This year’s trending sneakers have been all over the place.

Vans has once again won over sneakerheads, this time through its various bedazzled and charm-adorned skate styles. Nike has found a massive hit in its brain-bending Mind franchise, while the company’s Jordan Brand continues to thrive on retros and collaborations. And you can’t talk 2026 sneaker without acknowledging the brand’s archival Moon Shoe, which has been everywhere, including being frequently worn by Rihanna. The World Cup frenzy made its way from cleats to sneakers, energizing other brands like Adidas and Bape as the tournament carried on. 

But what’s really moving the needle? To get a firsthand perspective, FN caught up with five retailer and resale insiders to see what’s selling, which categories are showing signs of fatigue and what’s to come for the rest of the year and beyond. 

It’s important to note that sneakerhead heat doesn’t always equate to broader brand success. Nike, Vans and Converse, all cited below, are in the midst of intense overhauls.

Included in the marketplace rundown are U.S. resale stores The Magnolia Park, RIF and Syndicate, as well as retailers Union and What Should I Call My Store.

Which brands are performing especially well so far this year?

Jeff Malabanan, cofounder and co-owner, RIF
“One simple answer: Vans.”

Vianca Kazsuk, head buyer, Union
“Vans has had an exceptional year for us. Although our lens is very focused on what’s dope and not just the inline plain-Jane black Authentics or Old Skools. I’m seeing the resurgence throughout the city. Vans has always been a key part of California culture, and now they’re doing dope s–t with great storytelling. It’s grabbing the attention of people outside of their regular consumer. Vans also offers more low-profile footwear, which could be another reason for their resurgence.

Nike has also had a great year. Nike’s business is multifaceted and touches every category: running, lifestyle, basketball, etc. and we’ve seen all the different community for each division show up for Nike. They’ve been coming up with some great ideas, tapping into the right people, and keeping the community alive through activations. The biggest thing that will continue to push them ahead is their openness to experimenting and creating out-of-the box ideas while still staying true to the DNA that Nike was built on. There’s been a lot of buzz around their upcoming releases, and it feels like that excitement just keeps building.”

Miki Guerra, founder and owner, The Magnolia Park
“Yeezy has definitely made a resurgence in the footwear space with the YS-01, which has been a top mover across all marketplaces, likely due to its pricing and everyday comfort. I’d also say Maison Mihara Yasuhiro has had steady demand outside of the usual suspects like Nike, Jordan and Asics.”

Cristian Rodriguez, co-owner and cofounder, Syndicate
“This year has been well rounded. The industry used to be dominated by Nike and Jordan. Now, we can say we sell a little bit of everything. Our buying has changed so much since we opened, but that’s what it’s all about, adapting and keeping up with the times.”

Which categories are selling best for you?

Patrick Blanchard, owner, What Should I Call My Store
“It’s back to Jordan and more Vans. The runners had their time, now Vans are going crazy. Some Jordans. And the Nike Mind has everybody in a chokehold.”

Malabanan: “Consumers are gravitating toward lower-cut, comfortable, everyday shoes. A few years ago, it was all about chunky, bulky sneakers, but now that baggier pants are back, slimmer silhouettes just look and feel better with the way people are dressing.”

Rodriguez: “Our selection is well rounded just by paying attention on what’s going on in the internet. For example, right now, a lot of low-profile, fútbol-inspired sneakers are moving due to the World Cup. But there isn’t a standout category for us. I feel like if you if you put good sneakers out for sale with a competitive price they should move. It’s just about adapting to the market.” 

Kazsuk: “It’s honestly a mix of everything. If the shoe is dope, it sells. For runners, Asics is absolutely killing the game right now. They really have that category on lock. Dries Van Noten has really shined with low-profile shoes this year. Even with the higher price point, people are drawn to them. On the more accessible side, Nike’s Moon Shoe has been performing really well. A huge honorable mention is Vans. They’ve been smoking almost every release within their Premium line. Aside from being a California staple, the line has really started reaching a much wider audience, and a lot of that is thanks to [former Vans designer Greg Betty]. He was incredibly thoughtful with the details and found a way to elevate classic silhouettes.

Women’s shoes are a little more hit or miss. Whenever possible, we’ll order up to a women’s 15.5, which is a men’s 13, so we can serve those customers who don’t care whether it’s technically labeled as a women’s shoe. Most people don’t mind at all.”

Guerra: “Slides have been really consistent, outperforming all other categories across the Yeezy YS-01, Nike Mind and Birkenstock. They’re just ahead of running shoes, where comfort has been a major driver of demand today. I’d also give an honorable mention to women’s styles like the ballet flat silhouette and the Nike Moon Shoe.”

What has surprised you most about what consumers are interested in this year?

Guerra: “Classic retros haven’t been selling well, and we’re seeing a lot of great legacy shoes drop below their retail values.”

Malabanan: “I haven’t seen nearly as much hype around collaboration sneakers as in previous years. Instead, we’re seeing stronger demand for general release colorways. Maybe it’s because they’re more affordable and accessible, or maybe some brands just aren’t connecting with consumers through collaborations the way they used to. It feels like people care less about the story behind a shoe — if there even is one — and more about whether they actually like wearing it.”  

Kazsuk: “I want to start by giving flowers to Converse and the team behind the First String collection. They figured out a way to take a true classic and elevate it. Premium canvas, a premium insole, a Vibram outsole, a slightly wider fit and heavier rubber all come together to make something that feels really special. At a $250 price point, it was surprisingly hard to keep them in stock. Converse has always been a staple at a very approachable price, so seeing customers embrace a premium version that’s almost double the cost has been really interesting.”

Rodriguez: “The consumer wants to be smart about their purchases. There’s so many sneakers coming out, from all brands, that you can’t buy everything or even wear everything. For example, last Friday, a good customer of ours said he wanted to get the [Air Jordan 3] True Blues that just came out. But he said that he’d rather wait for one of the shops to post a worn once pair or a steal on a brand new pair for under retail.”

Blanchard: “Actually nothing. Nothing really surprises me anymore about this game.”

Is anything cooling off and selling less than it had been?

Rodriguez: “That’s a tough one because I want to say ‘early’ releases, but there is always that audience that wants to be first to get it. The Virgil Abloh Archive x Air Jordan 1 Alaska is prime example, it was doing $1,200 to $1,500 and now is sitting at a firm $500. Even the Travis Scott collabs all start so high and end up coming down so fast.”

Blanchard: “The runners have slowed down, like Asics. Man, there was a time where everybody wanted ‘em and got them because the price point was so good. Lately, they’ve been slowing down and the market has even been lower and that’s crazy.”

Malabanan: “I hate to say it because I love my Jordans, but Jordan Retros have definitely cooled off. Whether it’s the higher retail prices or consumers getting tired of seeing the same colorways come back over and over, demand just isn’t what it used to be. I’m in the business of buying sneaker collections, and we’ve seen a lot of longtime Jordan collectors hanging up their jerseys and moving on from the hobby. I’ve also noticed that consumers are becoming less interested in collecting for the long term. A shoe can be one of the hottest releases of the week, but within a few weeks the hype fades and people have already moved on to the next thing. The life cycle of a sneaker feels shorter than ever, which has been one of the biggest shifts we’ve seen in the market.”

Guerra: “At the moment, we’re seeing basketball footwear lose its crossover appeal into lifestyle use off the court, which has led to a steady decline in consumption.”

What will dominate the rest of 2026 and 2027?

Kazsuk: “Low-profile shoes are going to continue dominating.”

Rodriguez: “I don’t really have a prediction because it’s so hard to call it. Most brands are putting out good stuff and there’s a sneaker for everyone. Vans has had an insane year and there’s times where I think they’ll cool off, but then you see their lineup for fall and winter and for next year, and it’s so cool. Adidas just dominated the World Cup final, and their running sneakers continue to impress. Sneakers, to me, are in a good place. Just because they aren’t selling for $1,000-plus doesn’t mean they are dead.”

Blanchard: “The Jordan collabs and the OG Nike releases like the Gloves, Bakins and more. It’s new to the young guys, and for the old heads, it’s getting them back involved in the sneaker game.”

Guerra: “There’s definitely room for an Air Jordan 6 resurgence, similar to what we saw with the 5 last year, and I expect comfort to continue leading demand.”

Malabanan: “Nike will dominate the rest of 2026 and into 2027.  Every time people count them out, they find a way to create something that shifts the entire footwear industry. Whether it’s a new silhouette, a classic brought back the right way, or a completely different direction, Nike has a history of setting the next trend instead of following one. I’ve been waiting for it, but maybe we’re finally about to see the next Futura, the next Mister Cartoon, the next Kaws or maybe even the next Virgil Abloh. The sneaker industry could use a new creative voice to push things forward.”