A look back at 2025 and projected trends for 2026.
Hui-Nam: Now let's summarize the sneaker scene in 2025 as a year-end roundup. First of all, Kojima-san, what do you see as the major trends this year?
Kojima: One is the "expansion of the running context. Retro running is one, and there is a stronger trend to incorporate the "running performance" of performance running shoes into lifestyle. The trail context has also increased.
Huynem: Conversely, what are the shrunken categories?
Kojima: I feel that the so-called "court" type, such as basketball and tennis, is shrinking relatively.
Yoppi: Indeed. I also didn't wear many so-called "coat" type shoes this year.
Okajima: I understand. Also, rather than "buying the usual staples out of inertia," I have come to "choose only what I really want. The world is becoming more expensive, and the price of sneakers is going up, so it's even more so.
Huynh Nam: The mood and way of buying sneakers has also changed.
Kojima: There is a sense that we are entering an era in which people are not buying things that are useless. The popularity of limited edition models is strong, but other than that, "whether it fits in with a person's lifestyle" is more important. I feel that people are moving toward products that are satisfactory, even if they are expensive.
Okajima: I feel the same way. If I think "this is worth it," I will buy it, even though it is expensive, and conversely, I will not buy it "just for the heck of it.
Yoppi: With women's wear, I got the impression that the response on social networking sites was even stronger. When something cute gets buzz, it moves quickly. Rope robe and other feminine trends are slowly coming in.
Huynh Nam: So what trends do you see coming in 2026?
Kojima: A hybrid of leather shoes and sneakers. Like the so-called sneaker loafer, the trend toward sneakers that have a dressier look but are comfortable to wear will continue to grow.
Okajima: Loafer-type sneakers are still likely to grow, as supply is not keeping up with demand.
Huynem: What is the brand's power structure?
Kojima：I have the sense that "Nike" has been getting healthy again over the past year. I think that next year, they will bring it back to a higher level.
Okajima: I am personally looking forward to the increase in hybrid products, which is Nike's forte. Just having them on the shelves will change the look of the sales floor, and they will easily reach people who have not been interested in sneakers until now.
Yoppi: In women's wear, the feminine trend that follows the Korean fashion trend is likely to continue. I think the low-pro trend will also still continue.
Huynh Nam: It is interesting that there are parts of men's wear and women's wear that synchronize with each other and parts that do not.
Kojima：Women's models sometimes sell to men, and vice versa. So it is important to look at both. 2026 will also see an even thicker zone between "comfort" and "fashion.
Huynem: Finally. What new tricks do you have up your sleeve for "Atmos" in 2026?
Kojima: The Ginza store is scheduled to reopen. In addition, as a new move, we are talking about opening a new store in the Tohoku area.
Huynh Nam: Oh. To Tohoku. This is an area where ATMOS had never opened a store before, isn't it?
Kojima: Yes. Many people in Tohoku say that there are not many places where they can buy the sneakers they want, so we want to make sure that they are delivered properly.
