When it comes to style-forward K-pop idols, few names hold as much weight as Yeonjun of Tomorrow X Together. With a reputation for boundary-pushing looks, runway appearances, and fashion-first selfies, Yeonjun is no stranger to starting trends. This season, he’s stepping into the spotlight again—this time, in boxing shoes. What was once a niche footwear silhouette is now finding its place in mainstream fashion, and with Yeonjun’s stamp of approval, boxing shoes are poised to become summer 2025’s breakout sneaker trend.
From the ring to the runway
On May 17, Yeonjun and fellow TXT member Soobin posted a video to the group’s official Instagram, promoting their newest single “Love Language.” While the music drew fans in, their outfits quickly became the center of attention. Yeonjun’s footwear, in particular, caught fashion lovers’ eyes: a sleek black pair of Adidas boxing shoes, likely from the Box Hog line. Though sold out in most sizes, the style blends athletic functionality with high-fashion appeal—part sneaker, part boot, and all attitude.
Boxing shoes may seem unconventional for everyday wear, but that’s part of their charm. Designed with mobility and ankle support in mind, they offer a lightweight, streamlined silhouette that fits perfectly into the current wave of slim, elevated streetwear. And as more brands embrace this niche shape—either in direct homage to the boxing gym or with abstract reinterpretations—it’s clear this is more than just a fleeting trend.
The Yeonjun styling formula
What makes Yeonjun’s take on boxing shoes especially noteworthy is how effortlessly he incorporates them into a wearable, on-trend outfit. Pairing the tall black shoes with long, baggy cargo shorts in a camouflage print, he leans into contrast—combining the lean silhouette of the shoe with the oversized volume of his shorts. A fitted long-sleeve black shirt brings it all together, offering balance and keeping the spotlight on the shoes and shorts.
This outfit reflects Yeonjun’s style philosophy: playful but intentional, street-savvy but high fashion. In a previous interview with Teen Vogue, he cited UK and Japanese street fashion as key influences, and the boxing shoe styling certainly fits that mold—blending functional sportswear with fashion-forward flair. It’s not about copying a look; it’s about curating unexpected pieces and wearing them with confidence.
The broader boxing shoe boom
Yeonjun isn’t the only tastemaker embracing boxing shoes. The style has appeared both on runways and streetwear blogs throughout the year, with designers reimagining them for more than just the ring. Luxury brands like Loewe and Rick Owens have hinted at boxing silhouettes in recent seasons, while mainstream sportswear companies like Adidas, Nike, and Reebok continue to release modern versions with updated materials, colors, and styling cues.
What’s driving the resurgence? It could be the cultural obsession with retro-futurism, or the broader return to performance-inspired silhouettes in fashion. Boxing shoes tick both boxes: they feel like a throwback to early-2000s streetwear, yet also align with current tastes for sleek, body-conscious design. Their height and structure also make them a practical alternative to the overexposed chunky sneaker, offering a more elegant profile for those ready to move on from maximalism.
Soobin’s clean contrast
While Yeonjun leaned into utilitarian cool, Soobin’s outfit offered another summer sneaker inspiration. He wore white athletic sneakers, paired with oversized striped long sleeves and long athleisure shorts—a classically chic formula that balances sporty and soft. Though less directional than Yeonjun’s ensemble, Soobin’s look reflects the same core idea: sneakers are no longer just background accessories; they’re central to your outfit’s identity.
Together, the TXT members demonstrate the diversity within current sneaker culture. Whether you prefer the bold, high-shaft silhouette of boxing shoes or the clean lines of classic trainers, summer 2025 is all about embracing footwear that reflects your personality—and pushing the boundaries of what’s expected.
Boxing shoes: From niche to now
The rise of boxing shoes represents something deeper than just a new sneaker trend. It signals a shift in how we approach streetwear and athletic gear—less about logos and hype, more about texture, shape, and silhouette. Like ballet sneakers and taekwondo flats, boxing shoes are part of a new wave of performance-meets-fashion footwear.
For fans and fashionistas alike, Yeonjun’s endorsement comes at the perfect time. With summer dressing favoring statement shoes that can anchor simpler outfits, the boxing shoe offers a wearable, expressive option that’s easy to style and hard to forget. If TXT is the future of pop, then their fashion choices are the future of style. And right now, that future is laced up in a pair of black boxing shoes.
