Sneakers have lengthy outgrown their gym-only fame. Similar with their “man-only” fame. At this time, they’re as integral to ladies’s road model because the bag you’re carrying or the coat you’re carrying. Sneakers can elevate a glance, sign private model, and show you how to transfer by means of the world with goal. (Sure, even model icons must run errands.) What was purely efficiency gear is now front-row worthy, and more and more, it’s ladies who’re shaping what’s cool, what sells, and what will get collected.
Whereas SELF has lined the “exercise” of all of it for years—at all times telling you our ideas on one of the best new drops, all-time greats, and pairs that look so good we’re really excited to go for a jog—we all know you’re carrying sneakers off the mat too. So are we: to the workplace, on our travels, and even out to dinner.
That’s why we’re introducing a brand new class in our annual Sneaker Awards. Meet the Editor’s Picks. Right here, we’re spotlighting the footwear which might be driving tradition, defining aesthetic shifts, creating communities, and popping up in all places from runways to sidewalks—proper now.
See one of the best exercise sneakers of the 12 months right here, and browse our joint report on the state of girls’s sneaker tradition with StockX right here.
The 2025 SELF Sneaker Awards: Editor’s Picks
Adidas Taekwondo
Editor’s Choose
Adidas Taekwondo
First got here the Stan Smiths (2016). Then got here the Sambas (2023), after which the Gazelles (2023-2024). Now it’s 2025, and we’re head over heels for Adidas’s Taekwondo. After a fickle few years for the model, you can name it a comeback, because of a concentrate on Adidas’s retro sneakers, most lately headlined by the Taekwondo. Initially produced within the ’80s and introduced again within the early 2000s, the fitted slip-on is beloved by celebs like Jennifer Lawrence and road model stars alike.
Asics Gel-Enterprise 6 Protect
Editor’s Choose
Asics Gel-Enterprise 6 Protect
“Watch your again, Salomon,” says SELF senior commerce author Sara Coughlin. “This iteration of the Gel-Enterprise is dramatically extra trendy and streetwear-informed than earlier variations I’ve seen on-line.” Asics hits the gorpcore mark right here—the shoe seems smooth, with a really waterproof sole—talking to the more and more blurred traces between outside tech and on a regular basis put on.
Reebok Basic AZ
Editor’s Choose
Reebok Basic AZ
“The quantity of compliments I get on these footwear is unreal,” Paige Levinson, SELF’s particular tasks coordinator, says. Levinson wears them on a regular basis—they’ve withstood 25,000-step-count days—and so they additionally caught the attention of SELF editor in chief Jessica Merciless, who snagged a pair proper off of our photoshoot set. Erica Sloan, SELF’s senior well being author, nods to the shoe’s suede detailing and textured outsole as her favourite design components. Our government editor, Jennifer Fields, got here into the workplace with a crimson pair final week. Clearly, the Reebok AZs are highly regarded round right here.
Asics Gel-Quantum Kinetic
Editor’s Choose
Asics Gel-Quantum Kinetic
An excellent pair of Asics is the crowning glory to any Princess Diana out-and-about/supermodel off-duty look. These, with their unusual-looking gel cushioning element, carry further visible curiosity to a glance that might in any other case turn into drained. (We’re happy to report they’re snug too.)
New Steadiness 1906L Loafers
Editor’s Choose
New Steadiness 1906L Loafers
If there was one excellent theme out there over the past 12 months, it’s the reexamination of what a sneaker actually is. Just like the ballerina sneaker, the sneaker idler—specifically, this one from New Steadiness—despatched out shockwaves when it launched late final summer time. (Now, after all, it’s almost not possible to get your fingers on.) On the very least, it demonstrates the sneaker as one thing that may be worn each on the road and to the workplace. On the most, it encourages us to surprise how else sneakers, paradoxically or anachronistically, can subvert expectations.
Autry Windspin
Editor’s Choose
Autry Windspin
The Windspin is a 2025 launch for Autry, although its retro track-star look hearkens again to an earlier time. Smooth, broken-in suede on the surface and a leather-based and cotton-terry lining inside make these as snug and easy because the traditional Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66. And when you actually can’t go improper with any of the It model’s sneakers, these really feel barely extra underneath the radar, and we love them for that.
Camper Peu Path
Editor’s Choose
Camper Peu Path
A giant takeaway from the 12 months in sneakers to this point? Ballet, ballet, ballet. Bunhead model has lengthy influenced vogue at giant (scoop again bodysuits, flats, “coquette core,” we might go on), however essentially the most pleasantly stunning interpretation is the slipper-sneaker hybrid. Camper’s Peu Path is versatile and utilitarian, versatile (pair it with a costume, or pair it with poplin pants and a tee), and almost octogenarian. And we imply that as a praise.
Puma Speedcat OG
Editor’s Choose
Puma Speedcat OG
The Speedcat originated greater than 20 years in the past as a fireproof shoe for System 1 racers. These roots make its return to vogue at present really feel all of the extra apropos. You may put on them day to nighttime, and so they add a playful dose of perspective and nostalgia to any look. “I need each single coloration they arrive in,” Gunderman says.
Converse Chuck 70
Editor’s Choose
Converse Chuck 70
Few sneakers deemed “classics” will really maintain up over time, outlasting no matter tendencies cycle by means of the zeitgeist. Converse, and the model’s Chuck 70s specifically, are one of many few that truly deserve this title. Unisex and laid again, beloved by the likes of Alexa Chung, Serena Williams, and Dakota Johnson, the canvas high-top has actual endurance. Attain again into the depths of your closet: We anticipate you’ll solely see extra of them over the subsequent 12 months.
Gola Classics Stadium ’86
Editor’s Choose
Gola Classics Stadium ’86
We’ve seen Gola, the 100-plus-year-old British sporting model—notably the brightly coloured, Samba-esque Elan trainers—creeping up from coast to coast. However what comes subsequent? We expect the Stadium ’86. It’s a extra forward-thinking model: Metallic colorways really feel like a pure step after the rise of daring primaries, and it faucets into sports activities tradition with the fold-over soccer-shoe tongue.
Hoka Bondi 9
Editor’s Choose
Hoka Bondi 9
Hoka—as soon as favored primarily by orthopedists—began gaining traction amongst millennials when Out of doors Voices spotlighted the model in its advertising campaigns. The 2 later collaborated on a 2018 assortment, kicking off a partnership that lasted for a number of years. Whereas Out of doors Voices has confronted its share of ups and downs in recent times (and is, maybe, on the verge of a serious comeback), Hoka has remained a standout all of the whereas—for strolling, operating, and every thing in between.
Merrell 1TRL Moab 3
Editor’s Choose
Merrell 1TRL Moab 3
SELF and Attract purchasing director (and resident Angeleno) Shanna Shipin calls these “a vibe on the path.” It’s true; Merrell’s new monochromatic look pulls the standard Moab 3s out of the granola sphere and into stylish territory; a shoe you may put on when sweating it out on a mountain—or on line at a painfully hip espresso store. “And on this desert sand coloration, I by no means have to fret about them showing dusty or soiled on a Southern California hike,” she provides.
New Steadiness 9060
Editor’s Choose
New Steadiness 9060
Somewhat futuristic, slightly alien-like, slightly bit Dad Sneaker, and most actually funky—the 9060s have beamed into New Steadiness’s traditional 99x collection, and we’re glad to see them be a part of the household.
Nike Luka 4
Luka Dončić debuted the newest model of his signature Jordan this spring, throughout his first matchup towards his former staff, the Dallas Mavericks, as a newly minted Laker. His high-profile commerce within the 2024–2025 season sparked loads of buzz—a lot in order that these smooth new sneakers could have flown underneath the radar. SELF affiliate social media supervisor Katie Gunderman wears them each on and off the court docket, and loves how streamlined they’re for a basketball shoe.
Pompeii Gemini
Editor’s Choose
Pompeii Gemini
Someplace between an Onitsuka Tiger and the Miu Miu x New Steadiness collaboration sits Pompeii’s Gemini, at an affordable worth level no much less. The Spanish model designs footwear for motion, drawing inspiration from classic sport (see its new collaboration with Tan Line, and crusing and soccer references), and we love the place this 2025 launch landed.
Salomon ACS Professional Gore-Tex
Editor’s Choose
Salomon Acs Professional Gore-Tex
These have been designed with climbing and adventuring in thoughts, however you’re simply as more likely to spot them on a Sunday stroll in Brooklyn. For the tech lovers, they characteristic a Gore-Tex rim across the sole and Salomon’s signature Quicklace system. And for the indoor crowd who respect a gorpcore nod, they arrive in a wealthy chocolate brown—a runway-favorite colorway we hope sticks round for some time.
Greatest Collabs
Salomon x Sandy Liang Speedcross 3—Ribbon
Greatest Collab
Salomon x Sandy Liang Speedcross 3—Ribbon
An unlikely pairing, or match made in heaven? Balletcore meets gorpcore on this playful Salomon and Sandy Liang collab. The conflict of female and rugged particulars creates a sneaker that’s each whimsical and wearable, marrying two of the most important tendencies of the 12 months.
Miu Miu x New Steadiness 530 SL
Greatest Collab
Miu Miu x New Steadiness 530 SL
For Coco Gauff, event season can also be vogue season. Notably this 12 months, as she cheekily debuted items from her joint collaboration with Miu Miu and New Steadiness throughout matches in Rome, Berlin, and shortly, Cincinnati. The road might be accessible this September, and we’ve acquired our eyes on the 530 SLs: Gauff put her personal spin on the already-viral sneaker with a stunning new slate of colorways.
New Steadiness x Auralee 990v4 Made in USA
Greatest Collab
New Steadiness x Auralee 990v4 Made in USA
On this collaboration, Japanese model Auralee brings its signature mix of polish, timelessness, and nature-inspired design to the New Steadiness 990v4. The serene blue colorway, accented with butter yellow and heat gray, seems like true quiet luxurious—splendid for pairing with menswear-inspired seems, like a fantastic pair of tailor-made trousers.
Asics x Cecilie Bahnsen Gel-Quantum 360 VIII
Greatest Collab
Asics x Cecilie Bahnsen Gel-Quantum 360 VIII
Cecilie Bahnsen’s Asics Mary Jane is ultramodern and childlike , not dissimilar from the Danish designer’s line of romantic, frilly, and poofy, voluminous clothes. The sneaker seems proper at residence on a Copenhagen road—however you may carry a few of that European sensibility anyplace when carrying these.
Adidas x Unhealthy Bunny Ballerina
Greatest Collab
Adidas x Unhealthy Bunny Ballerina
Unhealthy Bunny has constantly embraced and celebrated his Puerto Rican heritage in his work. His newest collaboration with Adidas, which dropped earlier this 12 months, is not any exception. “It is a silhouette that blends sport and vogue, instantly resonating with me,” SELF and Attract social media supervisor—and fellow Boricua—Bianca Richards says. “I used to be additionally drawn to the storytelling behind the footwear—an extension of the vitality and emotion from his hit album, Debí Tirar Más Fotos. The gold and black colorway stays my favourite—a go-to pair that carries the spirit of cultural pleasure and inventive expression.”
Nike x Hayley Wilson SB Dunk Low Professional
Greatest Collab
Nike x Hayley Wilson SB Dunk Low Professional
Hayley Wilson, the Australian professional skateboarder who first certified for the X-Video games in 2017, at 15 years outdated—making her the youngest Ladies’s Avenue Division competitor in contest historical past—dropped her signature shoe with Nike earlier this summer time to a lot fanfare. They’re full of private element, with designs impressed by Wilson’s tattoos and a heel tab that adjustments coloration within the solar. Our favourite bit is the typography together with her signature phrase: “You Reckon.” (Sure, we do.)
Pictures by Myles Loftin.