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[Herald Economy = Reporter Park Yeon-su] Thin-soled sneakers—with noticeably slimmer outsoles—have quietly taken over as this season’s big trend, outpacing even running and trail shoes. After years of oversized, chunky “ugly” sneakers, shoppers are now leaning into narrow, low-heeled silhouettes that read clean and modern.
Low-profile styles are naturally more comfortable than bulky sneakers because of their lower heels. Their minimalist lines also make them incredibly versatile—pair them with a suit for a polished look or with streetwear for an elevated casual vibe.
Blackpink’s Jennie jump-started the movement. Known for shaping fashion trends, she pushed the adidas Samba into the spotlight starting in 2024, even when chunky sneakers were still dominant. She’s gone as far as styling taekwondo shoes—the epitome of ultra low-profile—as fashion pieces.
Blackpink’s Lisa wrapped up the low-profile aesthetic with a Nike x SKIMS collaboration, bringing balletcore touches into everyday styling.
Style authority Kim Na-young is also a fan of the trend. As a Fila model, she’s been spotted in the Fila Ritmo Slick, which modernizes the upper of the 2004 SCRIPT SPIKE for a sleeker feel.
Retailers and brands are responding fast. On the 19th, women’s fashion and lifestyle shop 29CM launched adidas’s Tokyo 26S/S (spring/summer) exclusively—an updated take on a classic training silhouette made for today’s wardrobes.
Nike, never one to miss a moment, teamed up with Jacquemus last month to drop three Moon Shoes—named for their cratered, lunar-like soles. They flew off shelves almost immediately.
Reebok, under LF, also stepped up with its 26S/S releases: the Ultra Low and the Ultra Low Mary Jane. Even as first drops of the year, the black Ultra Low has already moved through roughly half of its stock, and new colors are slated for the fall/winter season.
Puma remains a standout in the low-profile category—its Speedcat stays relevant thanks to refreshed designs and silhouettes. The beige-and-pink Speedcat, released exclusively on 29CM, racked up over 9,000 likes.
Women’s accessories label Giho is catching eyes too. Its Skia Pinking Shirring Sneakers, launched this spring, combine a slim silhouette with lightweight, flexible nylon for a trend-forward shoe that’s comfortable enough to wear all day.
This summer, consider trading the chunky sneaker trend for low-profile styles that balance comfort and versatility—proof that simpler can be just as stylish.
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