Is 2026 the year of really great luxury shoe collaborations? It sure seems that way. Although we’re still months away from the release of Simone Rocha’s Adidas ballet flats, you can already expand your shoe collection with Versace and Onitsuka Tiger’s new suede sneakers, or opt for a pair of shoes from Jil Sander x Puma, one of the first-ever sneaker collaborations in the world of luxury fashion.
Fashion brands Jil Sander and Versace are not alone in favouring a streamlined silhouette. It seems that after years of hyped-up sneaker launches marked by thick soles, high-cut silhouettes and flashy colours, the barometer of cool now favours quite the opposite: sneakers that come in cleaner, low-cut designs, especially in muted hues, will earn you high fashion’s stamp of approval.
Even Balenciaga, once known for its chunky Triple S sneakers, has rolled out the pared-back Radar sneakers, which you would have seen in a new campaign with Katy Perry.
Let everyone know you got the memo, and discover our list of the must-have luxury shoes and sneakers to shop in April 2026.
New luxury shoes and sneakers to shop in April 2026:
Zendaya x On
Zendaya has been collaborating with On since 2024, but this is the first time that the Euphoria star has helped to design a collection of clothes and shoes with the Swiss sportswear brand. Besides offering an array of casual, everyday pieces like ribbed tank tops, T-shirts and parachute pants, the Zendaya x On collection also introduces a new shoe: the Cloudnova Moon. It’s a ballet-inspired take on On’s Cloudnova performance sneakers, featuring—hear us out—Velcro straps. The Velcro strap connects to the elastic laces that criss-cross along the front of the shoes, allowing you to easily slip the shoes on. The Cloudnova Moon is also fitted with heel cushioning. The sneakers come in four striking colourways, as seen on Zendaya (we’re a fan of the cream shoes with contrasting green sockliners and blue laces, pictured on the right). The Zendaya x On collection launches on 16 April and will be available at the On Store Singapore at Jewel Changi, as well on On’s website.
Cecilie Bahnsen x ASICS
Zendaya x On isn’t the only collaboration to spotlight slip-on styles this season. For her latest collaboration with Asics, Danish designer Cecilie Bahnsen gets rid of the laces on the GEL-QUANTUM 360 I sneakers. Instead, you’ll find floral cut-outs on the front, as well as whimsical 3D floral appliqués sprinkled all over the shoes. The Cecilie Bahnsen x ASICS shoes launch on 18 April, and will be available in two colourways: all-black or pale pink.
Onitsuka Tiger x Versace
Former Versace designer Dario Vitale’s tenure at the Italian brand was short-lived, but in that single season he produced one of the coolest shoe collaborations ever: Onitsuka Tiger x Versace. The collaboration is centred on the Tai-Chi Sakura silhouette, an updated version of Onitsuka Tiger’s classic Tai-Chi sneakers that Uma Thurman famously wore in the Tarantino movie Kill Bill. You’ll spot markers of the collaboration in the little details: Versace’s Medusa symbol appears on the tongue, and the Onitsuka Tiger stripes running along the shoes feature double stitching. The Tai-Chi Sakura sneakers have a low-cut design and are specially treated to have a vintage look. Crafted at the Onitsuka Innovative Factory in Japan, using luxurious materials from Italy, the Tai-Chi Sakura shoes come in suede, nappa and metallic styles. There’s even a pair in yellow that’s an obvious homage to those Kill Bill kicks.
Balenciaga Radar sneakers
Like Demna before him, Balenciaga creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli has introduced his own signature shoe for the French fashion brand: the Radar sneaker. The sneakers are lightweight and considerably more streamlined than previous Balenciaga sneakers. The low-cut kicks are flexible and versatile, and feature a second set of shoe laces that wraps around the entire shoe—making quite the statement. For Spring/Summer 2026, Balenciaga’s Radar sneakers are offered in styles for men and women, and they come in neutrals like white and grey, accented with brighter colours like purple and green.
Moncler Trailgrip LP trainers
Moncler has unveiled its lightest technical sneaker yet: the Trailgrip LP. Weighing just 380g, the minimalist sneakers are designed for venturing into the outdoors in comfort and style. The Trailgrip LP shoes offer flexibility, grip and enhanced cushioning, with a sleek profile that sits close to the ground. Each pair also comes fitted with Vibram outsoles so you can take on any terrain. Moncler’s new Trailgrip LP trainers, available for both men and women, are offered in an array of muted hues, as well as special styles in suede and nubuck leather.
This story first appeared here.
Note : The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.