Let’s not pretend sneakers are just shoes anymore. In 2025, they’re a full-blown identity crisis you wear on your feet. Are you the guy who queued at 3 a.m. for a restock? Or the one who casually drops a month’s rent on a pair no one in the group chat can name? Either way, the rules have changed. Performance sneakers look like they’ve done mushrooms. Luxury brands are suddenly obsessed with retro joggers. And the “ugly sneaker” trend? Still alive, still unrepentant.
So whether you’re chasing hype or just trying to look like you have taste, here are the 12 pairs that are actually worth buying this year. No bots, no em dashes, no regrets.
From Affordable Icons to Ridiculous Flexes, These Are the Only Sneakers That Matter in 2025
Converse x Tyler, The Creator 1908 Jogger
Approx. ₹10,000
The boy genius drops a jogger with serious attitude. It’s eccentric, nostalgic and deeply wearable just like Tyler’s entire discography.
Puma Speedcat OG
₹9,999
Fast, low-slung and straight from Schumacher’s glory days. The Speedcat OG is back, and this time it's less pit stop, more pit party.
Nike SB Dunk Low ‘Tourmaline’
₹11,895
Psychedelic tones meet skate nostalgia. If you didn’t cop the Dunks during their pandemic-era peak, now’s your redemption arc.
Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 Silver
₹12,500
Shiny, punchy and very Kill Bill-coded. This updated Mexico 66 screams “cool uncle energy” in the best way. Works with linen trousers or your loudest camp shirt.
Asics GEL-NYC 2055
₹12,999
Still riding the normcore tsunami, Asics updates the GEL-NYC for 2055 with a cleaner profile, sharper overlays and just enough retro to look like you stole them from your future self.
Saucony Shadow 5000
₹13,299
Saucony’s cult dadcore appeal isn’t going anywhere and the Shadow 5000 is proof. If your aesthetic is “Wall Street trader by day, ‘90s rave by night” you’ve found your shoe.
Adidas Tokyo Trainers
Approx. ₹14,700
The German giant channels 1960s Tokyo track energy with an old-school runner that’s unexpectedly chic. Think “I do 10k before breakfast” but you’re wearing them to brunch with vintage Levi’s and a smug grin.
New Balance 740v2
₹16,999
New Balance is still the quiet king of good taste and the 740v2 adds just enough techwear soul to your softboi soul. Great with cargoes, better with commitment issues.
Nike Air Max Dn8
₹17,495
The future-facing evolution of Air Max comes loaded with a four-chamber air unit that’s as functional as it is flex-worthy. It’s what your Gen Z cousin with better skin is probably already wearing.
Maison Margiela Sprinter Shell Sneakers
Approx. ₹72,500
Imagine if a marathon runner decided to get a philosophy degree. Sleek, spartan and too expensive for gym class, this one’s for the silent luxury crowd who still wants people to notice.
Louis Vuitton Buttersoft
₹1.09 lakh
Soft to the touch, hard to find. These LVs are a minimalist flex for those tired of logos but still deeply invested in being better than you.
Balenciaga Triple S
Approx. ₹1.19 lakh
They’re still around, they’re still obnoxious and yes, they still weigh more than your laptop. But in 2025, the Triple S is self-aware. Ugly is in on the joke now.
