Wedge Sneakers and Wrestling Shoes are Having a Quiet Revival
Evidenced by recent releases from Stella McCartney, adidas Originals, PUMA and more.
Footwear trends are ever-changing, with new silhouettes cropping up season after season. 2023 was dubbed the year of the Samba by Lyst, while in 2024, PUMA‘s revamped Speedcat took the annual crown. In general, though, we’ve seen a shift from chunky dad sneakers towards slimmer silhouettes, with sportswear-inspired design a major reason behind it. As a result, the Speedcat supremacy makes perfect sense, along with the rise of styles like Onitsuka Tiger‘s Mexico 66, Rihanna’s PUMA Fenty Avanti and recent releases from AMIRI and ADER ERROR.
Now, an evolution of the narrow silhouette is rising through the ranks, resulting in the quiet resurgence of high-tops, wedge sneakers and wrestling boots. Spotted at Spring/Summer 2025 shows from LOEWE and Stella McCartney, the elongated silhouettes play into the current hybridization of footwear, while taking inspiration from sports like football, boxing and wrestling.
Read on for some of the recent examples we’ve spotted and stay tuned for more.
PUMA x LaQuan Smith Speedcat Mid
ECCO.kollektive x Ottolinger “Joke” Shoe
Isabel Marant x Converse
adidas Originals x Stella McCartney Rasant Sneaker
adidas Originals x Peachy Den Japan H
Ottolinger Sneaker Heel
PUMA x NOAH Wrestling Boot
PONYÂ KO-80 Extra High
PONY recently expanded its women’s offering with the addition of the KO-80 Extra High. The boxing boot is built with a leather upper and side-zip detailing and arrives in black, red, white and chrome silver. To complement the release, PONY tapped dancer Emilie Brooklyn to underscore its dedication to championing community through self-expression.
