This year's sneaker shopping is all about smart style

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This year’s sneaker shopping is all about smart style

The holiday season is approaching, and with it comes the annual challenge of deciphering your kids’ wishlists. If you’ve noticed a seeming contradiction in their requests—a desire for the biggest brand names paired with a savvy awareness of sales and deals—you’re not alone. This isn’t just a hunch; it’s a major trend shaping how families are shopping this year, which Sneakers.com explores in this story.

The Rise of the ‘Brand-Conscious Bargain Hunter’

Recent research has put a name to this phenomenon. A holiday shopping study by Bazaarvoice identifies a new kind of shopper: the “brand-conscious bargain hunter.”

The report highlights a key paradox, especially among younger consumers: While 26% have a strong preference for well-known, name-brand products, 50% to 51% are actively seeking budget-friendly options.

What does this mean? Today’s kids and teens aren’t just hunting for any deal; they’re on a quest for value within the brand. As the study notes, they are “combining quality assurance with price sensitivity and curating smart, cost-effective choices.” They want the cultural cachet and trusted quality of their favorite brands, but they’re also keenly aware of finding the best possible price.

This shift is a game-changer for holiday gifting. It’s a mindset that the editors at PopSugar recently highlighted in their guide to the top stylish and affordable sneakers, showing that finding the perfect, smartly priced pair is the ultimate goal. For parents, this means your ability to spot a great deal on a coveted brand is more valuable than ever.

What This Means for This Year’s Sneaker Trends

This “smart style” mindset is perfectly reflected in the biggest sneaker trends of the year. The most popular silhouettes are often versatile, blending performance technology with everyday style, which inherently offers more value. Here’s a look at what’s trending on the footwear front as you build your gift list.

Casual and Everyday Wear: The Retro Revival Continues

The love for nostalgia is stronger than ever. Classic court shoes from the ‘80s and chunky running styles from the ‘90s remain at the forefront. Timeless silhouettes from brands like adidas, Nike, Reebok, and New Balance offer instant brand recognition and are versatile enough to be worn with anything. There is also a huge resurgence in skate-inspired silhouettes from brands like Vans and Puma, which offer a durable, flat-soled alternative that’s comfortable for all-day wear. With their timeless appeal, retro sneakers are a popular gifting choice for the holiday season.

The Sleek, Slim and Suede Countertrend

On the opposite end of the spectrum from the chunky retro look, there is a powerful countertrend toward low-profile, slim silhouettes. Think ballerina-like sneakers and hybrid “snoafers” (sneaker-loafers) that offer a more refined, understated look. The biggest driver of this trend has been the explosion of thin-soled, soccer-inspired trainers. Suede models like the adidas Spezial and the Puma Speedcat have become must-have items according to editors at The Cut, celebrated for their sleek design and deep roots in sports history. This trend is perfect for the teen who prefers a more minimalist yet sophisticated style.

Running: Comfort is King

On the performance side, the trend is all about maximalist cushioning. Running shoes with thick, comfortable midsoles have crossed over from the track to become a daily style staple. These chunky silhouettes are often inspired by elite “super shoes”—high-tech running footwear designed with carbon-fiber plates and ultra-responsive foams to maximize energy return for marathon runners. While your kid might not need true super shoes for gym class, the influence is clear in the highly cushioned, comfortable, and lightweight designs that are now popular for everyday wear. Gifting a pair of these ultra-cushioned running shoes is a surefire way to deliver all-day comfort this holiday.

Basketball: Where Performance Meets Lifestyle

The line between on-court and off-court style has completely blurred. Signature basketball shoes are engineered for elite performance but designed with a fashion-forward aesthetic. Superstars like LeBron James and Ja Morant continue to have some of the most sought-after signature lines. The influence of women in the sport has also been a massive and welcome story. WNBA players like Sabrina Ionescu have launched incredibly popular signature shoes that are celebrated not just for their performance on the court but for their clean, stylish look—making them a favorite for casual wear. A signature shoe from a favorite player makes for a can’t-miss gift for any basketball fan.

Beyond the Laces: The Comfort Craze

It’s impossible to talk about popular footwear without mentioning the continued dominance of slides, clogs, and sandals. Brands like Birkenstock continue to be a go-to for their timeless, comfortable, and durable designs. Meanwhile, Crocs remain a massive hit, especially with younger kids, thanks to their endless customization options with charms, vibrant colors, and all-weather practicality. These versatile and cozy options are a perfect gift for anyone who values easy-to-wear comfort.

New Players on the Scene

While heritage brands still dominate, keep an eye on up-and-coming brands that are gaining serious traction. International brands like Li-Ning and Anta are making huge waves with innovative basketball and lifestyle sneakers backed by major athlete endorsements. These newer companies are capturing attention by offering unique designs and a strong value proposition, appealing directly to the shopper looking for something unique and smartly priced. These unique and smartly priced sneakers are an excellent gift choice for the shopper looking to stay ahead of the curve.

Ultimately, this holiday season is less about chasing fleeting trends and more about making smart, informed choices. Understanding the “brand-conscious bargain hunter” mindset is the key to finding a gift that not only gets that excited reaction on Christmas morning but also delivers lasting value and style all year long.

This story was produced by Sneakers.com and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.