The sneakers, described as ivory suede with black leather detailing and a gum sole, appeared sleek and minimal. While the exact model has not been formally identified, comparisons have been drawn to classic Puma silhouettes such as the Speedcat. What stands out most is the shape. It is slim, refined, and a clear contrast to the chunky sneaker era that dominated previous seasons.

How Rihanna Styled the Look

Rihanna paired the sneakers with oversized joggers, sporty outerwear, and relaxed tailoring. The proportions created a deliberate contrast. The streamlined sneaker grounded the volume of her outfit rather than competing with it.

This styling formula reflects a broader shift happening within celebrity street style. Instead of statement footwear that demands attention through exaggerated soles or bold color blocking, the focus appears to be on balance. The shoe acts as a finishing detail rather than the centerpiece.

Fashion stylists note that low profile sneakers offer versatility. They work with slouchy denim, suiting, athleisure, and even soft knit dresses. Rihanna's outfit choices demonstrate how this silhouette adapts across settings, from airport arrivals to city strolls.

The Shift Away From Chunky Sneakers

For much of the past decade, sneakers were defined by bulk. Thick soles, layered panels, and high contrast palettes shaped both runway and street style imagery. In contrast, sneaker trends 2026 are leaning toward subtlety.

Slim sneakers draw inspiration from archival racing shoes and retro indoor trainers. The appeal lies in their wearability. They complement tailored pieces and feel lighter on the foot. This change aligns with fashion's broader movement toward refined minimalism.

Rihanna's public appearances reinforce this transition. By choosing a streamlined Puma over a maximalist design, she underscores how influential figures can accelerate an aesthetic shift. In celebrity street style, repetition matters. When a high profile figure wears the same silhouette across multiple cities, the visual message becomes clear.

Why Low Profile Sneakers Photograph So Well

Another factor behind the rise of slim sneakers is how they read in photos. Street style imagery remains central to fashion coverage, and proportions play a significant role in how outfits translate on camera.

Chunky sneakers often dominate a frame. Slim sneakers, by contrast, elongate the leg line and allow garments to take focus. This makes them particularly appealing for stylists curating everyday yet polished looks.

Rihanna's outfits highlight this effect. The narrow shape of her Pumas balances the volume of her joggers and outerwear, creating a silhouette that feels intentional rather than oversized from head to toe. For photographers and editors documenting celebrity street style, that proportion shift is significant.

Puma's Role in the 2026 Conversation

Rihanna's history with Puma provides additional context. As a former creative collaborator and ambassador, her footwear choices often generate speculation about future releases or renewed interest in archival models.

Puma has long maintained a presence in retro sport silhouettes. The renewed attention toward lean sneakers could position the brand favorably within sneaker trends 2026. Even without a confirmed product name, the visual cue alone has sparked discussion among sneaker enthusiasts and fashion editors.

The connection between celebrity visibility and retail momentum is well documented. When a style repeatedly appears in public appearances, search interest and resale conversations often follow. Rihanna's endorsement, even informally through personal styling, carries measurable influence.

Puma Palermo Leopard Print Sneaker
Puma

How Other Celebrities Are Embracing the Slim Sneaker

Rihanna is not alone in this direction. Across fashion capitals, actors and musicians have been spotted wearing pared back trainers in neutral shades. The common thread is restraint. Clean lines, heritage references, and muted tones dominate.

This movement suggests that celebrity street style in 2026 is less about novelty and more about longevity. Instead of trend driven experimentation, there is a visible emphasis on pieces that integrate easily into everyday wardrobes.

Editors covering seasonal footwear have also noted that slim sneakers pair seamlessly with tailoring. Cropped trousers, relaxed suits, and midi skirts appear alongside low profile trainers in recent street style galleries. The look feels modern without appearing overstyled.

What This Means for Sneaker Trends 2026

The renewed attention on streamlined silhouettes indicates a recalibration rather than a rejection of sneaker culture. Sneakers remain central to fashion identity, but the design language is evolving.

In practical terms, slim sneakers offer adaptability. They transition from casual errands to fashion week appearances with minimal adjustment. For consumers, that versatility adds value. For designers, it opens space to revisit archival models and reinterpret them for a new audience.

Rihanna's public endorsement of this aesthetic places her at the center of the conversation. Her ability to shape sneaker trends 2026 stems not from dramatic statements but from consistent styling choices that resonate beyond a single appearance.

Why Rihanna's Street Style Signals the Future of Everyday Sneakers

Rihanna's mysterious slim Pumas illustrate how a subtle design can carry outsized influence. Through repeated appearances in Los Angeles and New York, she has spotlighted a silhouette that aligns with the evolving tone of celebrity street style. As fashion observers continue to track footwear shifts this year, the rise of low profile sneakers appears less like a passing phase and more like a defining direction for 2026.

Originally published on Fashion Times