We’re nearly through the year, and the sneaker trends of 2023 have been nothing shy of intriguing. While some of the colors we're seeing are similar to those of the trendiest sneakers of 2022, this year is all about honing in on the specific pairs of sneakers that will elevate any look—ones that come in enough colors to satisfy any sneakerhead.
I turned to Charlotte Browning, a sneakers strategist at trend forecasting platform WSGN, and Kendall Becker, the fashion and beauty trends editor at Trendalytics, to make my search a little easier. Turns out, six major sneaker trends and colors have emerged over the past few months.
- It Girl-approved sneakers are those shoes that seem to pop up in every street style photo, regardless of the season.
- Slender, close-to-the-foot-styles like the Adidas Samba have remained popular.
- Ultra-sporty, technical styles that would look equally good on the hiking trail as they would on the streets of New York or Los Angeles are everywhere this season, especially in more playful or unexpected colorways.
- Wear-everywhere sneakers that come in clean colorways like cream, white, and green are taking center stage as we move away from in-your-face chunky sneakers.
- Orange has cemented itself as one of summer 2023’s trending colors, and now it’s coming for your sneaker collection.
- Silver has become the go-to color of the season thanks to collaborations between Wales Boner and Adidas, among others.
- Tan and oatmeal-colored sneakers are popping up as a way to add some versatility to your everyday routine—especially if you're looking for work sneakers.
- Blue is one of the top colors for the Fall season, so it makes sense that blue sneakers are everywhere.
Deals on Sneakers
It-Girl Approved Sneakers
"It-girl approved" sneakers lean minimalistic in terms of silhouette and color palette, but that certainly doesn't have to mean all-white," says Becker. She notes that some designer sneaker options, like the Chloe Nama sneaker, are outfitted with elevated details like a textured surface in different color combinations to suit your style.
"Creamy shades, in addition to unlikely color combos, are the key if you're looking to make a statement," Becker explains. Plus, the sneaker has gotten the Midas touch recently thanks to collaborations with brands like Stussy and Aime Leon Dore.
Case in point: If you're looking to emulate the same It-girl style in 2023, look for pale or white sneakers with slight tweaks in their design—subtle color-blocking, an array of textures, or a modern silhouette.
These are the official cool-girl sneakers that you can actually find in stock. After selling out over and over again last summer, these black and white versions of New Balance's 550 Sneakers are here to stay. When it comes to styling them, I prefer to lean into the unisex energy—try them with baggy cargo pants, oversized T-shirts, or with a leather jacket!
These best-selling sneakers from Chloé are worth the investment. Available in 10 colorways, they're bound to match the rest of your closet. Plus, the colorway makes styling them surprisingly easy. This navy and cream colorway is great for the office, so team them with a pair of khaki or cream-colored trousers and a T-shirt, or throw on a blazer if your office is more professional.
Customer Review: "Fits true size, very comfortable. Love the look of my new Chloe tennis shoes!" — Nordstrom
The cool dad sneakers to end all cool dad sneakers, the New Balance 99ov6s are here to stay—apologies to everyone who loved them before they became Hollywood's favorite comfy sneaker. The gray color makes for easy styling to boot. Just swap out your white sneakers for this gray option. Pair them with your favorite light-wash straight-leg jeans and a white baby tee for the ultimate Hailey Bieber outfit. Your feet will thank you.
I own (and swear by!) these Nike Blazer Mid '77 High Top Sneakers. They are, simply put, one of the most versatile sneakers that I own. I was inspired to buy them after seeing them on one of my favorite style influencers, who teamed them nearly exclusively with voluminous midi skirts and dresses. I hate that inch of exposed skin between the hemline of your skirt and your foot, and this pair of leather sneakers takes care of that for me in a pinch. Plus, unlike my favorite heeled summer boots, they don't make my feet ache.
Customer Review: "These fit very true to size and were the perfect sneaker for work with an added bounce in the sole." — Nordstrom
"Veja's newest Impala sneaker is here for all of your workout needs. Designed to be worn at the gym rather than running, this versatile pick is lightweight, supportive, and breathable on-foot. As someone who is always looking for a new sneaker to spend the day in, I'm happily obsessed with this pair. Even after wearing them for hours, I never feel them on my feet at the end of the day." — Julia Marzovilla, E-Commerce Editor
Keep it Close
Fashion insiders have long been pulling their sneaker collection inspiration from decades past. Think about the rise of boldly-colored '80s-inspired high-top sneakers. That sensibility is showing no signs of stopping in 2023 with the resurgence of 90s-inspired, minimalist options. “The chunky sneaker continues to decline as we see consumer demand shift to alternative styles that include platform sneaker styles,” says Browning.
Just about every celebrity has been spotted in this style of sneaker, from Harry Styles’s “Satellite Stomper” Adidas Gazelles to Kendall Jenner’s favorite aforementioned Samba sneakers from the brand. Shoes from Onitsuka Tiger have also risen in popularity recently, and have been spotted on Hailey Bieber and Kaia Gerber. Plus, the Nike Cortez is a longtime favorite.
These are one of those very trendy sneakers that are also very much worth the hype. I own them in both black and white and I wear them in equal measure. They're comfortable, yes, but they also go with everything I own, from mini skirts to denim shorts to trousers. I've found that these are the answer to the perfect office sneaker—they're low-profile and sleek and can be kept clean to the point of looking borderline formal. You can shop them in women's sizes 5 through 15.
Customer Review: "The Adidas Samba Vegan shoes are an impressive blend of comfort and sustainability. The faux-leather upper is surprisingly supple, while the Ortholite sockliner provides a cushioned, plush feel with every step. Retaining the classic Samba silhouette, these shoes are proof that style, comfort, and ethical production can harmoniously coexist. Highly recommended for eco-conscious consumers seeking cozy footwear!" — Adidas
If you're experiencing Adidas Gazelle and Samba fatigue this season, here's a new silhouette for you to consider for a similar look: The Adidas Spezial. Originally designed in 1979, the sportier, soccer-inspired style was popular throughout the '80s. The white-on-white color combination is fresh and the creamy accents can be toned up for fall with brown or darker neutral-toned pieces, and the rubber sole is sturdy and comfortable for all day wear, even if you’re not doing anything athletic.