Choosing the right sneakers for your body shape

Feb 19, 2025 | Footwear

Low-top, high-top, chic, casual, minimalist, bold, graphic, or colorful, choosing the right sneakers can sometimes feel overwhelming. While current trends often influence our decisions, considering your body shape can also be a useful approach. The right pair of sneakers can enhance your silhouette, whereas an ill-fitting choice may create visual imbalance. Of course, the most important thing is to pick sneakers that reflect your personality and make you feel great, there are no strict rules! If you’re interested, here’s a quick guide to help you find the ideal pair based on your body shape.

For a tall and slender silhouette: anything goes!

Are you tall and slender? You can pull off any sneaker style, from the trendiest to the boldest. Chunky sneakers like “Dad Shoes”, vibrant designs, mixed materials, ultra-fashionable high-tops, sleek low-tops, graphic prints, or minimalist styles, everything is possible! The choice is yours, based on your personal taste, current trends, and favorite picks.

For a petite silhouette: wedge sneakers are your perfect ally!

When you’re petite, the main goal is often to elongate your silhouette and appear taller without overwhelming your frame. Wedge sneakers are the perfect solution, they add height while staying stylish: a total win! Another tip: monochrome sneakers, ideally in the same shade as your pants, create an uninterrupted vertical line, enhancing the illusion of length. On the other hand, high-top sneakers should be avoided, as they can visually shorten the legs, just like overly bulky designs that may create imbalance. That said, the final choice is always yours. If you love a pair, go for it! Brands like Adidas, Nike, Veja, Puma X Buffalo, and New Balance offer well-proportioned sneakers that perfectly complement petite frames.

For an athletic silhouette: opt for sleek sneakers!

Athletic and muscular? If you have a sporty build, the good news is that you can pull off a wide range of sneaker styles. However, to enhance your silhouette without adding bulk, some choices are more flattering than others. Minimalist, sleek sneakers with fluid lines help subtly highlight your muscle definition without overpowering your frame. Running-inspired sneakers, such as those from Nike or Asics, are particularly well-suited to athletic silhouettes. For a chic yet casual look, classic low-top sneakers like Adidas Stan Smith or Common Projects are also excellent choices.

For a curvy silhouette: low-top sneakers are the perfect choice!

To enhance your curves and create a balanced look with your sneakers, the key is to choose styles that elongate and refine your silhouette. Opt for designs with vertical lines or darker side panels, as these elements help create a slimming effect. To avoid visually shortening the ankle, low-top sneakers are the best option. Many brands, such as Nike, Adidas, and New Balance, offer sleek low-top designs with well-proportioned silhouettes. That said, the most important thing is to feel comfortable in your sneakers and choose what you love because in the end, anything goes! 😉

For an hourglass silhouette: focus on balance!

Do your shoulders and hips have the same width, with a well-defined waist? Then you have an hourglass silhouette. This naturally harmonious and feminine body shape calls for sneakers with balanced proportions. Slightly high-top models that highlight the ankle, such as the Air Jordan 1 Mid or Puma RS-X, are particularly flattering. Sneakers with horizontal graphic details also work well, as they subtly enhance your curves. The key mistake to avoid? Choosing a sneaker that is too bulky or too slim, as it may disrupt the natural balance of your figure. The golden rule: focus on proportion and harmony!