At the start of 2025, we made bold predictions about sneaker trends. Nine months later, let’s see which calls were money and which missed the mark entirely.
✅ PREDICTION 1: Real Performance Sneakers Go Mainstream
REAL PERFORMANCE sneakers that are developed for sporting activities are gradually finding their way into everyday fashion, similar to what happened with the adidas UltraBOOST. We nailed this one – tech runners from brands like Hoka, Salomon, and On Running are now fashion statements.
✅ PREDICTION 2: 30th Anniversary Celebrations Dominate
2025 features stacks of megalithic anniversary celebrations including models celebrating their 1995 launches. The Air Max 95, Foamposite, and Jordan 11 anniversaries delivered exactly as predicted.
✅ PREDICTION 3: Satin and Luxury Materials
We predicted premium materials would define 2025, and brands delivered with velvet Jordans, satin Nike collaborations, and premium leather everything.
✅ PREDICTION 4: Anime Collaborations Explode
The Yu-Gi-Oh! Nike partnership was just the beginning. Dragon Ball, Naruto, and Attack on Titan collabs followed, proving our anime trend prediction.
❌ PREDICTION 5: Web3 Integration
We expected more NFT and blockchain integration. While some brands experimented, traditional retail still dominates.
✅ PREDICTION 6: Trail Runners Go Urban
Salomon, Hoka, and Merrell successfully transitioned outdoor footwear to city streets.
✅ PREDICTION 7: Sustainable Materials Mainstream
Nike’s Move to Zero initiative and Adidas’ ocean plastic partnerships became standard, not experimental.
✅ PREDICTION 8: Platform Sneakers Return
Buffalo London’s comeback and chunky sole aesthetics proved our platform prediction correct.
Market Impact:
Brands that embraced these trends saw stronger sales and cultural relevance. The real winners combined multiple trends – like performance tech with luxury materials.