This Year’s New Sneaker Trends Will Inspire You.
With a significant increase in fashion-forward sneaker options and the rise of their loyal fans, it often feels like no other shoe styles matter, but that wasn’t always the case. At one point, sneakers were purely functional, often designed in clunky shapes and awkward silhouettes, meant to be worn strictly to the gym or for commuting.
But the script has been flipped as sneakers have become an organic extension of everyday style. “[Sneakers] are now one of the fashion industry’s main focus and have their own arena, with hyped launches and exponential resale values,” notes Jamie Lee, a Shoe Buyer at luxury retailer Moda Operandi. So much so that white sneakers have become as fundamental to one’s wardrobe as a white T-shirt. Black sneakers, to their own credit, have also bubbled up as a viable trend in the office as a go-to work shoe option, especially in the fall and winter months.
Brands are also increasingly investing in female audiences, according to Kia Marie, a Brooklyn-based stylist, creator, and “kickfluencer” known as The Notorious KIA. She predicts the sneaker industry will continue to innovate and design specifically for female sneaker consumers, especially as women continue to influence and drive forward new trends within sneaker culture. This is true, especially as sneakers have become the go-to shoe for street-style stars like Gigi Hadid and Kaia Gerber. Trendy, celebrity-favorite brands like Nike and Adidas remain popular alongside nostalgic resurgences—like Vans, which have risen to popularity over the summer.
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As sneakers continue to drive the conversation in the footwear scene, Marie Claire turned to the experts, Lee and Marie, alongside personal stylist and sneaker aficionado Diana-May Kiori, to weigh in on 2024’s biggest sneaker trends, from chunky sneakers to low-profile styles. Like the sheer amount of eye-catching new sneakers that dropped last year, the second half of 2024 is also poised to have some exciting new developments.
Sneaker Trends at a Glance
Neutral Sneakers
“Neutral colors are still going strong, thanks to the quiet luxury trend, but we’re also starting to see pops of color and feminine details,” says Lee. For a subtle color shift, look for sneakers that mix white tones with other neutral colorways, like tan or cream. Alternatively, opt for all-white sneakers for a fresh and clean look.
Cariuma OCA Low White Premium Leather/Gum Sneakers
Axel Arigato Dice Lo Sneaker
New Balance RC42 Sneakers
Keds Champion Sneaker
Sam Edelman Harper Sneakers
The Row Owen Mixed Media Runners
Slim Sneakers
Slender silhouettes have continued to trend throughout 2024 beyond the Adidas Samba. You can score a similarly sleek look with brands like Gola, Gucci, and Veja. The key is to look for sneakers with a low profile that hugs the foot. While neutral hues are common and speak to the minimalism trend, there are plenty of trending viral 2024 colors to pick from, too.
Gucci New Ace Sneakers
Prada Slim Low Top Sneakers
Adidas Samba OG Sneakers
Gola x Anthropologie Stadium Sneakers
Veja Volley Canvas Sneakers
Adidas Originals Sl72 Og Sneakers
Chunky Sneakers
“The chunky sneaker trend continues to make its mark in 2024, but with a more refined, sculptural twist. High tops are getting more attention with innovative materials and patterns, giving a nod to vintage basketball aesthetics,” says Marie. Kirori also notes shoppers are opting for thicker soles with platform silhouettes that can add height and lean into more personal style preferences. The new chunky sneaker look has been embraced by celebrities like Katie Holmes, who has worn gray dad sneakers and colorful options from under-the-radar brand PONY over the past few months.
Adidas Sambae Sneakers
Stuart Weitzman Chunky Sole Sneakers
New Balance 550 Basketball Sneakers
Alexander McQueen Oversized Sneakers
Cloudtilt Athletic Sneaker
H&M Chunky Sneakers
Color-Blocked Sneakers
Color-blocked sneakers can add a complementary pop of color to an outfit and provide the perfect opportunity to experiment with different colors. Try teaming an all-white outfit (even after Labor Day!) with a pair of red-and-white sneakers as an easy way to incorporate the trendy cherry red color into your wardrobe.
Golden Goose Ball Star Low Top Sneakers
Autry Medalist Low Leather Sneakers
Tory Burch Clover Court Sneakers
Salomon Gender Inclusive X-Mission 4 Sneakers
Dolce Vita Notice Sneaker
Rag & Bone Retro Runner Slim Sneakers
Brightly-Colored Sneakers
It makes sense for brightly colored sneakers to trend with the warmer weather, offering personality and mood-boosting effects. Marie notes that pastel hues, especially in mismatched or gradient combinations, are also a trending summer shoe style and will transition into pre-fall. While red has been one of the definitive color trends of the year, unexpected hues like lime green—inspired by Charli XCX’s Brat album era—have also bubbled up everywhere, including the sneakers market.
Loewe X Paula’s Ibiza Flow Runner Suede Sneakers
Gola Elan Sneakers
P448 Monza Sneakers
Stella McCartney S-Wave Sport Kneet Mesh Sneakers
Sam Edelman Isabel Sneakers
PUMA Easy Rider Vintage Sneakers
Black Sneakers
This summer, black sneakers have become a popular minimalist alternative to chunky loafers and ballet flats. Co-signs from It-girls like Kaia Gerber, who wore a pair from Nike’s buzzy collaboration with Bode, and Jennifer Lawrence, who prefers a pair of $70 sneakers from Vans, have solidified black sneakers as a trend to incorporate into your shoe arsenal come fall and winter.
Nike x Bode Astro Grabber “Black/Coconut Milk” Sneakers
Superga 2750 Cotu Classic Sneakers
Isabel Marant Beth Sneakers
Converse Chuck 70 Sneakers
Vans Old Skool Sneakers
Reebok Classic Nylon Sneakers
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Printed Sneakers
Printed sneakers, like the now-viral pair from Adidas’s collaboration with British brand Wales Bonner, have become a trend following years of quiet luxury-inspired kicks. Perfect for fashion girls looking to play in maximalist accessory territory, these sneakers are splashy without going overboard. Even a classic all-black outfit gets a refresh with a fun pair like these.
Adidas X Wales Bonner Samba Sneakers
Vans Classic Slip-On Sneakers
Gucci Tennis 1977 Slip-On Sneakers
Alohas 490 Rife Soft Tan Leather Sneakers
Tretorn Nylite Plus Sneakers
Converse Chuck 70 Cherries Sneakers
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