A new year is upon us, and while there’s no shortage of upcoming sneaker drops to anticipate, the Hypebeast team came together to spotlight the pairs from 2025 we’re still wearing well into 2026. Spanning eight brands across a diverse 10-shoe lineup, Nike and adidas share the throne as the most-represented names. Check out our team’s selections below, and let us know which pair from last year has stayed in your rotation.
Converse Shai 001 “Charm Black”
It’s only fitting that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s signature sneaker is as versatile as the man himself. A perennial best-dressed candidate and NBA MVP, SGA put it best: his whole life is consistent. With the Converse SHAI 001, that consistency translates seamlessly from on-court performance to off-court wear.
I had the opportunity to test all three “Family Pack” colorways across both performance and lifestyle settings, and the results left a strong impression. Of the bunch, the pair I keep reaching for is the “Charm Black.” As someone who treats gray as a color in my wardrobe, the stealthy all-black finish feels right at home. Its monochromatic palette lets the molded upper do the talking while remaining effortless to style. And it doesn’t hurt that it makes me feel like I could drop 30 at a moment’s notice. – Logan Fairbrother, Associate Editor
HAVEN x Tarvas Easy Hiker “Earth”
During the Fall, I made my way to visit family in Vancouver, Canada, and immediately fell in love with the HAVEN x Tarvas Easy Hiker. I have since caught myself rocking this pair often thanks to its versatility, comfort, and premium craftsmanship. Whether I’m going out with friends or simply making my way into the office, I have not stopped wearing them. They broke in quickly, and I’m a big fan of the chunky Vibram outsoles for added durability. I feel like I can walk in them for days on end.
The brown, hairy suede, combined with a minimal look, makes it the perfect pair for New York City streets, especially during the winter months. Having a shoe that’s both comfortable and versatile means that’s one less to pack when traveling, which is crucial. – Nick Llanton, Senior Social Producer
Nike Air Rift “Buckle Strap”
Balletcore lives on, at least in my footwear rotation. Just when it felt like the aesthetic was moving on, Nike delivered its edgy, split-toed Air Rift “Buckle Strap.” The decision to pivot from dainty satin to a premium leather-and-hardware build delivers a more aggressive, yet still sophisticated, finish. Its versatility is my favorite thing about it: I can wear them on a regular day, or as a more avant-garde formal option. The pair is also forgiving during long periods of wear. I would know, I’ve hit 10,000 steps with it while walking through Tokyo’s neighborhoods. All I need is a pair of split-toe socks, and I’m good to go. – Sophie Caraan, Managing Editor
Song for the Mute x adidas Adizero PR “Black”
I first began tracking the Song for the Mute x adidas partnership when they rolled out their SFTM-005 Superstar project, admiring how the Australian label fuses thoughtful, high-fashion grit into adidas’ athletic heritage. While I skipped the Superstars, the SFTM-006 Adizero PR immediately won me over. While the entire collection is incredibly lightweight and breathable, I specifically picked the black colorway for its low-profile look and effortless styling. It perfectly taps into the current slim-sneaker trend with its ultra-thin, vintage-toned sole and retro runner silhouette. The standout detail is the signature metal beads that are scattered across the upper, adding a rebellious, artisanal edge to the technical mesh. It is my ultimate daily driver. – Tom Kao, Editorial Intern
UNNA x HOKA Speedgoat 2 “Astral Galaxy”
I’ve never owned a silver sneaker before, so this colorway was really exciting for me. Not to mention, the hint of purple and reflective finish gives it another layer of depth. It’s my second pair of HOKAs, and I have to say, it’s the most comfortable shoe I’ve worn in years. Its detachable caterpillars were a fun surprise and make for a cute alternative styling. What ties it all together is the “Good Place” reminder on the toebox. As UNNA says, “it’s not about finishing in first place, but in a Good Place!” – Nico Gavino, Associate Editor
Nike Shox Z “Black/Red”
I am still kicking myself for not picking up Martine Rose’s black-and-red Nike Shox mules back in 2022. Lucky for me, three years later, Nike released a comparable silhouette, the Nike Shox Z, in a familiar black-and-red composition. The shoe offers an effortlessly sporty yet sophisticated look that pairs well with any outfit. The hints of red add a subtle pop of color to my standard all-black uniform. They are easy to wear and will remain a staple in my rotation throughout 2026. – Sarah Schecker, Senior Creative Producer
Vans Old Skool 36 “Souvenir”
Vans’ “Souvenir” rendition of the Old Skool 36 is the kind of pair I keep coming back to because it brings me back to a time when multibrand collabs were unofficial, and the energy came from inside the house. The tweed Sidestripe takes the classic “jazz stripe” from the original Style 36 and flips it into something textured and elevated, without losing that unmistakable Vans profile. The painted canvas, leather hits, and souvenir pins add this subtle, Chanel SS15 IYKYK nod that’s more clever than loud. – David White, Senior Account Executive
Sean Wotherspoon x Teva Wraptor
Sean Wotherspoon’s Teva Wraptor shoe is one of those that makes you wonder why more brands don’t take real risks with functional silhouettes. Somewhere along the way, my sneaker choices stopped being about what just looks good and started being about what actually holds up for a full day.
The 360-degree strapping of the Wraptor looks like overkill until you actually wear it. Locked-in without feeling stiff, comfy for hours, and surprisingly versatile. This pair isn’t trying to be safe, and that’s what makes it appealing. A little weird, very functional, and consistently in my rotation. – AJ Sacil, Social Media Coordinator
Pane Light Training Nogi “Artichoke”
If you’re looking for another version of the German Army Trainer or a low-profile sneaker in general, consider the Pane Light Training Nogi. The mix of leather and suede, along with the pastel colors, gives the shoe a vintage appeal. Unboxing the shoes was a great experience too; the packaging is thoughtful and came with a dust bag, tote bag, care cards, and additional brown laces.
They may look narrow, but on foot, they’re super comfortable. The leather is soft without feeling flimsy, and the insoles offer good support despite being a flat shoe. They also remind me of bowling shoes, which is very fun! – Freda Mokran, Lead Social Video Producer
Song for the Mute x adidas Adizero PR “Silver”
The Song for the Mute x adidas Adizero PR immediately grabbed my attention when I was escaping the rain in Ginza during my last visit to Tokyo. I knew I had to leave the store that day with at least one pair. Seeing the adidas Ginza Six team all effortlessly rocking the newly released design only fueled my obsession — they demonstrated just how versatile the silhouette is. While FOMO played a part, it was the sneaker’s raw, edgy appeal and clean design that convinced me to buy. After an hour of deliberation between colorways, I walked out with the “Silver” option, and they’ve dominated my rotation ever since. So far, I’ve never worn them with matching laces either — it’s always black laces on the left and white on the other — and I intend to keep it that way. – Zoe Leung, Senior Editor
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