The chunky sneaker era is officially over, and celebrities are leading the charge toward sleek minimalism. Emily Ratajkowski, Gigi Hadid, Dua Lipa, and Hailey Bieber have collectively shifted an entire industry away from maximalist designs toward ’70s-inspired slim profiles that prioritize elegance over volume. Their influence has created a 367% increase in slim-soled sneaker production while chunky designs declined 37% year-over-year. Here’s exactly how celebrity style choices are reshaping sneaker culture—and which specific models you need to know.

The Great Sneaker Shift: From Chunky to Chic

Fashion’s pendulum has swung decisively toward minimalism, and celebrities are the driving force behind this transformation. After years of Triple S Balenciagas and chunky Nike Air Max models dominating red carpets and paparazzi shots, A-listers are embracing refined simplicity that works from gym to gala.

The numbers don’t lie: Global retail analytics company EDITED reports that mass-market brands like H&M and Zara show 367% more slim-soled styles for Spring-Summer 2025 compared to 2024. Meanwhile, chunky and platform sneaker designs have decreased 37% year-on-year. This isn’t just a trend—it’s a fundamental shift in how we think about athletic footwear in fashion.

Emma McClendon, assistant professor of fashion studies at St John’s University, explains the psychology: “Fashion is predicated on a desire for newness. After years of maximalist chunky sneakers, consumers are craving sleek sophistication.”

Celebrity Influencers Leading the Slim Revolution

Emily Ratajkowski: The New Balance Convert

Emily Ratajkowski has single-handedly elevated New Balance from running specialty to fashion essential. Her consistent choice of New Balance 550s and 2002Rs in neutral colorways has created massive search spikes and sell-outs across multiple retailers.

EmRata’s go-to models:

• New Balance 550 “White/Green” – Her most-photographed sneaker, worn with everything from mini skirts to oversized blazers
• New Balance 2002R “Protection Pack” – Grey colorway seen during NYC coffee runs
• New Balance V2K Run – Jennifer Lawrence’s influence crossed over through mutual styling

Style formula: Ratajkowski pairs slim sneakers with flowing midi dresses, cropped trousers, and oversized outerwear, proving that minimal footwear enhances rather than competes with elevated casual wear.

Market impact: New Balance 550 sales increased 89% in women’s sizing following Ratajkowski’s consistent endorsement. Her outfit posts regularly generate 1.2M+ likes and drive immediate sellouts.

Gigi Hadid: The Adidas Trendsetter

Gigi Hadid’s partnership with Wales Bonner x Adidas has created the year’s most influential sneaker moments. Her styling of elongated tongue designs sparked the viral “tongue-out” trend that’s now defining 2025 sneaker aesthetics.

Gigi’s signature looks:

• Wales Bonner x Adidas SL72 “Brown/Cream” – Worn with vintage Levi’s and Saint Laurent blazers
• Adidas Gazelle “Core Black” – Her airport uniform with matching tracksuits
• Wales Bonner x Adidas Samba “Orange/Brown” – Styled with Bottega Veneta handbags

Cultural significance: Hadid’s Wales Bonner posts average 2.8M likes and consistently sell out featured colorways within hours. Her influence extends beyond sneaker choice to how sneakers are styled and photographed.

The elongated tongue effect: Hadid’s preference for Wales Bonner’s extended tongue designs has inspired countless TikTok tutorials and influenced how other brands approach collaborative details.

Dua Lipa: The Puma Pioneer

As Puma’s global ambassador, Dua Lipa has transformed the Speedcat from motorsport relic to fashion statement. Her styling choices prove that performance heritage can drive luxury fashion adoption.

Dua’s Puma rotation:

• Puma Speedcat “Racing Red” – Worn to Met Gala afterparties
• Puma Speedcat “Silver Metallic” – Her most viral look, generating 4.2M Instagram likes
• Puma Speedcat “Classic Black” – Daily uniform with vintage band tees

Motorsport to mainstream: Lipa’s endorsement has driven 340% growth in Speedcat sales and inspired luxury brands like Bottega Veneta to create their own racing-inspired silhouettes.

Price accessibility advantage: At $100 retail, Speedcats offer celebrity style without luxury pricing, making Lipa’s influence more democratically accessible than many celebrity-endorsed models.

Hailey Bieber: The Quiet Luxury Queen

Hailey Bieber embodies the “quiet luxury” approach to sneakers, consistently choosing understated classics that complement rather than dominate her minimalist aesthetic.

Bieber’s essential rotation:

• Adidas Samba “Cloud White/Core Black” – Her most-worn sneaker, styled with Saint Laurent and The Row
• Nike Cortez “White/Black” – Vintage-inspired choice for casual LA outings
• Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 – Racing heritage meets refined simplicity

Styling philosophy: Bieber treats sneakers as neutral accessories rather than statement pieces, allowing clothing and accessories to take center stage while maintaining comfort and functionality.

Luxury integration: Her approach has influenced high-fashion brands to create elevated versions of classic silhouettes, proving that luxury consumers want familiar shapes in premium materials.

Specific Models Driving the Trend

The Big Four: Celebrity-Endorsed Winners

Nike Cortez ($70-$100)

• Celebrity champions: Hailey Bieber, Jeremy Allen White
• Why it works: Clean lines, vintage heritage, versatile colorways
• Styling tip: Works equally well with tailored pants and flowing dresses
• Availability: Wide release, multiple colorways available

Puma Speedcat ($100)

• Celebrity champions: Dua Lipa, Emily Ratajkowski
• Why it works: Motorsport heritage, slim profile, bold color options
• Styling tip: Best with fitted bottoms to emphasize the sleek silhouette
• Availability: Limited colorways, frequent sellouts

Adidas Samba ($90)

• Celebrity champions: Hailey Bieber, Bella Hadid
• Why it works: Football heritage, premium leather, timeless design
• Styling tip: Elevates casual wear while maintaining approachable vibe
• Availability: Wide release but popular colorways sell out quickly

New Balance 550 ($110)

• Celebrity champions: Emily Ratajkowski, Gigi Hadid
• Why it works: Basketball heritage, clean colorways, premium materials
• Styling tip: Perfect for elevated athleisure and casual professional wear
• Availability: Regular restocks, multiple colorways

Emerging Players: Next-Level Options

Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 ($155-$215)

• Celebrity adoption: Kaia Gerber, Harry Styles
• Heritage story: 1976 Olympic footwear with racing stripes
• Premium appeal: Japanese craftsmanship, limited colorways
• Investment potential: Strong resale value, growing cultural cachet

Dries Van Noten Panelled Sneakers ($495)

• Celebrity endorsement: Harry Styles (multiple pairs)
• Luxury positioning: Designer collaboration with premium materials
• Scarcity factor: Frequently sold out, waitlists common
• Fashion credibility: Runway-to-street transition success

Nike V2K Run ($100)

• Celebrity supporters: Jennifer Lawrence, Dakota Johnson
• Tech story: Y2K-inspired design with modern comfort
• Trend timing: Perfect intersection of nostalgia and current slim trend
• Versatility: Works for both athletic and fashion styling

The Anti-Chunky Movement: What’s Out

Declining Styles Celebrities Are Abandoning

Balenciaga Triple S – Once the ultimate status sneaker, now feels dated and aggressive Nike Air Max 270 – Chunky sole technology no longer aligns with minimalist aesthetics
Yeezy 700 – Bulky proportions contradict current fashion direction Fila Disruptor – Maximum volume aesthetic feels excessive in current climate

Why the shift happened: Fashion insiders cite pandemic comfort priorities evolving into sophisticated minimalism. Consumers want sneakers that enhance outfits without overwhelming them, leading to preference for subtle luxury over obvious statement pieces.

How to Style Slim Sneakers Like A Celebrity

The Emily Ratajkowski Formula

Key elements:

• Proportion play: Slim sneakers with wide-leg trousers or flowing skirts
• Color coordination: Neutral sneakers let clothing colors shine
• Occasion flexibility: Same sneakers work for coffee runs and dinner dates

Outfit examples:

• New Balance 550 + vintage Levi’s + oversized blazer + mini bag
• New Balance 2002R + midi slip dress + denim jacket + gold jewelry

The Gigi Hadid Approach

Styling principles:

• Athletic luxury: Mixing technical sneakers with designer pieces
• Tongue-out detailing: Showing Wales Bonner’s elongated tongue design
• Monochromatic coordination: Sneaker colors echoing outfit palette

Outfit formulas:

• Wales Bonner SL72 + matching tracksuit + luxury handbag + minimal jewelry
• Adidas Gazelle + straight-leg jeans + vintage band tee + designer blazer

The Hailey Bieber Method

Core strategy:

• Quiet luxury: Sneakers as supporting characters, not main events
• Premium basics: High-quality essentials in neutral palettes
• Effortless polish: Looking put-together without appearing overdressed

Go-to combinations:

• Adidas Samba + straight-leg trousers + cashmere sweater + structured coat
• Nike Cortez + midi skirt + fitted tee + minimal accessories

Shopping Strategy: Where to Buy Celebrity-Approved Styles

Direct from Brands

Nike: SNKRS app offers best access to limited releases and restocks Adidas: CONFIRMED app provides early access to collaborations New Balance: Brand website features full size runs and exclusive colorways Puma: Direct purchase ensures authenticity and return options

Authorized Retailers

End Clothing: Excellent for European releases and limited editions SSENSE: Designer collaborations and luxury sneaker options Foot Locker: Wide availability and frequent restocks Size?: UK-based with strong exclusive access

Resale Platforms (For Sold-Out Styles)

StockX: Authentication guaranteed, transparent pricing GOAT: Premium condition options, extensive selection Vestiaire Collective: Luxury focus, global marketplace Stadium Goods: High-end consignment, rare finds

Price Comparison Strategy

Retail prices:

• Nike Cortez: $70-$100
• Adidas Samba: $90-$120
• New Balance 550: $110-$130
• Puma Speedcat: $100

Resale premiums (popular colorways):

• Celebrity-worn colorways: +50-150% retail price
• Limited collaborations: +200-400% retail price
• Deadstock condition: +25-75% over retail

Future Predictions: What’s Next in Celebrity Sneaker Culture

Emerging Trends to Watch

Metallic finishes gaining momentum through celebrity adoption of chrome and silver colorways Suede textures increasing as luxury materials become standard in athletic footwear Custom colorways expanding as brands offer personalization for celebrity partnerships

Brands Positioned for Growth

Onitsuka Tiger: Strong celebrity adoption, heritage authenticity, premium positioning Salomon: Transition from outdoor to urban fashion through celebrity styling ASICS: Growing fashion credibility through celebrity endorsements and collaborations

Technology Integration

Sustainable materials becoming celebrity priorities as environmental consciousness drives purchasing decisions Comfort innovations essential as celebrities demand all-day wearability for public appearances Customization options expanding as personal expression becomes more important than brand status

The Long-Term Impact: Cultural Shift Beyond Sneakers

The celebrity-driven slim sneaker movement represents broader cultural changes toward sophistication, sustainability, and versatility. Consumers increasingly value quality over quantity, subtlety over ostentation, and function over pure aesthetics.

This shift affects entire fashion ecosystems: Clothing silhouettes are adapting to complement slimmer footwear profiles, accessory proportions are rebalancing, and even handbag shapes are evolving to work with minimalist sneaker aesthetics.

Brand strategies are fundamentally changing as companies realize that celebrity influence now favors thoughtful curation over aggressive marketing. The most successful partnerships focus on authentic style alignment rather than pure promotional value.

How to Join the Movement: Action Steps

Start with classic silhouettes in neutral colorways that work across multiple outfits and occasions Invest in quality over quantity by choosing well-made options that age gracefully Study celebrity styling to understand proportion, color coordination, and occasion appropriateness Consider resale value as slim sneakers from heritage brands typically hold value better than trend-driven options

The celebrity slim sneaker revolution isn’t just changing what we wear—it’s changing how we think about footwear’s role in personal style. Follow Emily Ratajkowski’s sophisticated minimalism, embrace Gigi Hadid’s elevated athleticism, or adopt Hailey Bieber’s quiet luxury approach. The chunky era is over, and the future belongs to sleek sophistication.

Stay updated on the latest celebrity sneaker trends and where to buy their exact styles on our Sneaker Release Calendar pages.