Subtle Spring Sneakers That Lean Into Quiet Luxury
Hiker, cottage, barbie, — the incessant barrage of -core microtrends is the new normal. Speaking of, the originator of -core fashion — Normcore, the Seinfeld-inspired aesthetic from 2013/14 that inflicted a return of Levi’s 501s and “dad sneakers” on us all — had its own little revival last year in a sort of ‘Normcore 2.0’ movement that still lingers today. That said, there are other style trends pushing their way into the conversation that feel a little less cosplay.
Quiet luxury is not slowing down in the least, and while it’s not fully dominating the luxe fashion houses, its presence in the sneaker scene is hard to miss. These moves come with global instability, after all — being too loud or flashy can make you feel like a mark in certain places, and not all footwear needs to steal the show. Thankfully, flying under the radar doesn’t mean relegating yourself to entry-level style, as our favourite brands prove below. Though there were plenty of generally subdued, neutral options to choose from, the proliferation of earth tones in every catalog became an additional unifier.
Prada America’s Cup Suede Sneakers
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Starting with a classic, Prada’s America’s Cup sneakers first rose to fame in 1997 as a shoe designed for the Luna Rossa sailing team, and has since seen innumerable iterations in a variety of fabrics and colours. Despite this variety, Spring 2025 marks the first occasion of the silhouette being offered in suede. Two colours are available — the lighter Ecru seen above, as well as a slightly darker Cinnamon hue — each of which being a perfect fit for the change of seasons (once the snow and slush have melted away). ($1,250)
Louis Vuitton LV Trainer Distressed Sneakers
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Seen from a distance, this LV Trainer variant could be mistaken many a classic skate shoe from the ’90s, but the devil is in the details. Subtle incorporation of its Monogram Flowers on the sole by the heel, and embroidered script lettering of Louis Vuitton on the side of these monochromatic distressed calf leather sneakers provide the brand’s signature without screaming it from the rooftop. ($1,740)
BOSS Titanium Suede Sneakers
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Rather than relying on contrast to create interesting details, for the BOSS Titanium it’s all in the stitching. A series of double-stitched waves dress both sides of these soft and lightweight suede sneakers, providing just the right amount of texture and depth. As BOSS continues their sponsorship of Aston Martin’s F1 team, these sneakers feel ready for a weekend in the paddock despite not being a part of the official BOSS x Aston Martin collection. ($248)
Dior B35 NXXT Sneakers
Dior B35 NXXT Sneakers
Dior B35 NXXT Sneakers
Dior B35 NXXT Sneakers
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OK, so we’re breaking the rules of subtlety here, at least a little. Dior’s new future-forward B35 NXXT sneakers are far from subtle in design, with an openworked sole design in a form language meant to replicate Cannage — the rattan weaving technique historically seen in furniture dating back to the Napoleon III era, which was adopted as a motif by Dior back in 1995. With the right wide-leg pant (see 2nd and 3rd photo above), the B35 NXXT in beige can just barely fly under the radar despite its futurist construction. ($1,600)
Hermès Bouncing Sneakers
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Despite the formal name of the colour, Beige Esquisse, we’re getting more clay vibes from these crisp calfskin-and-suede casuals. The large capital H that appears on either side of its soles are bold, yet without the pull of bright colours or graphics elsewhere, the Bouncing sneakers still pass our benchmark of overall subtle design. ($1,400)
Berluti Fast Track Venezia Calf Leather Sneakers
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No flash, no gimmick, no pops of colour or texture to draw the eye; these new sneakers from Berluti are a masterclass of quality in materials and construction. Celebrating its 130th year in 2025, Berluti has long been a powerhouse in luxurious and bespoke footwear (and leather goods), and these sneakers of one of a few examples of the brand’s ongoing move toward a more casual offering. They’re the most expensive in our list by a good margin, but these are sneakers that will be with you for a lifetime. ($2,440)
