With the thick-soled sneaker boom, such as dado sneakers, settling down, “low-profile sneakers” are now beginning to make their presence felt.
Sponsored by
The replacement for thick-soled sneakers is in sight!
Sneaker trends moved significantly in 2023-2024, with thick-soled sneakers, which had been a major trend until then, beginning to settle down, and the rise of classic low-tech sneakers such as Adidas’ Samba and tech sneakers such as the Salomon XT-6. These sneakers are still popular, but a new option has emerged. It is the ” low profile. Profile means profile, and as the name implies, it refers to sneakers with a low profile, i.e., with a thin sole and no height. The low-profile model, a collaboration between Miu Miu and New Balance, was launched in the spring/summer 2024 collection, and has been slowly gaining momentum until it blossomed in 2025. Adidas continues to launch Samba and Gazelle, but is shifting its focus to low-profile sneakers such as Tae Kwon Do and Tokyo, and many brands are beginning to release thin-soled sneakers.
When these low-profile sneakers are actually viewed from the side, it is easy to see that the sole is designed thin. The image above is of the Adidas Tokyo, which has a very low-tech retro-mood. It has an extremely low-tech retro mood, which is very much in line with the current mood.
Collaboration with Balenciaga is creating a lot of buzzIs Puma's Speed Cat the hottest model?
Puma’s Speed Cat is one of the most popular low-profile sneakers in the market. The brand has been slowly gaining exposure since 2024 due in part to a major launch of the brand, but at Balenciaga’s 2025-26 fall/winter collection runway in March 2025, a collaboration with Puma was announced, and the Speedcat’s collaborative model, the ” Ultrasoft Speedcat The collaboration model “Ultrasoft Speedcat” appeared on the runway. The soft, worn-in suede was used, and the “Puma Foam Stripe,” a line design on the side, was arranged in the Balenciaga style as if it had been randomly ripped off. It is no exaggeration to say that the Speed Cat is now the focus of worldwide attention.
Click here for the special collaboration page.
Here are some must-check models to keep in mind!
Low Profile
This is the base of the “Ultrasoft Speedcat” collaboration model with Balenciaga introduced above. The sneakers are inspired by the fireproof racing shoes worn by drivers of the F1 Grand Prix in the 80s and 90s. The extremely thin sole is designed to symbolize a low-profile sneaker. The form is clean and compact, but the large Puma foam stripe on the side and the Puma logo on the side of the toe leave a strong impact on the foot.
Click here for details and purchase.
Low Profile
The “Super Low Pro” was released by Vans in March 2025. Inspired by the brand’s archival “Serio” series, this model has a retro moody design. The nylon upper is covered with suede overlays in a T-toe shape, creating a retro yet low-profile design that matches the current trend. The gum sole has a thin sole with a solid tread pattern, making it one of the most user-friendly low-profile sneakers in terms of both design and comfort. The model name of Serio, which was the design source, is on the shoe’s tongue.
Click here for details and purchase.
3 'low-profile' sneakers you should keep
The “Taekwondo” pays homage to the minimalist slip-on shoes of the early 2000s, with roots in martial arts. Named after the martial art that originated in Korea, the model has the appearance of a soccer training shoe, with a sophisticated shoeless look. While covering the standard colors such as black and white, this model is also available in silver and metallic colors.
![[ Spring Edition 2025 ] Pick up 7 seasonal sneaker models to choose now!](https://otokomaeken.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/1e17057ccc89b86bc7b3d597fe66fb48-630x331.jpg)
