6 Key Men’s Sneaker Trends For Autumn/Winter 2026

When the conversation turns to autumn footwear, boots usually dominate. And for good reason. By nature, they’re built to battle unfavourable weather and keep you surefooted on slippery pavements, but ankle-high leather isn’t the only option. As far as we’re concerned, sneakers are still very much on the menu.

Some in the menswear space claim sneakers are on their last legs. They say sporty footwear has had its day, and traditional casual shoes like loafers and Derbies are the new daily beaters. But we disagree. Sneakers have been popular for decades, and we’d go so far as to argue that the fervent talk of their demise in certain circles is just a trend.

If anything, the sneaker landscape is becoming more varied. Slim, understated styles are still going strong, but chunkier shapes, technical materials and retro designs are all finding their feet too. Which is good news for anyone who likes having options.

With that in mind, we’ve picked six key sneaker trends to keep on your radar for autumn/winter 2026. From minimalist suede to rugged, weather-ready designs, these styles deserve a place in your cold-weather rotation.

Low-Profile Sneakers

Adidas

Trends fall into two categories: individual pieces that last a year or two, and overarching ones that can drag on for up to a decade. The fixation with maximalist footwear, which dominated until relatively recently, falls into the latter camp.

Naturally, the pendulum had to swing back, and the preference for slim sneakers with barely-there outsoles was the result. It started with the Samba, but things have moved on considerably since then.

Today, styles like the Adidas Japan, Puma Speedcat and Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 help keep the low-profile look relevant. Think narrow uppers, flat soles and silhouettes that owe more to vintage athletics than modern running technology.

These sneakers’ beauty is their versatility. They’re neat enough for tailored trousers, casual enough for denim and particularly good at balancing the proportions of relaxed legwear. Stick to straight or gently tapered trousers, then finish with an overcoat, blouson or chunky knit for a simple autumn outfit that works.

Rich Brown Suede

Velasca

White leather sneakers will always have their place, but when autumn rolls around, we think there’s a strong case for swapping them out for something with a little more texture and warmth.

Suede has long been one of our favourite sneaker materials. Its soft, fuzzy nap gives even the simplest designs a luxurious feel, and because it holds dye so beautifully, it looks particularly rich in earthy colours.

For autumn/winter 2026, focus on brown. Chocolate, tobacco, espresso and warm tan all look excellent in suede, providing a welcome alternative to the usual white, grey and black.

These colours are surprisingly versatile too. Dark-brown sneakers work beautifully with indigo denim, navy tailoring, cream trousers and just about anything olive green. Go for a simple, low-key silhouette from the likes of Velasca, Myrqvist or Common Projects and you’ll have something that can dress up a pair of jeans or relax a smarter outfit.

Granted, suede isn’t the most obvious choice for wet weather, but it’s tougher than many people give it credit for. A decent protective spray and a little regular brushing will help keep it looking its best. Just save it for days when the forecast isn’t quite so grim.

German Army Trainers

Oliver Cabell

The German Army Trainer or ‘GAT’, is enjoying a renaissance, and it shows no signs of slowing down.

Originally designed for the West German military, these stripped-back sneakers combine simplicity and versatility in a way that’s hard to beat. They’re quiet, understated and slim-fitting, with leather uppers, suede overlays and gum rubber soles. In other words, everything a good everyday sneaker should be.

Maison Margiela has championed the design for decades with its iconic Replica, but more affordable versions from Adidas, Oliver Cabell and Reproduction of Found have brought it to a wider audience.

What’s interesting now is how the design is evolving. After years of sticking to the original formula, brands are experimenting with new materials, exaggerated proportions and even hybrid silhouettes.

Still, we’d argue that the classic white, grey and gum combination remains the one to beat. It’s incredibly easy to style, looking just as good with washed denim and a sweatshirt as it does with wool trousers and an overcoat. Military footwear has rarely looked so refined.

Retro-Tech Runners

Adidas

For years, sneaker brands have mined their archives for inspiration, and nowhere has that been more successful than in reviving late-1990s and early-2000s running shoes.

We’re talking mesh uppers, metallic overlays, visible cushioning systems and designs that look as though they were lifted straight from a turn-of-the-millennium running catalogue. What was once considered slightly naff is now one of the most interesting corners of the sneaker market.

The ASICS Gel-Kayano 14, New Balance 1906R and Nike Zoom Vomero 5 are all good examples. They’re unapologetically technical-looking, but their complex construction and layered materials make them surprisingly effective as everyday footwear.

For autumn, we’d steer towards darker, more muted colourways. Gunmetal grey, silver, black and deep navy work particularly well, giving the shoes a futuristic edge without making them difficult to wear.

The trick is to keep the rest of the outfit relatively straightforward. Straight-leg jeans, cargo trousers or relaxed chinos will all do the job. Add a fleece, technical jacket or simple wool overcoat and let the sneakers bring the detail.

Just bear in mind that all that breathable mesh isn’t much use against a downpour. These suit crisp, dry autumn days better than the depths of a British winter.

Chunky Skate Shoes

Vans

Just as everyone convinced themselves sneakers were getting slimmer and more understated, chunky skate shoes returned to prove otherwise.

Inspired by the oversized footwear of the late 1990s and early 2000s, these designs favour broad uppers, padded tongues, thick soles and an altogether more substantial shape. They’re the sort of shoes that once went with baggy jeans, a wallet chain and a questionable haircut. Thankfully, the styling has improved considerably since then.

The Vans Knu Skool and Adidas Campus 00s are among the most visible examples, while traditional skate brands like DC still offer plenty of suitably bulky options.

Don’t confuse this look with the exaggerated ‘dad sneakers’ that dominated a few years ago. These are less about oversized running-shoe soles and more about the relaxed proportions and padded construction of old-school skate footwear.

They’re best worn casually, but that doesn’t mean you need to dress like a teenager. Try them with relaxed-fit jeans, carpenter trousers or straight-leg cords, then balance the bulk with something simple up top. A heavyweight sweatshirt, overshirt or cropped work jacket should do nicely.

Not every sneaker needs to work with a suit. Sometimes it’s enough to have something that looks good with jeans at the weekend.

Technical Approach Shoes

Salomon

If you’re looking for something that can handle the less pleasant side of autumn and winter, approach shoes are worth paying attention to.

Originally designed for climbers to wear to a route, these hybrid shoes sit between hiking footwear and traditional sneakers. They’re generally lower-profile than walking boots, but they still offer grippy rubber soles, protective toe caps and tough materials built to handle rough terrain. That combination, somewhat unexpectedly, makes a lot of sense for everyday wear.

The aesthetic is distinctive too. Extended lacing systems, rubber rands and technical outsoles give approach shoes an outdoorsy edge without the excessive bulk of some hiking footwear. They’re a natural progression from the trail-running sneakers that have become such a fixture of modern menswear.

Brands like Scarpa, La Sportiva and Salomon offer excellent options, while fashion-focused labels such as ROA and Diemme provide more design-led interpretations.

For everyday use, we’d suggest keeping things relatively understated. Dark suede or neutral colourways are easier to integrate into your wardrobe, especially with jeans, cords, workwear and technical outerwear.

One thing to remember: not all approach shoes are waterproof. If you want something that can handle prolonged rain, look for a version with a waterproof membrane, such as Gore-Tex, or consider a dedicated pair of weatherproof sneakers.

Either way, it’s nice to have an option that doesn’t force you to choose between wearing sneakers and keeping your feet comfortable when the weather turns.