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.
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
- Slim Sneakers
- Chunky Sneakers
- Color-Blocked Sneakers
- Brightly-Colored Sneakers
- Black Sneakers
- Printed 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.
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.
Meet The Experts
From fashion and beauty to travel and wellness, Diana enjoys all things lifestyle. Most of her time is spent making recommendations and styling content for inspiration. She strives to create a platform where people can feel positively present, and engage with the people and brands she loves.
Jamie Lee is a footwear buyer at Moda Operandi. Born and raised in Seoul, South Korea, she spent half of her life in Korea and the other half in the United States. She began her buying career at Dover Street Market New York. She now lives and works in NYC.
Kia Marie, popularly known as The Notorious K.I.A. is a Stylist & Content Creator from Brooklyn, NY. She was able to turn her love for fashion, style, and creativity into a full-time career. As a Personal Style Expert, she helps her audience discover their unique personal style and make smarter shopping decisions. She believes money does not buy style and loves sharing creative ways to get the most out of your wardrobe. With over a decade in the business, she is an industry leader and continues to push the culture forward.
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