Slimmed-down, high-functioning and powered with performance – this is what we’re seeing in lifestyle sneakers for 2026. From the outside, the shoe is refined and the aesthetic quiet, yet inside, technology and premium materials speak volumes. The goal is to up the comfort quotient and contribute to the consumer’s overall wellness. Seeking a broader look into 2026, we asked brand execs what trends are driving the lifestyle, crossover sneaker style market. Comfort, cushioning, quality materials and multi-functional style are among the sought after traits that top the list.

What are consumers looking for in a lifestyle sneaker that can be worn for a variety of occasions?

“Consumers want comfort and support; sustainability and longevity; versatility and styling adaptability to go all day from work to play; and quality materials for better wear over time.”– Debbi Kravetz, wholesale manager USA & Canada, Camper

“No. 1 is all-day comfort with durability. Consumers are seeking comfort shoes that look athletic, but aren’t full running shoes. Universally wearable neutral color blocking (cream, navy, slate) aligns with the ‘quiet tech’ aesthetic. Statement animal prints return in small doses for 2026, while metallic accents are forecasted as a strong micro-trend, plus we’ll see refined suedes and micro-perforation.” – Logan Bird, VP omni-channel sales, Mephisto

“For 2026, we’re embracing the marketplace trend of sneakers built with more material underfoot in our own, sustainable way. Our motto is: ‘Wellness for the individual. Wellness for the environment.’ Consumers are looking for comfort and support and are turning more to footwear they won’t have to throw away after three to six months.” – Justin Orrell-Jones, CEO, Finn Comfort

“For those who want one pair to do it all, the priorities are clear: cushioning that won’t pack out and support that keeps feet feeling fresh; versatile styling; and features like slip-resistant traction and easy-clean, water-resistant materials that don’t make the shoe look like a work shoe. Consumers want proof of durability—lab testing, third-party validation, and care guidance matter.” – Victoria Feldman, marketing director, Latitudes

“Comfort is still the most important element consumers are looking for, but comfort doesn’t have to be a boring shoe anymore.  We’re seeing many fashion outfits paired with funky sneakers for the office, and color can bring a sense of individuality to the consumer. Almost everyone is moving toward synthetic materials in the sneaker category.” – Sydney Simas, CEO, Simco Imported Shoes

“Consumers want a sneaker that can keep up. A multifunction shoe has to deliver: all day cushioning and support (pressure-relieving footbeds, arch contouring, and responsive midsoles); lightweight, breathable comfort (mesh-knit uppers and airy, shock-absorbing soles); versatility in styling (minimalistic, modern design); and easy on/off features. – Liam Bourke, EVP/GM, The Comfort Co

“Performance, protection and comfort are important in a multifunctional shoe. For Spring, we are seeing more outdoor and trail inspired silhouettes. Also, woven knit uppers that abrasion resistant and water resistant.” – Rich Rask, president, Rieker Shoe Corporation

“On the innovation side, the end consumer wants running shoe comfort built into a Euro walking sneaker. The consumer has also made it abundantly clear that they want a shoe that adds value to their lives. In many cases, the ability to stand all day and work and provide for your family is taken for granted when your feet, knees, and lower back don’t hurt.” – Michael Arce, national sales manager, Xelero

“Consumers want one pair that can go everywhere. All-day support (robust arch cushioning, a more forgiving toe box), true slip resistance for work environments, and light, flexible constructions are key requirements. For Spring 2026, we’re seeing lifestyle sneakers continuing to blur the line between sport and lifestyle, along with soft, mood-boosting tones like blush, ruby, vanilla, and navy.” – Chelsea Smith, marketing coordinator, Pepper Gate Footwear

“Consumers are pairing sneakers with everything from dresses to tailored work pants, reflecting a growing acceptance of athletic-inspired footwear across office and off-duty wardrobes. Expect to see more material mixing, texture play and visually interesting details, all delivered in low-profile silhouettes that remain versatile and easy to wear for 2026.” – Kelsey Jayne, VP of design, Dansko

“Premium, durable materials (nubucks, tumbled leathers, second-skin suede) and clean, versatile design (fewer decorative overlays) make a shoe appropriate for everything from work to weekends. For ECCO, this means blending comfort technology with refined Scandinavian styling so each pair works across the full spectrum of daily life — from dressed-up moments to everyday wear.” – Matt Feiner, CCO, ECCO US

“The line between performance and lifestyle is gone. The right outsole is what allows a shoe to adapt to different environments – city streets, wet pavement, light trails – while maintaining stability and style. Durability and longevity are also increasingly valued, especially among younger consumers embracing repair, customization, and sustainability.”– Fabrizio Gamberini, global chief brand officer and president, Vibram

“When you pair classic style with maximum comfort, you win. If you can design something that looks sharp while supporting the body, that balance becomes a no-brainer for consumers. The industry is heading toward fewer, better shoes that deliver both function and meaning. Though sustainability isn’t the headline anymore, it still motivates the buyer in a lot of ways.” – Jake Hexberg, founder, SUBTXT

“She is demanding multifunctional sneakers that deliver three things: All-day comfort , style versatility  and supportive features that promote long-term wellness, not just aesthetics. We are prioritizing anatomical footbeds with arch and metatarsal support (removable for custom orthotics), shock-absorbing midsoles, refined materials and flexible silhouettes.” – Mike Walker, VP of marketing, ecommerce, Taos

HITS FOR 2026

Slim silhouettes, easy entry offerings and sneakers packed with performance– this is what we’re seeing in the lifestyle category for men and women.

1. KEEPING A LOW PROFILE

“Consumers seem to be responding to newness across the board,” says Matt Feiner, CCO, ECCO US. This includes “more premium leather variations and elevated minimalism with cleaner lines, premium materials and fewer decorative overlays.” Similarly, Dansko VP of Design, Kelsey Jane, expects “ more material mixing, texture play and visually interesting details, all delivered in low-profile silhouettes that remain versatile and easy to wear.”

CAMPER PELOTAS SOLLER

Inspired by a small village in Mallorca, Pelotas Soller is crafted with a small, select group of ingredients. OrthoLite Recycled footbeds use at least 98% recycled post-production waste and offer both moisture management and comfort. MSRP $165.

ARCOPEDICO DIAMOND

Coming Spring 2026, Diamond honors the history and innovation of Arcopedico for the brand’s 60th Anniversary, their “Diamond Jubilee.”  Great for travel, Diamond is soft, flexible and lightweight. This multipurpose sneaker offers all day comfort, along with a machine washable Lytech upper. MSRP $145.

MEPHISTO WITNEY

Both elegant and active, Witney is a full package. The SOFT-AIR midsole and SHOCK-ABSORBER integrated into the outsole guarantee a smooth walking experience. AIR-RELAX technology prevents arch collapse. Its leather lining provides a healthy climate inside for the feet. MSRP $299.

DANSKO MILANA

Milana starts with a soft, flexible ballerina-inspired base and is enhanced with internal support for lasting comfort. The low-profile silhouette is designed with a refined, feminine shape. A removable footbed incorporates Dansko Natural Arch technology for all-day support. MSRP $155.

ECCO SOFT 10

The men’s ECCO Soft 10 blends a sporty aesthetic with premium materials. Featuring a mix of suede and leather for textural variety, this modern sneaker is extremely versatile. Soft 10 is set on a durable rubber outsole and is comfortable for work and weekends. MSRP $170.

2. ALL ACCESS PASS

Easy on/off is rising as a key feature, according to The Comfort Co’s Liam Bourke. “Slip-on entries, stretch panels, and functional zippers are becoming increasingly important for a grab-and-go lifestyle, and we are adhering to these wishes,” the exec suggests.

KIZIK VEGAS 2

This premium leather refined classic combines superior comfort with HandsFree Labs technology that compresses down, then instantly snaps back for a secure fit. A soft responsive foam midsole offers high rebound and all-day cushioning. Its removable insoles are machine washable. MSRP $139.95.

ALEGRIA CELESTE

Ravishing with a pop of ruby red, Celeste is a court-sport inspired sneaker with a leather and mesh upper, slip-resistant outsole, and a durable, canvas-wrapped removable footbed. The bold slip-in shoe makes a fashion-forward statement, while remaining versatile and comfortable. MSRP $120.

SKECHERS STREET ARCH FIT ARCADE

This easy-wearing design features a canvas upper with faux laces. A removable Arch Fit insole system provides podiatrist-certified arch support and molds to the foot to reduce shock. The sneaker is machine washable and vegan. MSRP $75.

MIA VITA LUNA

Luna is polished, supportive and has an effortless feel about her. A Mia Vita CushionCore Footbed contours to the foot, offering targeted arch support, heel cushioning and pressure diffusion. Easy Entry Design includes a padded collar and smooth lining. The shoe simple to slip into, while the lace-up structure offers personalized, secure fit. MSRP $159.95.

3. ELEVATED EVERYDAY PERFORMANCE

Moshn Marketing Director Victoria Feldman suggests “lifestyle sneakers are hitting a new harmony between performance tech and everyday style—streetwear looks with true comfort engineering underneath.”

MOSHN RHYTHM

A subtly refined blend of berry and navy that looks polished enough for the office, but still feels sporty and effortless. A Dynamic Motion Technology outsole ensures smooth forward motion and built-in heel stability. The machine-washable SmartKnit upper is flexible, soft, breathable, and water- and stain-resistant. MSRP $169.95.  

XELERO NELLIE

The Xelero Nellie perfects the balance between support and cushioning on a slip-resistant outsole. Hidden inside is Motion Control Technology, which limits excessive foot motions by decreasing the extent of pronation. A removable Cork EVA contoured footbed provides support under the foot. MSRP $ $259.99.

FINN COMFORT PICCADILLY

Available in over 30 colors (for women and men), the Nut Nomad colorway for men is crafted with a premium, vegetable-tanned leather upper. The Piccadilly features a contoured dual-density polyurethane sole for shock-absorption and a structure that doesn’t lose its integrity over time. A replaceable contoured cork, jute, latex, and leather footbed and full leather lining complete the package on a long-lasting, eco-friendly shoe. MSRP $405.

RIEKER SPORT SKYLAR

Designed for the outdoors, this sneaker features an extra-wide heel base for stability. A woven knit upper, which is strong and abrasion-resistant, has a water-resistant membrane. An added extra foam layer for cushioning and shock absorption, while a molded removable insole supports the foot. MSRP $160.

TAOS POP SOUL

Pop Soul is a new addition to the Taos cupsole sneaker family. It is positioned as that “one-pair” sneaker that is elevated enough for the workplace, supportive enough for 10,000 steps, and flexible enough to ebb and flow with changing plans throughout the day. A signature Curves & Pods premium removable footbed provides arch and metatarsal support. MSRP $170.

SUBTXT MACAW GOLF

Designed in the U.S. and manufactured in the Dominican Republic, the shoe features a FORTIFLEX midsole design, minimizing the break-in of a vulcanized shoe  the cushioning and longevity of a cupsole. A Blumaka Max Cushion insole made with 85% recycled foam reinforces comfort and energy return, while a 30% recycled rubber outsole provides all-surface traction. MSRP $210.