Lifestyle is “THE trend reference for sneakers in 2025,” according to Craig Truscott, CEO of revere. “From slim retro to the current fun fusion of materials, when you need to include comfort in your choice, the real comfort is in knowing that reaching for the right sneakers will have you look like you’re a part of the ‘now’ look,” he explained.

Lifestyle sneakers are getting more sophisticated with better materials and higher quality. Finn Comfort USA President Justin Orrell-Jones sees emerging consumer interest in classic constructions with heightened eco-friendly attributes contributing to overall wellness. “This interest is piqued by products that are also conducive to repair, resole, and ultimately extended use. These are standards generally considered a tall order for the conventional sneaker world, but they align perfectly with the production and footwear standards at Finn Comfort.”

Here’s what else execs are seeing in sneakers for the year ahead.

What do consumers want in a lifestyle sneaker?

“We, at revere, are offering some easy to embrace styles that cover comfort, trend, color and materials. Whether it be the more classic sneak feel of Longbeach or the fresh new take of Los Angeles, we have your style and occasion of wear covered.” - Craig Truscott, CEO, revere

“Comfort continues to be the most important feature that consumers look for, which aligns perfectly with ECCO’s DNA. Additionally, consumers are increasingly interested in easy-on/easy-off technology, breathability and lightweight sneakers. ECCO continues to check all those boxes as well as versatility in wearing occasions.” - Dan Leonardi, head of sales - Americas, ECCO

“Shoppers are looking for multi-function shoes they can wear to work and comfortable for walking the dog or longer distance. Xelero’s technology provides the foundation and function, keeping foot alignment and helping to reduce foot, ankle, and knee pain.” - Erica Werremeyer, president, Instride Shoes (Xelero)

“We’re seeing a slight uptick in dressier silhouettes. However, consumers have become accustomed to comfort. For us, Fall 2025 is all about incorporating dressier, more luxurious details into the lifestyle sneaker so that it feels like all the comfort of a sneaker but also appropriate for more elegant, sophisticated dressing.” – Megan Gold, design director, Alegria

“Consumers are increasingly seeking lifestyle sneakers that seamlessly blend style with functionality and comfort. For decades, every style we design has been developed with style, innovation, comfort and quality in mind. Additionally, by designing and producing shoes that are machine washable, we’re giving consumers more value.” – Kathy Kartalis, SVP of global product, Skechers

“While performance sneakers are gaining traction and popularity, consumers are buying these without using them for their intended purpose. They may purchase a running shoe, but what they really want is just something comfortable to walk in. We hope to capitalize on the concept of a comfortable lifestyle shoe that is not necessarily for athletic purposes, but something you can wear in your daily routine.” – Sydney Simas, VP of sales and marketing, Simco Imported Shoes (Arcopedico)

“More consumers are looking into familiar basics, despite the influence of running, there will be the back to nostalgia – familiar styles and silhouettes that have enhanced comfort and refreshed mix material play and colors. Comfort as in ‘familiarity’ and also in ‘feel.’” – Armie Pasa, lead designer, Propét

“We are seeing interest from both our long-time customers and from slightly younger, new customers in an appreciation for repairing and re-soling with authentic Finn Comfort components, and the merging of the quality they get from heritage footwear with fashion from the sneaker world.” – Justin Orrell-Jones, president, Finn Comfort USA

“As part of the modern uniform, the lifestyle sneaker must first and foremost be comfortable and supportive for daily ‘on your feet’ and ‘on the go’ wear. Sneakers must be versatile, ready to tackle a day with the support and comfort of a good walking shoe, the durability of a light hiker and style that goes from boardroom to boardwalk without a second thought.” – Michael Walker, head of marketing and ecommerce, täōs

“We are making sure that all our outsoles this season offer a more platform silhouette for a more modern style that can offer maximum underfoot cushioning. Samuel Hubbard is focusing on offering men and women sneakers that can be dressed-up during the week and casualized on the weekends.” – Kiely Mee, marketing manager, Samuel Hubbard

ARCOPEDICO / LANIN

Fit for your daily routine, Lanin by Arcopedico features fun and colorful patterns, is vegan and machine washable. An ultrasoft and flexible Lytech upper hugs the foot, while the polyurethane sole provides the brand’s patented twin-Arch support. MSRP $125.

REVERE / LOS ANGELES

An ode to the city of angels, Los Angeles dials into its fresh, sunshiny vibe. This everyday luxury offering includes dye cut panels the enrich the silhouette. The outsole adds some flair, with discreet color pops and a modest height. MSRP $169.95.

ALEGRIA / EAZEER

Alegria’s Fall 2025 sneaker offerings are turning up the fashion quotient with soft leathers and rich details for a dressier presentation in any setting. Eazeer offers a nylon and vegan leather upper, along with a slip-resistant outsole and side zipper for easy on-and-off. MSRP $120.

PROPET / CHARLIE

The forecast for 2025 is awash in low-profile sneakers and classic silhouettes. Charlie has the Propet signature comfort fit and width that fit a variety of feet. MSRP $79.95.

SKECHERS / ARCH FIT ARCADE – MEET YA THERE

Blending style with functionality and comfort; this machine washable shoe employs a canvas upper with decorative laces, removable Arch Fit insole (with supportive cushioning for a comfortable walking experience) and a lightweight cushioned midsole. MSRP $70.

‍XELERO / ZURICH

The men’s Zurich features Xelero’s technology which provides foundation and function, keeping the foot aligned to reduce foot, ankle, and knee pain. Great for both casual occasions and walking, the shoe has an oiled full grain leather upper and dual control plates to provide quick response through the gait cycle. An extra cushioning EVA insole provides ample comfort. MSRP $239.

TAOS / POP SOUL

This instant classic lace-up features sporty suede accents and on-trend pops of color, along with the brand’s signature Curves & Pods removable footbed that offers arch and metatarsal support all day. An antimicrobial shield footbed treatment helps with odor control and forefoot cushioning keeps feet comfy. MSRP $160.

RIEKER / OWEN

Owen has a suede leather upper and a soft removable insole for maximum comfort. The grippy and light outsole ensures good traction at all times. MSRP $160.

ECCO / ARCHETYPE

ECCO’s new everyday offering is the Archetype, boasting clean lines and a real gum rubber outsole, along with a soft premium leather upper. Available in an array of hues for men and women, this shoe is positioned as a modernized classic. MSRP $257.

SAMUEL HUBBARD / SUNSET II

The Sunset II collection is an update of the original with softer EVA outsoles for more underfoot cushioning. Dual-density anatomic, removable footbeds offer all day support. For men, Sunset II is offered in a luxurious leather color palette on a variety of outsole colors. For women, it’s about classic colors that mix supple leathers and tonal suedes. MSRP $195 (men’s), $185 (women’s).