It might be the season of boots, but this year has absolutely belonged to sneakers. Of course, sneakers have always been around, but never before have they been so in demand or coveted in fashion circles as they have in 2024. From Adidas Sambas to Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66s, some pairs have been harder to get your hands on than The Row's Margaux bag at times, which is one of the most sought-after items of the past 12 months in its own right. If my 14 years in the industry have taught me anything, it's that brands will keep serving us tempting sneaker iterations into 2025 as long as we keep shopping them.
It might still be a couple of months away, but I can already guess what the biggest sneaker trend of 2025 will be. Combining the style set's love of sneaks and one of the most noteworthy looks of the last few months, suddenly, wherever I look, I'm seeing leopard print sneakers.
My initial interest in leopard print sneakers piqued at the beginning of the year when Adidas and British cool fashion brand Wales Bonner unveiled their latest collaboration, in which they included a pair of textured, leopard print sneakers. The pair sold out at record speed, with those lucky enough to get their hands (or should that be feet?) on a set proudly showing off their new wares on social media. It wasn't long; however, before summer kicked in, sandals became the priority in place of closed-toe shoes.
It wasn't until the colder months began to roll around that fashion people started dusting off their Adidas x Wales Bonner kicks again. At the same time, the appetite for leopard print was insatiable, too, having dominated the fall/winter 2024 runway collections, which were now landing in stores. Looking back, the leopard print sneaker trend takeover was inevitable, but it's only now, witnessing the sheer volume of them on the market, that I see just how huge this trend is.
Now cropping up everywhere, from Zara to Golden Goose and even Chloé, as well as on my FYP, it seems that stylish types are opting for leopard print sneakers when they're not wearing boots. Thinking you may share the same inclination, below, I've rounded up the best leopard print sneakers on the market right now, including any available pairs of the OG Adidas x Wales Bonner leopard trainers I can find.
SHOP LEOPARD PRINT SNEAKERS
ZARA
Animal Print Heel Running Shoes
The flash of tan breaks up the statement print.
French brand Sézane has also jumped on the leopard print sneaker trend.
CHLOÉ
Nama Leopard Print Sneakers
Massimo Dutti
Animal Print Sneakers
These look way more expensive than they are.
adidas
x Wales Bonner Samba Sneakers
You'll be hard pressed to find these in stock.
Nike
Waffle Debut Sneakers
Leopard print kicks can be sporty, too!
Dolce Vita
Notice Stitch Sneakers
GOLDEN GOOSE
Superstar Distressed Leopard-Print Calf Hair Sneakers
Golden Goose trainers come pre-scuffed for instant cool factor.
J.Crew
Field Sneakers in Calf Hair
Now this is a leopard print trainer!
Jeffrey Campbell
Avia Sneakers
These will enliven any jeans outfit.
Another affordable pair that look much more premium.
These really give off a retro vibe
This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK.