If 2025 was defined by resins and that hyper-polished synthetic shine, 2026 is where we finally get tactile. This year, we are trading high-octane patent leather for the softness of suede and pony hair. The plasticised don’t-touch-me look is out and lived-in luxury that actually keeps your feet happy is the only thing we want to wear. Which is where the suede sneaker comes in.
The current obsession towards low-profile suede kicks is in part inspired by a collective obsession with vintage ’70s-era sneaker styles that are slimmer than the chunky dad shoes that have been de rigeur for a while. It’s a shape that looks just as good on the red carpet as it does worn casually. Jacob Elordi is frequently spotted in Adidas SL 72s and archival Gazelles. Recently, he has favoured the mustard Dries Van Noten suede kicks. He is joined by Paul Mescal, who solidified the look at the Hamnet screening this February, wearing a pair of low-key black suede Sambas. The It-girls too are busy wearing their own iterations of the versatile style. Bella Hadid loves her slightly chunky Miu Miu x New Balance 530 SL shoes, while Jennifer Lawrence and Gigi Hadid have made the Adidas Gazelle indoor shoe their office-to-dinner staple. Kendall Jenner is sticking to high-contrast, low-profile Tokyos and Handball Spezials by the German brand.
On the runway, the Loewe Grip and Prada Collapse are pushing that streamlined sneakerina profile that we’re digging, but now of course in a plush suede rather than more technical fabrics. Closer to home, the Puma x Outhouse Jewellery collab has turned the Speedcat into a canvas for jewellery. You can now bedazzle your forest-green suede with modular gold-plated charms, because why not? Technical enthusiasts should check out Miu Miu’s Gymnasium or the Chloé Kick, where mesh meets pale pink suede.
As to the eternal question of how do you look after the finicky fabric? For starters, make sure to wear your suede sneakers now, before the monsoon arrives. Then, keep them dry and brush them as often as you can with a brush or a suede eraser. In emergencies, remember: baking soda is your best bet to remove stains.
Shop the 2026 suede obsession below:
