Let's face it, the past 12 months have given us a lot to talk about in the way of shoe trends (and if last year wasn't the year that you bought a pair of ballet pumps, mid-heel boots, Margiela Tabis, moto boots, or kitten-heel slingbacks, what exactly were you wearing?). But if there's one shoe that we can guarantee will never go out of style, it's the humble trainer, and although I'm a card-carrying shoe girl, trainers haven't always been my go-to.
Forgive me, reader, as I must confess to being easily trend-led and distracted by the new and shiny styles that pop up on the runway, but this year was the year that I decided to make the sensible decision to invest in comfort as much as aesthetic, and trainers were the starting point. The pairs that I do own, I've been wearing for years; a testament to their enduring versatility, so for those on the hunt for a new shoe style to get behind, this one won't require regular trips to the cobbler.
Knowing just how important trainer trends are to sneakerheads, I set about finding out which pairs would come through as the most popular for 2024 in the only way I knew how: scouring the runways, searching street style images and asking my esteemed colleagues which trainers they're wearing. The results may surprise you.
Some styles you'll recognise (and frankly, white trainers never date), whilst others you'll find to be fashion Marmite (some of my personal faves), but either way, I'm confident that these are the next 'It' trainers. So, if you joined waiting lists to buy a pair of Adidas Sambas, know your New Balance 550s from your 530s, or have ever carried wipes to keep your trainers box-fresh, this is the list for you.
Keep scrolling to see the seven trainer trends that are already proving to be so popular in 2024.
Trainer Trends 2024: 8 Styles More Current Than Sambas This Autumn
1. THE NEW NEUTRALS
Style Notes: Anything Miu Miu touches, turns to gold—just look at the rise of the ultra micro mini or the polo shirt, for example. So when the latest New Balance collaboration set foot down the runway for spring/summer 2024, there was no doubt in our minds that muted tones of beige, brown and cream were set to be the next trainer trend. And of course we weren't wrong, with the likes of Loewe, Salomon and The Row solidifying these earthy shades as the autumn go-with-everything heroes. Similar-toned socks in earthy shades is a fail proof choice, but bright colours are also a good option if you're looking to add interest to your outfits.
SHOP NEUTRAL TRAINERS:
Just add cream jeans and an oversized button-up shirt.
So elegant.
Suede trainers are also making a comeback, so you can tick off two trends in one.
Yep, high tops are also having a resurgence this season.
2. FOOTBALLCORE
Style Notes: After the first drop of the Grace Wales Bonner X Adidas trainer collaboration landed and sold out almost immediately, we knew we'd have to be shrewd to get our hands on the next buzzy release, but we couldn't have predicted just how popular these uber-cool trainers would be. From the exaggerated tongue to the knee-high sock styling, the latest drop of Sambas is a loving homage to vintage football fashion. Take a look at the Ancuta Sarca and Cormio runways (pictured above) for a quite literal reinvention of the football boot that can be worn on and off the pitch. Any kind of sport socks will keep you comfortable and on trend.
SHOP FOOTBALLCORE TRAINERS:
Act fast—you'll be lucky to catch these before a restock.
New Balance always knows to make sporty sneakers feel street-ready.
With fans like Rihanna, Bella Hadid and Emily Ratajkowski, Salomon has made itself a name to know.
These aren't designed for wallflowers.
3. NOT-SO-MELLOW YELLOW
Style Notes: Those with a real sneaker sensibility will have seen Onitsuka Tiger's Mexico 66 trainers reappearing over the past year, brightening up street style pictures everywhere from London to Stockholm. Insiders at NET-A-PORTER have revealed that the brand will be dropping on-site from next year; conclusive proof that even luxury buyers are backing these instantly recognisable trainers, and if you're wondering how to style them, minimalists will love Lucy Williams' grey and denim pairing (pictured above), but maximalists—Marni's head-to-yellow moment might be for you. Black, white or yellow socks in any length will go well with yellow trainers.
SHOP YELLOW TRAINERS:
Okay, they're still Adidas, but the vitamin D kind.
Just the pop of colour an all-black outfit needs.
Ticking off two trends in one.
A little dose of sunshine.
4. RETRO GYM KICKS
Style Notes: In a move away from colour and focusing instead on silhouette, retro trainers are still head and shoulders above modern offerings, as the "dad trainer" has evolved into the It girl's off-duty shoe of choice. Although they may be designed for activewear, it's highly unlikely these trainers will see more action than airport outfits and brunch, but I can appreciate any trainer with a sole chunky enough to add a little lift. Opt for ankle-length styles in playful colours to add to the retro feels.
SHOP RETRO TRAINERS:
I love the subtle flash of green.
Your leggings' new best friends.
Cloud by name, cloud-soft by nature.
It's worth getting a pair of shoes that you can wear for performance and fashion.
5. MINIMALIST PLIMSOLLS
Style Notes: Looking for something a little bit more pared-back? If you're in need of a style so discreet you'll forget you're even wearing anything at all, a super-simple plimsoll, tennis shoe or slip-on is the kind of shoe you can rely on to help the rest of your outfit stand out. These pairs are the embodiment of quiet luxury in an even quieter shoe. Classic white, cream or beige socks will go seamlessly with these pared-back styles.
SHOP MINIMALIST PLIMSOLLS:
These will go with everything in your wardrobe.
Bottega doesn't just make covetable bags, there are shoes too.
Minimalist perfection? It could only be The Row.
This breathable, backless style is perfect for casual days out.
6. COLOUR-POP ADIDAS
Style Notes: Sorry, white and grey Sambas, you still deserve a place in our wardrobes, but judging by Instagram, bold and bright Adidas SL72 and Handball styles are being snapped up like hot cakes instead. Perhaps it's their vintage charm, maybe the dopamine-inducing hues, but these rainbow brights are being styled up with everything from suits to midi dresses, and suddenly I find myself wanting a pair in every colour. Wear with everything from ankle to knee-high socks depending on the aesthetic you're going for.
SHOP BOLD ADIDAS:
These are bound to make everyone you pass in the street smile.
Such a pretty colour combo.
For those who prefer more muted colours.
These are bound to sell out so fast.
7. TAKE A HIKE
Style Notes: Spend any time looking at trainers and you'll recognise this trend from 2023. Last year's biggest trainer trend, the hiking and trail-running trainer, continues into this year too with an emphasis on any shoe style that looks part-tech, part-trek. Although the runways showed them with everything from pretty dresses to micro minis, we're wearing ours with loose-leg jeans and statement tops. Opting for classic ankle sports socks will ensure your they don't roll down into the trainer and keep your feet comfortable.
SHOP ALL-TERRAIN TRAINERS:
I keep seeing these in all-black everywhere.
It doesn't get chicer than this.
Just add leggings and an oversized sweater.
Perfect for those on-the-run days.
8. BALLET SNEAKERS
Style Notes: Looking to pair one of 2024's biggest flat-shoe trends with the comfort of trainers? The ballet sneaker is your answer. Originally appearing in Simone Rocha's S/S show in 2021, the style has consistently made it's way back onto the runway year after year. For 2024, Simone Rocha brought the iconic shoe back with velcro straps to add to the sporty element, but there are also a lot of lace-up iterations on the market as well. Go without socks on milder days but a cosy cashmere style will look just as chic when its chilly.
SHOP BALLET SNEAKERS:
Simone Rocha has these in so many different colours and materials right now.
Wear this pretty pink pair with skirts, jeans and shorts alike.
These also come in a fun silver shade.
Don't these look so comfortable?
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