Boxing Sneakers Are the Unexpected Trend Making Adidas Sambas Look Like Old News
Low-top sneakers have dominated our wardrobes for years, but it’s clear things are beginning to shift. Shopping data gathered from thousands of Cash App Afterpay users shows purchases of high-top sneakers are up 26 percent year-over-year. One standout silhouette piquing the fashion industry’s interest is the boxing sneaker, a chic underdog that designers like Dior, Chloé, and Stella McCartney have deemed the next It shoe this season.
Trending boxing sneakers are defined by slim soles and close-fitting leather uppers that hit at the mid-calf—or higher, in the case of the knee-high sneaker boots seen on Dior’s spring/summer 2025 runway. Modern favorites like Pony’s KO-80 and Chloé's Kick draw inspiration from vintage boxing gear, offering ankle support without sacrificing speed or agility. They’re less chunky than basketball shoes like the Air Jordan 1 and feel more athletic than canvas styles like Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars, falling right in line with the soccer and racing sneakers that suit the fashion set’s current tastes.
Stella McCartney Spring/Summer 2025
Christian Dior Spring/Summer 2025
Meanwhile, Stella McCartney proved her new Adidas Rasant collab has all the versatility of the brand’s beloved Samba by styling it with flowy dresses and office separates this season. The fringed high-tops are selling out fast, so snag yours now before they skyrocket in price on the resale market. The same can be said of the covetable boxing-inspired LaQuan Smith x Puma Speedcat Mid collab, which has been flying off shelves since it debuted in March.
For a low-topped take on the boxing sneaker trend, try a martial arts sneaker like the Adidas Taekwondo. The latest Lyst Index, which compiles data from over 160 million online shoppers, revealed the classic $100 style is the most sought-after sneaker of 2025 so far—largely due to endorsements from celebrities like Jennifer Lawrence and Iris Law. The sleek, low-profile silhouette is the perfect pick for any Samba wearers seeking something fresh and fashion-forward yet still familiar.
To help you tap into the emerging boxing sneaker trend, I’ve gathered the season’s most popular styles below—most of which are conveniently priced under $150. From Onitsuka Tiger’s Mexico 66 to Loewe’s Ballet Runner, these are the prizefighters worth betting your money on this spring.
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