Sneaker Trends To Hop On in 2026 – and Where To Shop Them in Melbourne

Sneaker style has never moved faster. What once took years to filter in from abroad now happens almost instantly. Take a stroll (or scroll) through New York right now and you’ll see throwback runners, slimline silhouettes and technical hybrids all coexisting in the same stride. That same mix is playing out on Melbourne streets, and you can see them in person: there’s a competition for the chance to win a trip to New York, London or Paris if you spend $200 or more in-centre at participating stores and sign up to the centre’s e-Newsletter. Read on for all the details.

From slim silhouettes to retro kicks, here are the key trends shaping NYC’s sneaker scene and where to find them at Emporium Melbourne.

Retro runners are still setting the pace

The early-2000s runner isn’t going anywhere. Mesh-heavy uppers, metallic overlays and performance-rooted design continue to define the look, now reworked into more wearable, everyday versions of what were once purely athletic styles. Nike at Emporium Melbourne continues to mine its running archives – think the Vomero 5 or Y2K-inspired P-6000 – with details that nod to turn-of-the-millennium performance. 

Slim silhouettes are cutting through

After years of chunky dominance, sneakers have slimmed down. Low-profile designs are back in focus, driven by cleaner lines and more refined fits. Onitsuka Tiger has long embodied this look, and the Emporium Melbourne store – the brand’s only location in Melbourne – should have the classic Mexico 66. Adidas continues to update past styles, with terrace-wear lynchpins like the Gazelle and the Spezial line returning as part of a broader move towards versatile, everyday styles. They’re an easy addition to most wardrobes – lightweight, adaptable and suited to year-round wear.

Performance runners are crossing over

Running has become part of the daily rhythm. From early morning run clubs to post-work laps around the Tan, more people are building it into their routine, and the footwear is following suit. Performance runners are no longer strictly tied to the track, with lightweight builds, responsive cushioning and breathable uppers now part of everyday rotation. Brands like On – which set up its first store in Australia at Emporium Melbourne in 2024 – have led that crossover, with its Cloudmonster and Cloudnova moving seamlessly between training and daily wear. 

Trail and technical goes urban

What was once built for the trail has found its way into the city. Technical runners like Salomon’s XT series – for example, the XT-6 or XT Whisper – are now staples at Emporium Melbourne, blending function with a distinct aesthetic edge. Nike’s cult-favourite ACG (All Conditions Gear) line has also returned to the fore, reinforcing the shift towards gear that performs as well on city streets as it does off-grid. 

Hybrid sneakers are getting weird (in a good way)

This is where things get interesting. Sneakers are breaking out of a single category, with designers blending elements from different worlds to create new forms. Ballet-inspired “sneakerinas” – equal parts slipper and trainer – are emerging as a softer, more fashion-centric option, with styles like the Puma Speedcat Ballet combining ballet flat design with a low-profile sneaker base. You can find them at Hype DC in Emporium Melbourne.

On the other end, loafer-sneaker hybrids like New Balance’s 1906L, also available at Hype DC, push into more formal territory without losing comfort, while split-toe and tabi-inspired designs bring an experimental edge. Even sandal-sneaker crossovers are starting to appear, signalling a broader shift in how footwear is worn.

This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Emporium Melbourne. Melbourne’s sneaker landscape is keeping pace, with global trends landing locally almost as quickly as they emerge. Emporium Melbourne brings many of these styles together in one place – and you can win a trip overseas to see it for yourself. Spend $200 or more in-centre at participating stores and sign up to Emporium Melbourne’s e-Newsletter for the chance to win an international shopping getaway to London, New York or Paris, along with additional prizes. Competition is open to entrants 18 years and above from NSW, QLD and VIC. Limit of 1 entry per person per day. Ends 11.59pm AEST on May 6, 2026. Terms and conditions apply.