Autumn Kicks: 6 Key Sneaker Styles For Fall/Winter 2025

When the conversation turns to autumn footwear, it’s usually boots that dominate. And for good reason. By their very nature, they’re built for battling unfavourable weather and keeping you surefooted on slippery pavements, but ankle-high leather is by no means the only option. Sneakers, as far as we’re concerned, are still on the menu.

There are those in the menswear space who claim sneakers are on their last legs. They say sporty footwear has had its day, and traditional casual shoes like loafers are the new daily beaters. But we disagree. Remember, sneakers have been popular for many decades. We’d go as far as to argue that the fervent talk of their demise in certain circles is nothing but a trend in itself.

In fact, we’re so sure of the continued relevance of sneakers that we’ve plucked out six key styles we think should be on your radar ahead of the coming season. So, when it comes to the day-to-day, lose the loafers, bin the boots and step into these styles instead.

Low Profile

Adidas

There are two types of trends: those centred around individual pieces that last a year or two, and the 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 at some point, and the current preference for slim sneakers with barely-there outsoles is the result. It started with the Samba, and things got slimmer from there.

The kids like to juxtapose them with massive trousers and cropped tops, but we’d suggest playing it more conservatively and sticking to straight-fit legwear and classic outerwear shapes.

Minimalist Suede

Velasca

Another pushback against OTT maximalist footwear is the resurgence of more stripped-back styles. A couple of years ago, it was hard to imagine a world where a Common Projects Achilles Low or an Adidas Stan Smith would be popular again, but that’s exactly what’s happening now.

For this season, we’re going to be controversial and suggest skipping smooth leather in favour of suede. It might be slightly less suited to rain, but the nap of the material holds dye beautifully, which means it looks great in rich, earthy colours.

Also, provided you treat them correctly, suede sneakers can stand up to the occasional shower, contrary to popular belief.

Earthy Colours

New Balance

Leading on from that, earthy colours in general should be on your sneaker radar this season. Forest green, burnt orange, tan and brown are all good options, and they’re great for finishing off minimalist outfits that lean into a seasonal palette.

The other benefit is that they tend not to show up the dirt like a traditional white sneaker, which makes them perfect for trudging around rain-soaked streets and kicking through the occasional leaf pile.

The GAT

Oliver Cabell

The German army trainer or ‘GAT’ is back. From budget-friendly reproductions to Maison Margiela’s iconic high-end spin, these military-issue sneakers have been riding the wave of minimalist footwear’s resurgence and are well worth considering if you’re in the market for a pair of autumn kicks.

The key to their success lies in their simplicity and versatility. They’re quiet, understated, slim-fitting and stripped back. This means they’re incredibly easy to style and can go with almost anything you might pair them with. From soft tailoring to tracksuit bottoms, these things will do it all.

Opt for classic white, beige and gum for maximum wearability.

Triple Black

Myrqvist

Another way to approach the minimalist footwear resurgence is to go stealth mode. Full blackout. This way, you can play with bulkier, chunkier silhouettes and still have them look relatively low-key. Then there’s the added bonus that they don’t show dirt as much as lighter colours, which makes them perfect for fall when pavements have a tendency to be wet and dirty.

If you’re looking for somewhere to start, take a look at New Balance. Many of the Bostonian running brand’s hero styles are available murdered out, like the 990v6 and the 2002R. For something slimmer, a simple Vans slip-on or Chuck Taylor All-Star is hard to beat.

Weatherproof

Adidas

If you want a pair of sneakers that can take you all the way through autumn and winter without missing a beat, it pays to go for something that can hold its own in poor weather. Weatherproof sneakers use technical materials like Gore-Tex and Primaloft to keep your feet warm and dry whatever the weather.

Options used to be fairly limited, but thanks to fashion’s embracing of all things outdoorsy and functional, there’s a lot more to choose from these days. Brands including Salomon, Hoka and Keen all have some excellent options, or you could check out the outdoor arms of sportswear giants Nike and Adidas – ACG and Terrex, respectively.