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.
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 before the year ends, from chunky sneakers to low-profile minimalist styles. Like the sheer amount of eye-catching new sneakers that dropped last year, the weeks and months of 2024 are also poised to have some exciting new developments.
Sneaker Trends at a Glance
- Neutral Sneakers
- Slim Sneakers
- Chunky Sneakers
- Color-Blocked Sneakers
- Brightly-Colored Sneakers
- Black Sneakers
- Printed Sneakers
- Velcro Sneakers
- Brown Sneakers
- Suede Sneakers
- Sporty Sneakers
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.
Opting for sneakers that aren't stark white is an easy way to add color to your outfit. Pairing them with other neutrals for a tonal neutral look.
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.
The Adidas Samba sneaker will forever be a wardrobe staple and should be treated as such. Style them with other classic pieces, like trousers and a trench, for an elevated outfit boost.
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.
Chunky sneakers are back with a refreshed look for 2024.
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.
Block it all out with color-blocked sneakers. Changing the color of your sneakers makes playing with brighter hues more accessible.
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. Some of the picks on this list are recommended by Marie Claire's own Editor in Chief Nikki Ogunnaike, who includes them as a part of her personal style must-haves.
Bright sneakers add a boost of fun to otherwise classic ensembles, proving their unexpected wearability.
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.
Black sneakers offer a stylish alternative to white options that often get dirty easily, as proven by members of the street style set.
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.
Printed sneakers offer an easy way to add spice to an otherwise neutral outfit. The trend is popular in cities like Copenhagen, where street style is often more playful than it is stateside.
Velcro Sneakers
Velcro sneakers are one of the more surprising and under-the-radar trends on the market these days. Options from brands like Vans have always been around as an easy-on-easy-off option, but new elevated options from Sam Edelman and Veja prove they're here to stay on the sneaker scene.
Velcro sneakers are the easy on, easy off basic that you can use to elevate your everyday outfits.
Brown Sneakers
Brown is one of fall's trending colors, so it makes sense that the shade permeates the footwear world, too. Whether you opt for a luxe suede pair from Prada or a sporty version from Nike, you'll be perfectly on-trend.
Brown sneakers offer a different take on the dark sneaker trend.
Rich-Looking Suede Sneakers
Suede sneakers have cemented as the luxe, elevated trend to add to your winter collection. Classic brands like New Balance have long dominated the space with their dad and model-adored sneakers, but now you can also shop under-$100 options from brands like Sam Edelman.
Sporty Sneakers
Fashion girls have long loved the wrong shoe theory. This year's styling of oversized, sporty sneakers takes that theory to a new level. Even the preppiest outfits benefit from being styled with a pair of sporty, rugged sneakers. Brands like On, Hoka, and Solomon are frontrunners for shoppers looking to emulate the look.
Sporty sneakers add edge to an otherwise preppy outfit.
