Trending Shoes in 2026: What Everyone’s Wearing Right Now!

The most trending shoes today are clean and comfortable. A lot of them are all-black or based on old-school styles. These shoes look good with almost anything. Without any further ado, here are the trending shoes:

Air Jordan 4 “Black Cat” (2025)

Quick Breakdown

The Air Jordan 4 “Black Cat” is one of the trendiest shoes today. The whole shoe is black, and every part of it is dark. That makes it simple to match with anything you already wear. You don’t need to think too hard. Just put them on and go.

The upper is made of nubuck suede. It feels soft when you touch it. The sides have mesh panels. These panels let your feet breathe a little, which helps when it’s warm or you wear them all day.

The ankle has thick padding. This gives support and keeps the shoe feeling snug. You’ll feel it as soon as you put them on. The heel has a clear air bubble. It makes walking feel softer. You also get another Air unit in the front, but you can’t see that one. It helps make the whole shoe more comfortable.

Total Score: 4.4 out of 5

Key Features

• The entire shoe is black, so it matches with everything

• Nubuck suede on the upper feels smooth and soft

• Mesh side panels help air flow to your feet

• Clear Air bubble in the heel gives soft impact when walking

• Hidden Air unit in the forefoot adds extra comfort under the toes

• Thick padding around the ankle keeps the shoe feeling secure

• Rubber outsole with herringbone pattern helps with grip and balance

• Classic Nike Air logo on the heel adds a retro Jordan look

Pros and Cons

Air Jordan 12 “Taxi” (2025 Retro)

Quick Breakdown

The Air Jordan 12 “Taxi” is a classic. This colorway first came out in 1996. Now it's back again in 2025 with the same shape and same strong build. It’s one of the boldest Jordan styles ever made.

The upper part of the shoe is white leather. It's full-grain, which means it feels thick and strong. You’ll see stitched lines across the top. These lines look like sun rays and give the shoe its unique look. The sides of the shoe are black. That part has a pebbled or textured finish, depending on which version you get.

There are gold metal eyelets near the top of the laces. They give a shiny pop and tie into the "Taxi" theme. You also get a black outsole with a yellow detail under the foot. That’s where the name "Taxi" comes from.

Total Score: 4.3 out of 5

Key Features

• Full-grain white leather upper adds strong structure and support

• Black mudguard creates bold contrast and protects the lower part of the shoe

• Full-length Zoom Air cushion gives soft bounce from heel to toe

• Carbon fiber plate adds firmness and reduces foot strain

• Rubber outsole with good grip makes it court-ready

• Gold metal lace eyelets add detail and match the Taxi color story

Pros and Cons

Air Jordan 11 “Rare Air”

Quick Breakdown

Every year, a Jordan 11 drops in December. And every year, people rush to grab them. This time, it’s the “Rare Air” version. It’s designed with premium details and comes in limited numbers.

The front of the shoe has a patent leather mudguard. This part is shiny and wraps around the toe and sides. That shine is what makes Jordan 11s stand out. The rest of the upper depends on the colorway. Some use mesh, others use smooth leather. Both feel soft and easy to wear.

You’ll also notice thick rope laces and a textile tongue. The tongue feels cushy and fits nicely across the top of your foot. The bottom of the shoe is semi-clear. It has a slightly icy look, which adds to the design.

Total Score: 4.5 out of 5

Key Features

• Shiny patent leather gives the shoe its signature Jordan 11 look

• Mesh or leather upper depends on the color, but both feel light and soft

• Thick rope laces and padded tongue offer a secure fit

• Full-length Air cushion gives all-day comfort

• Carbon fiber plate under the midfoot supports every step

Pros and Cons

Stranger Things x Nike Dunk Low (2025)

Quick Breakdown

This is one of the most creative sneaker collabs of the year. Nike teamed up with Stranger Things again to create this unique Dunk Low.

The upper is made of real leather. But this leather has a cracked and aged look. It’s supposed to feel like it’s been worn for years, even though it’s brand new. The midsole is slightly yellowed on purpose. This makes it look like a shoe straight from the 1980s.

The branding is flipped upside down. On the tongue and heel, the Nike logos are printed backward. That’s a nod to the Upside Down world from the show. Inside the shoe, you’ll find custom insoles as well.

Total Score: 4.2 out of 5

Key Features

• Leather upper with a cracked finish that looks aged and worn

• Pre-yellowed midsole gives a retro, vintage effect

• Upside-down Nike labels on the tongue and heel for a unique look

• Custom insoles with Stranger Things graphics and artwork

• Standard Dunk EVA midsole gives light comfort for daily use

• Grippy rubber outsole holds up well for walking

• Comes in special packaging themed around the show

Pros and Cons

Eric Koston x Nike SB Air Max 95

Quick Breakdown

This collaboration is special. Eric Koston is one of the biggest names in skateboarding. Nike let him rework the classic Air Max 95 and turn it into a skate-ready SB version. The result feels just right.

The upper keeps the famous wave design of the original 95. Each wave is made with different materials. This gives the shoe depth and texture. It also feels more flexible and strong for skating.

Total Score: 4.6 out of 5

Key Features

• Mixed-material upper with suede, mesh, and synthetics

• Padded SB-style tongue makes the shoe extra comfy

• Reinforced toe and sides hold up under rough use

• Visible Air unit in the heel gives soft landings

• Zoom Air in the front adds bounce and board feel

• Grippy rubber outsole gives strong traction on skateboards

• True-to-size fit with extra support in the collar

Pros and Cons

Nike LeBron 23 “Best In Class”

Quick Breakdown

The Nike LeBron 23 “Best In Class” is made for real performance. This shoe is a tribute to LeBron’s #1 draft pick. Every part of it tells a story about athletic greatness.

The upper is made of Flyknit. Inside the shoe, there's an inner bootie. It wraps your foot for a tight, sock-like feel. Around the heel and sides, there’s a stiff frame. This adds support when you cut or land hard.

The midsole is where things get special. It has a full-length ZoomX foam unit. That’s the same soft and bouncy foam used in Nike’s top runners. Under that foam, there’s a carbon fiber plate. This helps you stay stable when you move fast.

Total Score: 4.5 out of 5

Key Features

• Flyknit upper gives you a strong but flexible feel

• Internal bootie hugs your foot for locked-in fit

• Stability frame on heel and side supports fast movements

• Full-length ZoomX drop-in midsole provides soft bounce and energy return

• Carbon fiber plate keeps your foot steady on quick cuts

• Multi-direction traction lets you stop and go with control

• Snug fit built for athletes and serious players

• Story-driven design connects to LeBron’s draft legacy

Pros and Cons

Fear of God Athletics II (Basketball)

Quick Breakdown

The Fear of God Athletics II is more fashion than sport, but it does both. This shoe was designed by Jerry Lorenzo. He’s known for creating clean, luxury streetwear with a high-end feel.

The upper is made of knit or neoprene. Both materials are soft and flexible. They stretch slightly but still keep shape. Around the back, there’s a matte-finished heel clip. It adds structure and holds the foot in place. The side support comes from a TPU frame.

Total Score: 4.4 out of 5

Key Features

• Minimalist design with no loud branding or color contrast

• Knit or neoprene upper feels soft and hugs the foot

• Matte heel clip adds quiet structure without bulk

• TPU frame supports the midfoot without making it heavy

• Oversized midsole gives a soft feel without adding weight

• Heel crash pad makes each step feel smoother

• Indoor and street-ready traction works for both play and casual wear

Pros and Cons

Salehe Bembury x Crocs Pollex Clog “Cypress / Taho”

Quick Breakdown

Salehe Bembury designed this one to feel and look different. His version uses shapes inspired by nature. The outside of the shoe looks like it has fingerprint grooves. It curves and flows like tree bark or shells.

The whole shoe is made from molded EVA foam. This material is soft and dries fast. There are open cutouts in the sides and toe. These let your foot breathe and also keep water from building up.

Total Score: 4.5 out of 5

Key Features

• Molded EVA foam makes it super lightweight and water-friendly

• Fingerprint-inspired texture adds grip and bold design

• Ventilation cutouts help feet stay cool and dry

• Grooved sole grips well on wet and dry surfaces

• Designed for comfort, travel, and relaxed wear

• Part of a high-demand collection that sells out quickly

Pros and Cons

Yusuke Hanai x Vans Authentic Premium

Quick Breakdown

The Yusuke Hanai x Vans Authentic Premium brings surf culture and California vibes together with simple design. The upper is made of canvas. But instead of a plain color, it’s covered in hand-drawn artwork. The art is done by Yusuke Hanai. He’s a Japanese artist known for his retro-style characters.

Total Score: 4.2 out of 5

Key Features

• Canvas upper with hand-drawn artwork by Yusuke Hanai

• Simple low-top shape inspired by original Vans Authentics

• Natural rubber foxing adds vintage detail around the sides

• Cork-style insole adds an organic touch to the footbed

• Vulcanized flat sole gives a true classic skate feel

Pros and Cons

Nike Air Max 95 Zip “Loyal Blue”

Quick Breakdown

The Nike Air Max 95 Zip in “Loyal Blue” blends function with fashion. It still has the famous layered look. But this version adds utility details. The upper uses a mix of suede and mesh. You’ll see the signature wave pattern across the sides. What’s new is the front zipper shroud. It covers the laces and helps keep water out. This gives the shoe a more rugged, outdoor vibe.

Total Score: 4.3 out of 5

Key Features

• Suede and mesh gradient layers give texture and structure

• Front zipper shroud protects laces and keeps out rain

• Reflective details glow in low light or camera flash

• Pull tabs help you get the shoes on and off easily

• Visible Air units in heel and front provide cushioned steps

• Utility style makes it a perfect match for techwear

• Slightly snug in the front for a more locked-in feel

• Loyal Blue color pops without feeling too loud

Pros and Cons

Hoka x Halfdays Kaha 2 Frost Moc GTX

Quick Breakdown

This is a sneaker-boot made for winter. Hoka teamed up with Halfdays to create something warm and weatherproof. It looks stylish but works hard in cold weather.

The upper is made of recycled ripstop fabric. That means it resists tears and keeps water out. Inside the shoe, there’s PrimaLoft insulation. This keeps your foot warm even when it’s freezing outside.

The ankle has a soft stretch fleece collar. It hugs your ankle and keeps cold air from getting in. There's also a GORE-TEX lining. This makes the shoe fully waterproof while staying breathable.

The midsole is made of Hoka’s soft CMEVA foam. It’s shaped with a Hubble heel. That means your steps feel extra cushioned and smooth.

Total Score: 4.6 out of 5

Key Features

• Recycled ripstop upper is strong and eco-friendly

• PrimaLoft insulation keeps your feet warm in snow and cold wind

• GORE-TEX lining makes the shoe fully waterproof

• Fleece ankle collar adds warmth and comfort

• Hubble heel and CMEVA foam give soft, cushioned steps

• Vibram Megagrip outsole helps you grip in slippery or icy spots

• Quick-toggle lacing system works fast even with gloves

Pros and Cons

Air Jordan 11 “H-Town” (Nov 2025)

Quick Breakdown

The Air Jordan 11 “H-Town” is a tribute to Houston. The mudguard is made from high-gloss patent leather. It wraps around the front and sides of the shoe. It shines under light and makes the shoe feel dressed up. The upper uses mesh or tumbled leather depending on the colorway. Both are soft and easy to wear.

Total Score: 4.5 out of 5

Key Features

• Patent leather mudguard gives it shine and a polished look

• Upper made from mesh or tumbled leather based on the version

• Semi-translucent outsole adds a clean, modern touch

• Embroidered Jumpman on ankle gives classic Jordan branding

• Full-length Air cushioning supports long wear

Pros and Cons

Conclusion

That’s the full list of trending shoes. The truth is, there's no one perfect pair for everyone. Some of us want to be bold and flashy. Others just want something clean and easy to wear. What matters is that your shoes feel right for you. And once you find the pair that fits your vibe, getting dressed gets a whole lot easier.