White canvas tennis shoes from the 1990s are poised for a resurgence this summer. Fashion trends are shifting toward slimline, minimalist styles inspired by celebrities like Julia Roberts and Jennifer Aniston. Designers such as Prada are leading the revival on runways.
Tennis shoes, often called plimsolls in their classic white canvas form, have cycled through various styles over decades. In the late 1980s and 1990s, they became a casual staple paired with jeans or leggings, favored by stars including Jennifer Aniston, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Julia Roberts. The trend aligns with current preferences for pared-back, '90s-inspired looks amid slimline trainer evolutions, as noted in recent fashion commentary. British Vogue’s senior contributing fashion features editor Julia Hobbs predicts these shoes “are about to topple the ballet runner,” pointing to Prada’s Drill fabric sneakers and classic white Vans. Prada’s spring/summer 2026 collection prominently featured white plimsolls, with similar white derbies appearing on Celine’s runway. “In an age of chunky dad sneakers, a classic white tennis shoe offers a welcome sense of ’90s-inspired simplicity,” wrote British Vogue’s Olivia Allen. She added that despite lacking ankle support and evoking school PE memories, the style’s celebrity pedigree makes it appealing again. Retailers like Nordstrom and Shopbop stock options from Superga, Champion, and Prada to meet the anticipated demand.