Move over Dad sneakers, there's a hot new shoe silhouette in town.
While thick-soled, "ugly" sneakers have dominated our social media feeds and everyday lives over the last few years, more recently, we've been noticing that the "It" sneakers that we've seen repeatedly selling out at retailers and all over the New York streets have one thing in common: Slim soles.
Google searches for trending styles like the Puma Speedcat and Adidas Taekwondo — both sporty sneakers that feature barely-there soles — have reached an all-time high in recent months, proving that plenty of people are embracing these slimmer styles.
Lower profile shoes, like kitten heels, as a whole, are making a comeback as people lean more into minimalist styles, says style expert Denise Caldwell. The simplicity of their soles "lends them a timeless appeal, making them both stylish and practical for everyday wear," she shares.
Below, we asked experts to weigh in on the trend — including whether or not the shoes can be as good for your feet as our beloved chunky sneakers.
Are slim sneakers good for your feet?
The chunky sneaker trend had a lot going for it. The bigger soles typically mean more support, cushioning and overall comfort. Still, these trendy sneakers with slimmer frames can have some benefits for your feet, too.
To start, they're lightweight, so Dr. Miguel Cunha, podiatrist and founder of Gotham Footcare says, they can "help reduce muscle fatigue during casual wear."
Additionally, they can help promote better proprioception, "which is the body’s ability to perceive its own position in space," explains podiatrist Dr. Suzanne C. Fuchs. "This can improve balance and agility, particularly for individuals who engage in activities that require quick lateral movements."
Wearing sneakers with a thinner sole can also potentially allow your feet to move more naturally, Fuchs adds (which is the whole idea behind the barefoot sneaker trend).
Overall though, Cunha says that the shoes lack the shock absorption and structural support that you need for high-intensity activities or long periods of wear. "I wouldn’t recommend them for anyone who requires cushioning or plans to be on their feet for long periods of time."
What to look for in a low-profile sneaker
While they might not be as good for your feet as chunkier styles, you can help make them more foot-friendly by looking for certain factors. “At Gotham Footcare, I always say — looking good and feeling good shouldn’t be a trade-off. With the right choices, you can absolutely have both,” Cunha says.
When shopping for a slim-soled sneaker, the experts say that there are a handful of things you want to look out for. First, you want to make sure that there is some level of support. “Even in smaller-soled shoes, adequate arch support is crucial,” Fuchs says.
You should also opt for something with a cushioned footbed — even if it’s not the extreme cushioning of a bulkier sneaker, anything helps. “A well-cushioned footbed, such as one made from memory foam or EVA, helps absorb shock and reduce pressure on the heel,” Cunha says.
If it doesn’t have that, you want to make sure it has a removable insole, which will allow you to add your own custom orthotics, which he says can “promote proper alignment and relieve strain on the plantar fascia.”
Both experts emphasize the importance of looking for a shoe made with quality materials, including a grippy, durable outsole, supportive uppers and breathable fabrics.
So if you're looking for a sneaker that's easy to style and versatile for days at the office, brunches with friends and more, you can find one within this trend. Here, we asked the experts and our own editors to share the top styles that they recommend.
Best slim sneakers, according to experts and editors
Vans Old Skool Sneakers
- Reinforced toe
- Padded collars
- Some say not enough support
Colors: 11 | Sizes: 5-19.5 | Men’s sizes available?: Yes
"While slightly bulkier relative to other options, Vans are quintessentially minimalist and provide a good balance of style and comfort," Fuchs shares.
This style, launched in 1977, was the first one released by the brand to feature its iconic side stripe — and it has since become an icon in the skating and fashion communities.
Vans Super Lowpro
- Padded tongue
- Grippy sole
- Unisex
Colors: 2 | Sizes: 5-11 | Men's sizes available?: Yes
That's not the only expert-loved slim sneaker that Vans offers. The Super Lowpro, which is one of its slimmest silhouettes, was inspired by vintage running shoes. "It has a clean, minimalist look with a surprisingly supportive upper, making it a fashionable yet practical choice that I would recommend for everyday wear," Cunha says.
Nike Killshot 2
- Durable traction
- "Break-in was fast"
- Narrow on some
Colors: 10 | Sizes: 7.5-16.5 | Men’s sizes available?: Yes
Cunha says Nike's Killshot 2 sneakers are good "if you are looking for a slim sneaker with a bit more stability." The gum sole and reinforced heel provide traction and control. Plus, he says they're versatile, so they're easy to style.
Adidas Samba OG Shoes
- Closet staple
- Durable, long-lasting design
- Completely unisex
- Little to no arch support
Colors: 34 | Sizes: 5-20 | Men’s sizes available?: Yes
Adidas' Samba OG Sneakers were named the best shoes for commuters during our 2025 Shop TODAY Sneaker Awards. According to production coordinator Camryn Privette, the viral sneakers offer both comfort and timeless style. "I’ve worn them with everything, from exercise dresses to black slacks perfect for the office. And on days that I’m feeling a little lazy, they pair well with many of my matching sweat sets," she shares.
Cunha shares that the Adidas Samba sneakers offer more structure than most of the popular fashion sneakers, so they don't fully sacrifice support and are a great option for casual wear.
Puma Speedcat OG
- Very comfortable
- No breaking in time
- Can be narrow
Colors: 12 | Sizes: 5.5-11 | Men’s sizes available?: Yes
The Puma Speedcat OG sneakers are one of the top styles of the moment — searches for the shoe reached an all-time high in March 2025, according to Google Trends. And both experts and our editors swear by them.
Fuchs says that these sneakers have a sleek profile and a flexible outsole.
Cunha describes the shoe as being "lightweight and flexible," and adds, "it offers a snug, foot-hugging fit and a sleek, aesthetic look, ideal for casual, low-impact wear."
Social media editorial assistant Annie Shigo wore these sneakers on a recent trip, where she walked over 20,000 steps in them, and was impressed by their comfort. "The ortho-lite insole is such a game-changer, they really are so comfy and supportive," she shares.
Adidas Gazelle Indoor Shoes
- Range of colors
- Leather lining
- Limited sizes available
Colors: 34 | Sizes: 5-15 | Men’s sizes available?: Yes
These shoes are known for their lightweight feel and, according to Fuchs, they offer "decent support" and are "versatile for different activities."
Shoppers praise the shoes for being comfortable and durable — and many say they appreciate the range of colors available.
Cariuma IBI Low Sneakers
- Made from recycled plastics
- Memory foam insole
- Available for pre-order
Colors: 13 | Sizes: 5-12.5 | Men’s sizes available?: Yes
While these sneakers have somewhat bulkier soles than others on this list, Caldwell says that Cariuma's sneakers fit the trend — and they offer both "comfort and style with eco-friendly materials."
According to the brand, they're designed to be super lightweight — plus, they feature a cork and memory foam insole for ultimate comfort, even with their lower profile sole. Editor Vivien Moon is a fan of the brand and has several styles that she notes are comfortable and stylish.
Veja Volley Leather
- Rubber outsole
- Soft leather
- May need waterproofing
Colors: 10 | Sizes: 4-11 | Men’s sizes available?: Yes
According to Caldwell, Veja's sneakers offer both comfort and eco-conscious design, making them great for everyday wear. The Volley Leather shoes are one of the brand's bestsellers, and they were the first shoes that Veja released when it was founded. They have a classic design and come in a range of colors and styles — including suede options.
Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66
- Comfortable
- Versatile
- Shoelaces come untied
Colors: 7 | Sizes: 22.5-31 | Men’s sizes available?: Yes
Even after owning these "beloved" sneakers for two years, production associate Audrey Ekman says that she still gets compliments on them to this day. "Thanks to the slim profile and fashion-forward color, they're dressy enough to wear to the office or dinner, and I have walked tens of thousands of steps per day in these with no issues. They pair well with long skirts and dresses, jeans and sweatpants alike."
While the exact color she owns is no longer available, you can choose from a range of color options on the brand's site.
Frequently asked questions
"Whether paired with tailored trousers, skirts or even summer dresses, these sneakers add a touch of understated elegance that’s both easy to wear and versatile enough for any occasion," says Caldwell. You can just as easily style them with your go-to jeans as you can with polished midi skirts or trousers.
"Whether you’re in a corporate setting or a more creative environment, these sneakers can be worn in a refined way that’s still chic. The beauty of these sneakers is how they effortlessly transition from ‘glam luxury’ moments with something structured to laid-back, feminine flowy pieces, all while ensuring comfort."
"Slim-soled sneakers are best suited for individuals with neutral foot structure, proper alignment, and no underlying conditions such as plantar fasciitis, flat feet, or overpronation," says Cunha. "Those with healthy arches who don’t need extra support or cushioning can typically wear these styles comfortably, particularly for short durations and low-impact activities."
"People with specific foot issues such as flat feet, high arches, or other structural abnormalities might find these types of shoes less supportive," Fuchs says. She adds that those with specific conditions like plantar fasciitis, pronation or a history of stress fractures may need the support and cushioning that chunkier styles provide.
How we chose
All of the above sneakers were selected because they were either recommended by the stylish and two podiatrists that we interviewed or they were recommended by our editors.
As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think TODAY.com readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not TODAY. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time. Learn more about Shop TODAY.
Meet our experts
- Dr. Miguel Cunha, DPM, is a podiatrist and founder of Gotham Footcare in New York City. His interests include all areas of podiatric medicine with an emphasis on cosmetic surgery and sports medicine injuries.
- Dr. Suzanne C. Fuchs, DPM, is the founder of Luxe Podiatry in Jupiter, Florida. She is a podiatric foot and ankle surgeon with a focus on reconstructive foot surgery and sports medicine.
- Denise Caldwell is a style and lifestyle expert. Her styling philosophy centers around creating looks that celebrate individuality and comfort, incorporating timeless, versatile pieces that flatter every body type.
