Meet the Sneaker Trends Already Taking Over 2020

Sneaker trends are ever-changing and seem to differ dramatically from year to year. Just think back to the evolution of sneakers from the "dad” shoes, super-chunky styles, and platform silhouettes that have defined trends in the past few seasons. It's still early in 2020, but there are already some clear frontrunners that are already being adopted by celebrities and fashion insiders alike.

Instagram and the street style scene are good places to spot a number of sneaker trends that are winning so far this year. From retro styles that have been reinvented for the moment to the colors that will define the year ahead to the styling tricks we’re seeing among the style set and more, ahead discover the sneaker trends to know about right now and shop our edit for the upcoming year.

Bright Colors

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(Image credit: Splash Images)

On Hailey Bieber: Adidas x Ivy Park Sports Bra, Cycling Shorts, Cargo Pants, and Nite Jogger Sneakers; Kanye West Long Sleeve Shirt; Jennifer Fisher Baby Samira Hoop Earrings ($500); Celine Edge Sunglasses

Hailey Bieber is showing her stamp of approval for the bold sneaker trend, here spotted wearing the already sold out Adidas Ivy Park Nite Jogger sneakers.

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(Image credit: @nnennaechem)

One cool way to style them? A head-to-toe look that is fully committed to strong, bright colors, like this outfit from Nnenna in Copenhagen.

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Throwback Reissues

Throwback sneakers are huge right now. From the New Balance 990 silhouette, which first came out in 1982, to the Reebok Club C, which was originally released in 1985, retro reissues are destined to be one of the year's biggest trends.

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

On Kaia Gerber: Brandy Melville Christy Colorado Aspen Hoodie; Sacai Blazer; Re/Done High Rise Medium Flare Jeans; New Balance 990V5 Sneakers ($275); Gucci Jackie Nylon Bag

Make like Kaia Gerber and wear throwback New Balance sneakers with a hoodie, jeans, and oversize blazer. To me, this is the ultimate airport look.

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(Image credit: @kristenmarienichols)

I'm personally behind the throwback sneaker reissue trend myself and have been wearing the Reebok Club C style on repeat—whether pairing them with a workout set or with jeans.

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Running Shoes

While running shoes are often reserved for the gym, they're now being incorporated into outfits as a style statement. Sporty, functional styles from brands like Nike and Asics are everywhere at the moment. And the coolest way to wear them? Styled with sweatpants and tube socks.

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(Image credit: @sportyandrich)

Just look to label Sporty & Rich for the coolest way to style running shoes this year. Worn with sweatpants and tube socks, this is the ultimate sneaker outfit pairing that we'll be seeing dominate in 2020.

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(Image credit: @discodaydream)

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Next, read about the biggest swimsuit trends for 2020.

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Associate Director, Special Projects

Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.