Expert Advice

Best Low-Profile Sneakers to Elevate Every Style

Feb 19, 2025

Trends come and go, but low cut sneakers are definitely having their moment right now, especially when it comes to athleisure looks and casual wear. Whether you want women’s low-profile sneakers to wear with a tennis skirt or midi dress or men’s low-profile shoes to pair with denim shorts and a tee, we’ve got you covered. We’re counting down some of the best low-profile kicks in the sneakersphere available right now.

adidas Samba

The Winner Takes It All: adidas Originals

When it comes to the number of must-cop low cut silhouettes, adidas Originals lifestyle shoes dominate the game. adidas Sambas are a do-everything shoe with a slim profile, Three Stripes, gum outsole and suede overlays. With a soft suede upper and serrated Three Stripes, the adidas Gazelle gives off a lo-fi look. The vintage vibes are strong with this one when put up against the Samba

And for one the best low-profile white sneakers of all time, Stan Smiths get the gold. These low cut court shoes come outfitted in white leather with three “stripes” of perforations providing breathability along the quarter panels. The court legend, the one and only Stan Smith’s profile, also appears on the tongue. 

Looking for a more slept-on adidas Originals silhouette? Try the adidas Handball Spezial, a lineup pulled from the 1979 archives. This ultimate low-profile sneaker was made for indoor courts, but its flat sole and streamlined silhouette makes it one of the OG low cut sneakers.

Fast & Smooth with PUMA

They’ll never see you coming when you cop a pair of PUMA Speedcat OGs. Whether you cop a pair of the women’s or men’s low profile sneakers, you’ll fall in love with the precision put into the design of the Speedcats. Rubber, leather and suede commingle to create this auto-racing shoe. The signature PUMA Formstrip coupled with a PUMA cat embroidered on the toe — striking colorways — make this a well-deserved style icon.

Nike Blazers

A Swoosh of Low-Profile Sneaks

You know Nike always earns a spot on our best-of lists. While the Mids have been trending, the Nike Blazer Low ’77s also give that same edgy aesthetic. Leather uppers accented with subtle suede appointments and retro Swooshes may be low in profile, but they’re big in style. A cushy foam midsole and flexible rubber herringbone outsole with forefoot pods make the Blazer Lows perfect for casual wear. If you want a low-profile sneaker with an outsize look, opt for the Blazer Low ’77 Jumbo, which features oversized side Swooshes. 

Originally released as part of Nike's Tennis Classic line in 1980, the Killshot gained attention for its simple, low-profile design. Its combo of leather and suede along the upper, with a perforated toe for breathability and a gum sole, made it both stylish and functional. Recently released, the Nike Killshot 2 stays true to its heritage with a clean, retro aesthetic and improved comfort and fit.

Old-School Profiles with Edge

There are so many worthy low-profile sneakers out there, but we’d be remiss if we didn’t give a shout out to two other classic silhouettes from Vans and Reebok.

Created with skaters in mind, the Vans Old Skool was released in 1977. Its canvas and suede upper, along with signature Vans waffle sole, provided both durability and grip to master those ollies and dominate the half-pipes. Try an iconic, low-profile Old Skool with a black and white colorway, or cop something with brighter tones. 

The ’80s were that golden age for tennis, and with it came sneakers that perfectly matched those court-ready tennis whites. With its all-leather upper and molded sockliner, the Reebok Club C 85 remains one of the best low profile white sneakers out there — and you don’t have to even pick up a racket.

With their low cut, streamlined silhouettes and comfort features, low-profile sneakers are perfect for everyday wear. Shop your favorites at Hibbett!

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