While it’s true that footwear trends are cyclical, there’s one classic sneaker that’s back in a big way, though it never quite left the trend cycle. 

“Skinny sneakers” may feel like the new ‘It’ shoes in town, but their streamlined, low-to-the-ground shape has the staying power of a classic plimsoll. Jil Sander and PUMA’s latest collaboration brings the trend to the forefront, but we found affordable pairs that nail the trend for less, so you can wear them now and for seasons to come with a good deal.

Skinny sneakers, or “glove sneakers”, acts as an umbrella term for streamlined, low-profile sneakers: think slim uppers, low flat soles and less bulk all around.

The low-profile shape traces back to the plimsoll, one of the earliest sneaker styles in the fashion cycle. Some fit close to the foot like a glove, while others take inspiration from “sneakerinas,” the ballet-flat-meets-sneaker trend. 

Designer brands have helped push the silhouette back into the spotlight. Labels like Miu Miu and Louis Vuitton have helped popularize ballet-inspired sneaker hybrids, the ladder introduced its own LV Sneakerina in 2025, cementing the style into a high-profile luxury trend.