice, but that may not last much longer.
Maison Margiela Sprinter
You may have noticed a recurring theme here. Most of the shoes on this list are archive styles that have been brought back from the dead, but the Sprinter is different. This is something new – even if it doesn’t really look like it.
With its exaggerated tread and lean, racy silhouette, this is Margiela’s answer to a track shoe. It’s reminiscent of old Nike racers from the Oregonian brand’s early years, reimagined in high-end materials, and with a lofty price tag to match.
Adidas Samba
The Samba is arguably the shoe that kicked off this whole wave, and it has been nothing short of inescapable for the last few years.
First released in the 1950s, the Samba was built for indoor football. It featured (and still does) a grippy gum sole, a low profile, a narrow cut, and iconic Three Stripes branding to the sides. But its recent resurgence has taken it far beyond five-a-side.
These days, the Samba is the go-to slim sneaker for, well, everyone. It’s a bit played out for those who like to be at the forefront of what’s trending, but a classic piece of footwear nonetheless.
JAK Royal
For those who like to keep their wardrobe tightly curated, versatile and classic, Puma Mostros and teeny tiny Adidas martial arts sneakers might not be the best option. In this case, we suggest keeping it clean, simple and minimal, with something slim, white and leather. And if you’d rather not spend Common Projects money, JAK’s Royal sneakers are a solid, high-quality and reasonably priced option.
This is the type of sneaker that goes with anything and everything, and it’ll still look good long after the current wave of low-profile trainers has broken. All of this means you’re getting a lot of shoe for your money – something you can wear across the entirety of your wardrobe without even having to think about whether it looks good or not.
Oliver Cabell Proof 1
When bad weather hits, the last thing you want on your feet is a close-fitting summer sneaker with a wafer-thin sole that barely offers a layer between yourself and the wet pavement. Unless it’s Oliver Cabell’s Proof 1.
This sleek sneaker from the American brand may look simple and stripped back, but its clean, uncluttered design belies its technical features. Namely, it’s waterproof. Completely waterproof. Fully seam-sealed, it features a membrane that allows the feet to breathe while keeping rainwater out.
It’s built for comfort too, with an adaptive, supportive insole that means you’ll probably get on with them even if you find other slim-soled sneakers uncomfortable to wear.