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Believe it or not, it’s already time to figure out key sneaker trends 2024 for this summer —not that we’re complaining. Since you’re already revamping your wardrobe with the cutest spring and summer fashion trends, you might as well refresh your shoe collection at the same time. And this year, the newest, most of-the-moment options are especially good.
The overall vibe, as we’ve deduced from countless hours of walking around New York, is athletic, with slim, retro styles—especially Adidas Sambas—reigning supreme among 2024 shoe trends. (Blame tenniscore.) Color-wise, there are two camps: neutrals (like ecru and black) and stunners (like bright yellow and vibrant pink) that’ll be dominating street style this season. There will be plenty of chances to go loud with your footwear, too, especially with metallics and printed uppers trending.
Ready to bring your sneakers up to speed before everyone else does? These are the sneaker trends 2024 we’ll be wearing this summer and beyond, including high-performance gems and picks that look great with summer dresses. Oh, and don’t worry about investing; these picks might be trendy now, but we’re excited to style them far into the future.
1. Slim, sporty sneakers
The street-style set has spoken: We’re in for a summer of slim sneakers. Adidas Sambas are still just as hot as they were last summer, especially on the heels of several high-profile collaborations with Wales Bonner. (Good luck trying to find any of those Sambas still in stock.) Heritage silhouettes from brands like Puma, Nike, and Gola are also enjoying a major moment, as are ’00s-inspired picks from the likes of Jeffrey Campbell. No matter which pair you choose, style them with white crew socks for the full effect.
2. Candy-colored kicks
Shoes often act like a period at the end of a sentence: correct, necessary, unremarkable. But this season, challenge yourself to think of your sneakers more like an exclamation point, since that’s exactly what the fashion crowd is doing with theirs. Pops of super-saturated colors are just what you need to break yourself free from a personal-style rut. “I’m wearing color, dammit, and I look cool!” they scream from your feet. We wouldn’t have it any other way.
3. Tenniscore footwear
With the release of Challengers, the rise of pickleball, and a general obsession with stealth wealth in the air, it’s shaping up to be the summer of court sports. Lean into tenniscore with a great pair of comfy court sneakers; on top of making your summer whites pop, they’ll be a lifesaver the next time you’re on your feet for hours on end.
4. Scandi-girl styling
Scandinavian style is a lesson in wrong-shoe theory, and it’s all the rage for 2024. Nordic girls love pairing their chunkiest, most technical workout shoes with more feminine pieces like voluminous skirts and summer skirts—and somehow, it always works. It’s no coincidence that this styling is popping off right now, given that brands like Hoka, Asics, Salomon, and On are perhaps more popular than ever before. Next time you have no idea what to wear, reach for these on-trend kicks, a pair of colorful socks, and a cute dress; you’ll look like a fashion insider.
5. Eye-catching prints
If you managed to get your hands on a pair of the Adidas x Wales Bonner leopard-print Sambas, congrats—you won. But for the rest of us, there’s still hope: Printed sneakers are shaping up to be one of the biggest sneaker trends of the summer, and there are plenty more options to choose from. Checkered Vans, preppy Tretorns, and fruit-covered Keds will dress up a denim skirt or pair of jeans with zero effort, and they’re just the start.
6. New neutrals
It’s not that stark white sneakers are completely out of the picture this season, but we’re quickly moving toward more lived-in neutrals like ecru, bone, and ivory. (Think of this shift as a way to avoid having to get some grime on your new sneakers.) Thankfully, you can find virtually every silhouette in off-white right now, from New Balance’s basketball sneakers to Superga’s royals-approved plimsolls. Like true neutrals, they go with everything—wide-leg jeans, pleated skirts, flowy dresses, you name it.
7. Silver shoes
Another style that enjoyed a moment last summer, silver shoes are still alive and kicking in 2024. It makes sense: They’re the easiest way to add some personality to an otherwise lacking outfit, instantly upping your level of cool. If you’re more of a court sneaker person, we recommend going with Alohas or Sam Edelman; if you like a more techy look, Nike and Puma have you covered. And even fashion crowd favorites like Bottega Veneta are on board this season, proving it’s high time to invest in a pair.