The Rise of Quiet Luxury Sneakers: Footwear That Whisper Wealth |
Luxury footwear is getting quieter—and more expensive for it. As fashion moves away from logos and hype-driven drops, a new class of sneakers has emerged as the ultimate status symbol: understated, meticulously crafted and instantly recognisable only to those in the know. Quiet luxury sneakers prioritise material, fit and finish over branding, signalling wealth through restraint rather than spectacle.Leading the movement is Zegna’s Triple Stitch sneaker, a slip-on style crafted in soft leather or suede and priced upwards of ₹1 lakh. A favourite with global executives and celebs is Zegna’s Triple Stitch sneaker, a slip-on style crafted in soft leather or suede and priced upwards of Rs1 lakh. Equally covetable, Tod’s offers minimalist leather trainers inspired by its iconic Gommino sole, blurring the line between dress shoes and casual footwear. Loro Piana’s pared-back sneakers—often finished with cashmere linings or ultra-fine suede—take the idea further, offering luxury that is felt rather than seen.Even brands like Golden Goose and Loewe have leaned into the aesthetic with toned-down designs such as the Flow Runner, pairing retro silhouettes with muted colours and premium fabrics. The appeal lies in versatility: shoes polished enough for tailored trousers, yet comfortable enough for long days and travel.
Apple CEO Tim Cook and Wolverine star Hugh Jackman (below) have been spotted wearing Zegna’s slip-on luxury sneakers, priced over Rs1 lakh
Demand for other quiet luxury shoe brandsQuiet luxury sneakers have steadily taken over the wardrobes of the wealthy — shoes that do not scream status with logos, but reveal it through material, fit and finish. Zegna’s Triple Stitch sneakers, loved for their understated slip-on design and meticulous craftsmanship, have been worn by names like Apple CEO Tim Cook, actor Hugh Jackman, and Indian cricketers Virat Kohli and Tilak Varma — a popularity that earned them the reputation of the “most worn shoe on private jets”.Closer home, Shah Rukh Khan has often been spotted in Golden Goose sneakers, the Italian luxury label known for its premium materials and subtly distressed finish — a perfect example of quiet luxury without bold branding.
Wolverine star Hugh Jackman spotted wearing Zegna’s slip-on luxury sneakers, priced over Rs1 lakh
Meanwhile, Loewe’s Flow Runner brings a sleek nylon-and-suede look to the trend, seen on international style icons Emily Ratajkowski and Jennifer Garner. Christian Louboutin sneakers also sit in this league of refined luxury, with cricketer Hardik Pandya sporting the Seavaste pair, highlighting the appeal of quiet luxury to sports personalities as well. For those who like their luxury even more discreet, Tod’s Tabs lace-ups offer minimal branding and a clean silhouette, catering to buyers who prefer refinement that whispers rather than shouts.
Gossip Girl star Kelly Rutherford shared an elevator selfie in which she is wearing understated sneakers from Seavees
What defines ‘quiet luxury’ sneakersQuiet luxury sneakers are minimalist, logo-free shoes that make an outfit look refined without trying too hard. Usually crafted in muted tones such as black, white, tan, blue or brown, they avoid bold colours and loud branding, which makes them easy to pair with everything from formal trousers to everyday jeans. Their sleek versatility has helped them become modern wardrobe staples for those who prefer style that whispers rather than shouts.What truly defines them is the absence of overt labels. Speaking to the Daily Mail, fashion marketing expert Dr David Loranger noted that such footwear fits perfectly into today’s shifting work culture. He adds that their rise is also cultural, influenced by tech-driven workplaces becoming more relaxed, and millennials in senior roles favouring subtle dressing over traditional corporate formality.Fashion stylist Liz Teich says the appeal lies in comfort. She calls quiet luxury sneakers a hybrid between dress shoes and trainers — polished enough for boardrooms, yet cushioned for long days, making them a natural choice for the wealthy and style-conscious.
In Succession, Kendall and Roman step into scenes wearing sleek, logo-free sneakers from labels such as Lanvin, Loro Piana, and Tod’s – a wardrobe that whispers wealth rather than flashes it
I think it’s a great hybrid of a dress shoe and a sneaker, and it makes sense that Wall Street professionals and CEOs are flocking to this style because they can be comfortable and still look dressy enough to wear with a suit
Fashion stylist Liz Teich told the Daily Mail
The Tod’s loafer became a favourite among industry leaders when it was featured in the series Succession, which was part of the genesis of the quiet luxury trend
Dr David Lorange, fashion marketing expert, told the Daily Mail
