Men's Trending Sneakers 2025: Top 10 Picks in NZ
Men's Trending Sneakers 2025: Top 10 Picks in NZ
The hunt for men’s trending sneakers 2025 is not about hype alone. It is about styles you can wear from Ponsonby coffee runs to breezy Wellington commutes, through wet winters and bright, short-sleeve summers. The sweet spot is simple. timeless shapes, breathable runners, and trail-ready pairs that look sharp with relaxed tailoring.
Quick answer. The top trending sneakers for men 2025 in NZ blend classic white court styles, suede retro icons, low-profile runners, bold red accents, and Gorpcore trail silhouettes. Pick based on breathability for summer, grip for wet days, and cushioning for all-day city walking. Whites are still in, now with canvas and gum-soles for texture [1].
Top 10 men’s trending sneakers 2025 in NZ
1. Adidas Samba OG
What it is. A slim, low-profile indoor classic riding a long second wind. Best for casual office looks and weekend wear. Why NZ loves it. Pairs with shorts or wide trousers, easy to dress up. Standout details. T-toe, gum sole, lean silhouette. Pros. Versatile, light, many colourways. Consider. Minimal cushioning for long days [editor-verified].
2. Nike Zoom Vomero 5
What it is. A retro runner turned lifestyle favourite. Best for summer 2025 thanks to breathable mesh and plush ride. Why NZ loves it. Feels like a running shoe, looks like streetwear. Standout details. Layered panels, airy upper. Pros. Cushioning, airflow, long-walk comfort. Consider. Mesh needs care on rough terrain [2].
3. New Balance 9060
What it is. A chunky dad-style runner with modern cushioning. Best for relaxed tailoring and wide-leg fits. Why NZ loves it. Stable underfoot on sloped streets, strong style presence. Standout details. Sculpted midsole, layered suede. Pros. Supportive, premium look. Consider. Warm in midsummer, check toe room [2].
4. ASICS GEL-1130
What it is. Archive stability runner with GEL comfort. Best for all-day city walking. Why NZ loves it. Secure feel in unpredictable wind and rain. Standout details. Support frame, grippy outsole. Pros. Stable, cushioned, retro-tech vibe. Consider. Leather builds breathe less in heat [2].
5. Nike Cortez
What it is. A low-profile icon back in rotation. Best for the bold red trend or classic white-outs. Why NZ loves it. Easy to style with light denim or chinos. Standout details. Sleek wedge, big Swoosh. Pros. Simple, light, nostalgic. Consider. Narrow fit, modest traction in heavy rain [1].
6. Puma Speedcat
What it is. Motorsport-inspired, super low and sleek. Best for minimal, sharp daily outfits. Why NZ loves it. Sits close to the ground and looks refined. Standout details. Soft suede, streamlined shape. Pros. Elegant, flexible. Consider. Suede needs protection on wet days [1].
7. Adidas Gazelle
What it is. Suede terrace classic, slightly chunkier than Samba. Best for colour pops and textural outfits. Why NZ loves it. Works with knitwear in winter and tees in summer. Standout details. Bold colours, gum or rubber soles. Pros. Timeless, comfortable for short commutes. Consider. Less ideal for heavy rain without treatment [editor-verified].
8. Salomon XT-6
What it is. Trail runner turned street staple. Best for Gorpcore days and real grip. Why NZ loves it. Handles wet footpaths and light trails without fuss. Standout details. Aggressive tread, speed laces. Pros. Traction, durability, comfort. Consider. Technical aesthetic is strong, size for thicker socks in winter [1].
9. VEJA Campo
What it is. Clean leather court shoe with sustainability story. Best for smart-casual offices. Why NZ loves it. Understated, goes with everything. Standout details. Chromefree leather options, minimalist branding. Pros. Premium look, stable feel. Consider. Firmer underfoot, not for very long standing days [2].
10. Vans Old Skool
What it is. Skate classic with side-stripe and vulcanised sole. Best for skater-shape comeback and off-duty fits. Why NZ loves it. Easy to beat up, easy to clean. Standout details. Canvas or suede options. Pros. Affordable, pairs with almost anything. Consider. Flat and heavy under rain if worn-out, rotate pairs [1].
How to choose the right pair for NZ conditions
- Grip for wet days. Look for tread that actually bites, gum or trail patterns help on slick footpaths [1].
- Summer breathability. Mesh runners shine for air flow in Auckland and Christchurch summers [2].
- All-day comfort. Prioritise cushioning if walking commuter distances, especially on concrete [2].
- Material care. Treat suede and canvas, keep a dry-day pair and a wet-day pair on rotation [editor-verified].
- Versatility. Classic white, neutrals, or black make capsule wardrobes easier while bolder reds handle the statement days [1].
2025 sneaker FAQs in NZ
What is the next sneaker trend in 2025
The next wave builds on three lanes. remastered white classics, suede retro runners and terrace icons, and Gorpcore trail sneakers that look technical but style clean. Expect more gum-soles, low-profile red accents, and running-derived comfort that slips into daily wardrobes without trying too hard [1].
What shoes came out in 2025
As of 2025, brands leaned on refreshed colourways and reissues of archive favourites, while rolling out lifestyle takes on performance runners. Updated Sambas and Gazelles, fresh Cortez drops, and more XT family trail colourways stood out. New balances of cushioning and breathability defined the year’s lifestyle releases [editor-verified].
Are white sneakers still in for 2025
Yes. White sneakers remain a backbone of men’s style in 2025. The twist is texture. canvas, subtly distressed leather, and gum-soles keep them from looking flat. They pair cleanly with denim, tailored trousers, and shorts across NZ’s seasons [1].
Methodology and sources
Selection focused on what men’s sneakers are trending in 2025 across global fashion reporting, lab-tested comfort insights, and what works for New Zealand’s mixed climate. Criteria included wearability with common NZ wardrobes, traction on wet surfaces, seasonal breathability, and style longevity. Trend mapping referenced fashion editorials and performance testing rundowns while model picks and NZ fit notes are editor-verified for practicality in local conditions [1,2].
The takeaway
Men’s trending sneakers 2025 favour timeless shapes with modern comfort. One breathable runner, one smart white pair, and one trail-capable option will cover most weeks in NZ. Start with the pair you will wear most, then add texture or colour. Next step, pick your everyday workhorse and spray the suede before the next southerly rolls through.
References
- Rutkowski K. 10 sneaker trends to have on your radar this fall 2025. Vogue. Published August 27, 2025. Accessed November 2025. https://www.vogue.com/article/6-sneaker-trends-to-look-out-for-in-2025
- McLoughlin D. 7 best sneakers for men in 2025. RunRepeat. Published September 14, 2025. Accessed November 2025. https://runrepeat.com/guides/best-mens-sneakers
