Say Hello to the Coach SoHo Sneaker, An Old School Design with New School Charm

Coach, the 84-year-old fashion powerhouse based in New York City, froze the internet last September with its Spring/Summer 2025 show. Attendees were treated to refreshing takes on current trends and updates to classics from the Coach archives. And while impressive in their own right (have you seen the Empire Carryall?!), the brand's SoHo Sneaker unquestionably stole the show.

Unveiled on the runway, the silhouette is the storied label's latest foray into the world of footwear. The last several years have seen Coach become the go-to brand for accessories, but the SoHo-inspired design looks to claim a stake in the competitive world of sneakers. Offered in over eight styles (for women and men), the model reimagines the current trend of old school, low-top trainers in a playful manner.

"We referenced the era of late ‘80s and early ‘90s sneakers," Stuart Vevers, Coach's Creative Director, told Highsnobiety in anticipation of the SoHo Sneaker's launch. "I like to think this style was created as a canvas meant to be reimagined through the lens of the wearer—every scuff, color and customization is a [sic] uniquely them. It embodies my belief that fashion is about self-expression and exploring all of who you [are]."

Color choices like 'Vivid Green,' 'Blush,' 'Bluebell,' and 'Charcoal' cater to all types of style preferences, but Vevers and team didn't think seasonal hues were enough. To ensure wearers could express themselves without limitation, Coach has introduced different 'White' editions of its SoHo Sneaker alongside a series of charms to personalize each pair.

Models at its September 2024 show wore pairs of the clean style featuring playful attachments on the laces in the shapes of yellow cabs, cassette tapes, and the mythical unicorn. An all-new collection of Shoe Charms has launched to accompany the SoHo Sneaker – including a dice, deer, and pink vintage Cadillac. More options will release throughout the year.

But Coach's new sneaker design isn't a gimmick. Vevers and company mulled over every detail on their latest footwear proposal to ensure a happy customer while doing right by the fashion label's 84-year-old history.

"We really wanted to celebrate Coach’s legacy of craftsmanship," Vevers told Highsnobiety.

The model features a perforated, high-quality upper constructed from leather, canvas, suede, or a combination of all three. Coach's iconic C logo appears throughout the shoe for a retro look. The two-layered outsole nods to the past and simultaneously delivers a reliable ride. The SoHo Sneaker's outsole features a rough map of Manhattan that highlights the company's HQ in Hudson Yards. Lastly, a 100%-recycled lining rounds out eco-conscious design.

The SoHo Sneaker is currently available via Coach.com in unisex sizing. Most styles are priced at $145, but those crafted with distressed leather retail for $175. Shoe Charms by Coach are sold separately for anywhere between $45 and $95.