We can all agree that a new year means new shoe trends. The top 2024 sneaker styles will inspire you to change up your sneakers. We all have our favorite pairs of shoes, but if you want some new inspiration, these trends can help. Three stylists shared their thoughts on the silhouettes they think will be popular in the coming weeks and months. Whether you want a chunky, dad-like silhouette for your next shoe purchase or a pop of bold color, you will find 12 sneaker styles worth considering.
Retro Sporty Spice
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Audree K. Lopez, a NYC-based stylist, says that the throwback fashion trend will continue in 2024. She says that the Adidas Sambas are as popular today as Air Force Ones, Stan Smiths and Nike Dunks. Retro sneakers are making a big comeback, including the Sambas. Other retro sneakers include Onitsuka Tiger Mexico66, Nike Killshot and Puma Super Liga.
Converse Comeback
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What other throwback shoe trend will be popular in 2024? Chuck Taylors. Lopez says that Converse defined the decade of 2010s fashion. We’re seeing classic Chuck Taylors, but also chunkier thick soles and Converse platform shoes.
Metallic Runners
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In 2024, silver will be a major trend in fashion and jewelry. “Over the past couple of years, silver has made her comeback with jewelry and accessories, and now metallic silver sneakers are the model-off-duty/cool-girl sneaker of street style,” Lopez says. It pulls together the look, and you don’t need a high-heeled shoe because metallic sneakers add a statement and pop.
Pumped up Kicks
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Another footwear trend that is expected to grow in popularity by 2024 are chunky sneakers. Revolve fashion director Divya mathur says that this cloud-like platform is a recent runway trend. And here, bigger is always better. Some chunky shoes to consider are the On Cloudmonster and Hoka Bondi 8.
Hiking-Inspired
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Lopez agrees: “They are chunky, colorful and show off the wrong shoe philosophy perfectly.” Mathur also agrees. “As Gorpcore develops, we are seeing sneakers that combine technical details with high fashion sensibility. Perfect for pairing with North Face or Bottega,” says Mathur.
Girl Shoes
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You’ve probably seen it on social media. 2024 is the Year of the Girl. Lopez says, “We’ve seen a lot of girly things like ‘girl math’, ‘girl dinner’, and the growing popularity of balletcore and coquette. We’re seeing this trend in the shoe industry with pink shoes, ballet sneaker, sneakers with ribbon lacing, rhinestones and tulle and texture. These can be dressed up or down with a skirt or dress, or simply with chunky white socks and denim.
Pop of Color
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The minimalist look is gone, replaced by a pop of bold color. Mathur advises, “Don’t be afraid to make a statement by wearing a sneaker in a bright color.” “We love an all-over color with a pop of bright contrast color.” What are some of the best examples of colorful footwear? Adidas Gazelle platform shoes and Nike Dunk Lows have been wildly successful, with new colors being sold out in record-breaking time. Lopez believes that while you can’t go wrong with color, burgundy and red sneakers, color blocks, pink and yellow are the most popular. Cindy Suzuki, Free People’s stylist, suggests styling the trend by pairing classic silhouettes with color-block sneakers and jeans and sweater outfits.
Please Print
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Prints have also made their way onto footwear. Suzuki claims that the leopard-print Adidas is his Roman Empire. The influencers are wearing more printed shoes, thanks in part to the release of the Wales Bonner Leopard sneaker last year. “With the recent rise in DIY and custom, I anticipate that cult sneaker styles will be updated with prints this year.”
You’re not sure if you can wear printed sneakers? Suzuki says that you can. She says, “I love to incorporate prints into my outfits as they break up textures and solids. It’s also a fun way of implementing the wrong shoe hypothesis.” If you want to try the viral shoe theory, I recommend starting with checkered Vans. They look great with suits or workwear.
Y2K Runner Sneaker
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Remember the dad sneakers? The Y2K silhouette is the big thing this year. Lopez claims that the Y2K sneaker will be the “It” sneaker in 2024. It’s an updated version, [slightly] sleeker of the chunky father sneaker which was popular a few year ago. This sneaker is a great alternative to your white sneakers, such as the Nike Air Force One and Veja. It adds a pop of color to any outfit and pays homage to Y2K.
Eclectic grandpa
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Suzuki declares, “Make room, 2024. The eclectic grandpa is here.” As one of the first fashion trends for this year, we see retro styles (think vests and cardigans) getting an updated colorful, creative twist. This trend is a great example of collegiate style, with its varsity jackets and primary colors. It’s a fun way to update heritage styles. Suzuki states that leather and gum sole sneakers are the most popular footwear. When trying this trend, she suggests styles such as the Reebok Club Cs and Vans Sport Lows. Our favorite We The Free shoes also fit this trend perfectly, since you can add bows, charms or mix and match colors on the laces for a more customized look. “Thanks for the inspiration, Gramps.”
Suzuki is not the only person who loves the eclectic grandpa shoe trend. Lopez is also looking forward to it: “Eclectic grandpa core, similar to the Y2K sneaker, is the newest variant of coastal grandmother and involves more menswear inspired pieces, color and mixing prints and patterns. It also includes the ‘wrong shoes theory’ that adds a chunky and clunky Dad/Grandpa sneaker to the mix.”
Textured Tennies
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What will be the next sneaker trend in 2024? Textured designs. Lopez states that 2024 will not be the year for minimalist shoes. This year’s sneakers will feature a variety of textures, including denim, raw-edge fringe, leather, vinyl and metallic elements.
Slip-On/Velcro Styles
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Want to be the first to know about the latest sneaker trends? Lopez says that although it is early in the year, he believes slip-on and velcro sneakers will make a big comeback within the next two years. We’re seeing it now with athletic sneakers that date back to the year 2000, but I think Vans slip ons and velcro shoes will make a comeback since they were popular in the 2010s.
