THE 4 SNEAKERS FOR YOUR SUMMER SNEAKER ROTATIONTHE 4 SNEAKERS FOR YOUR SUMMER SNEAKER ROTATION

TL;DR:

• The #BootsOnlySummer trend brings football boots to the street as a fashion statement
• The Adidas Taekwondo is the laceless favourite for minimalist summer looks
• High-tops are making a comeback after years of absence, spotted at Paris Fashion Week
• Saucony is growing into a quiet force in the sneaker landscape with thoughtful collabs
• From futuristic to nostalgic: these four models complete your summer rotation

Curious which sneaker trends 2026 dominate the whole year? Then read our overview of the five biggest trends.

What is the #BootsOnlySummer trend?

Photo: @picsbyalexjr/@winkelstraatnl

This summer is all about #BootsOnlySummer: a TikTok meme that grew into an unexpected trend in which football boots (studs and all) are worn as a fashion statement. What started as a joke with jorts and Mercurials got serious when Rosalia walked through New York in New Balance boots ahead of the Met Gala. Impractical? Yes, that too.

Of course there's also a more wearable variant, like we already saw with the Adidas Samba LT and the Nike Field, where the eye-catching flap evokes the idea of a football boot.

Why is the Adidas Taekwondo the laceless favourite?

Photo: @fitriatjandra/@lucylouiseshenton

The Adidas Taekwondo is this season's sneaker for anyone who loves minimalist and futuristic at the same time. Originally developed for martial arts, but now back on the street thanks to its slim silhouette, gum sole and the absence of laces. At a time when chunky sneakers are making way for sleek, functional models, this retro classic feels nice and fresh.

You wear it easily under wide trousers, a skirt or shorts, and thanks to its understated design it fits effortlessly into both casual and more styled outfits (also fun: the Adidas Taekwondo ballerina).

Are high-tops making a comeback?

Photo: @Loewe/@winkelstraatnl

While high-tops have always been a classic, they've been largely absent in recent years. Over the past few seasons we've mainly seen thin, narrow sneakers like the Adidas Samba or chunky Y2K sneakers. But in 2025 the high-tops seem to be cautiously making a comeback, spotted during Paris Fashion Week with a modern twist: the Puma Mostro boot.

Designers like Loewe and Stella McCartney are embracing the shoe with full conviction, and that's no surprise: they're comfortable, versatile and offer exactly that nostalgic vibe we're so fond of right now.

Why is Saucony the quiet force of this summer?

Photo: @Saucony

The time has finally come, Saucony (pronounced: saw-kuh-nee) is taking over summer. What once began on the banks of Saucony Creek is now a brand that combines performance with a fresh look. With collaborations like the one with Jae Tips, whose maximalist vision lifted the Progrid Omni 9 to iconic status, and the unexpected yet perfectly logical link-up with Westside Gunn, Saucony has reinvented itself as a quiet force in the sneaker landscape.

And what's perhaps most striking: many of their newest silhouettes look like a cross between Asics sneakers and the Balenciaga Runner, dadcore with a touch of Y2K. No hype, but a consistent stream of well-considered drops that resonate with both the seasoned sneakerhead and the fashion-conscious consumer.

Whichever style you choose, the most important thing is to go for the sneaker that truly suits you. Feel like giving your rotation an upgrade? Check out the summer shoe trends too for even more inspiration.

Frequently asked questions

Can you really wear football boots on the street?

The #BootsOnlySummer trend started as a joke, but there are now wearable variants. Models like the Adidas Samba LT and Nike Field give the idea of a football boot without the studs. For the real deal on asphalt, you're better off choosing these street versions than actual boots.

Which sneaker suits a minimalist summer look best?

The Adidas Taekwondo is ideal for minimalists. The laceless design, the slim shape and the gum sole make it a versatile model. You combine it effortlessly with wide trousers, a skirt or shorts. The understated design works both casual and dressed up.

Is Saucony a good sneaker brand?

Saucony has proven itself in recent years as a serious player alongside big names like Nike and Adidas. Their collabs with Jae Tips and Westside Gunn show that the brand appeals to both sneakerheads and fashion-conscious buyers. The quality and comfort are at a high level.

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