These 12 Sneaker Trends Are Taking Over in 2024, According to Stylists

New year, new shoe trends: That’s a shopping justification we can fully get behind. While we all have our favorites when it comes to sneakers, if you're looking for some fresh inspiration, the top 2024 sneaker trends will help you switch up your kicks. Ahead, we asked three stylists for their insights on the silhouettes that are sure to be everywhere in the weeks and months to come. Whether you’re craving a chunky dad-like silhouette or a bold pop of color, ahead you’ll find 12 sneaker trends worth considering for your next footwear purchase.

Retro Sporty Spice

Over the past year we've gotten heavy fashion inspiration from both the ‘70s and the early 2000s, and according to NYC-based stylist Audree Kate López, the throwback trend is continuing in 2024. "Adidas Sambas have become the same level of popularity as the Adidas Stan Smiths were in 2016 and Air Force Ones in 2018/2019, and most recently Nike Dunks," she says. "Some retro sneakers that are making a comeback include the Sambas, Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66, Nike Killshot, and Puma Super Liga."

Converse Comeback

Another throwback footwear trend bound to be everywhere in 2024? Chuck Taylors. "2010s fashion is slowly coming back this year with indie sleaze and Tumblr girl [aesthetics], and Converse really defined this decade," López says. "We’re seeing the classic Chuck Taylor styles but also chunkier, thick soles and platform Converse enter the chat."

Metallic Runners

Silver has wiggled its way back into the mainstream across fashion and jewelry, and the trend is spilling over into footwear in 2024. "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," López says. "It pulls the look together, and there is no need for a high heel because metallic sneakers really add that statement and pop."

Pumped Up Kicks

Chunky sneakers are another ongoing footwear trend expected to soar in 2024. "Fresh off the runways, this exaggerated cloud-like platform sole is having a moment," says Revolve fashion director Divya Mathur. "And here, bigger is better." A few popular chunky sneakers to consider include the On Cloudmonster, the Hoka Bondi 8, and the APL Zipline.

Hiking-Inspired

Gorpcore, hiking style—whatever you want to call it, López says that outdoorsy-looking sneakers are making traction in 2024: "They’re chunky, colorful, and perfectly showcase the wrong shoe theory." Mathur agrees: “As Gorpcore evolves, we’re seeing sneakers with true technical details merged with high fashion sensibility–perfect for pairing with your North Face or your Bottega,” she says.

Girl Shoes 

Surely you’ve seen it all over social media: 2024 is the year of the girl. "We’ve heard of ‘girl dinner,’ ‘girl math,’ and the increasing popularity of coquette and balletcore—so we’re noticing this enter the shoe world with more pink shoes, ballet sneakers, sneakers with ribbon laces, rhinestones, tulle, texture, and all things ‘girly,’" López says. "These can be dressed up with a dress or skirt, or kept simple with denim and chunky white socks."

Pop of Color 

Minimalism is out, and in its place, among other things, is a bold pop of color. "Don’t tread lightly—make a statement with a bold-colored sneaker," Mathur says. "We’re loving an all-over hue with a bright pop of contrasting color." Prime examples of the colorful footwear trend? The Adidas Gazelle platform sneakers and Nike Dunk Lows, which have become wildly popular with new colors selling out in record time. While you can never go wrong with a pop of color, López says that burgundy, red, yellow, pink, and color block sneakers are set to be most popular for bold footwear. As for how to style the trend, Free People stylist Cindy Suzuki suggests pairing your classic-meets-color silhouettes with jeans-and-sweater outfit combos.

Prints, Please

In addition to bright colors making their way into footwear, prints have, too. "The leopard print Adidas are my Roman Empire," Suzuki says. "Printed shoes are on the rise in the influencer world, partly thanks to the drop of the Wales Bonner leopard sneaker last year. With the rise of all things custom/DIY in recent years, I expect to see cult-favorite sneaker styles get revamped with prints throughout this year."

Not sure you can pull off printed sneakers? Suzuki says you absolutely can. "I’m always keen on incorporating some kind of print in my outfits, as they help break up textures and solid staples–and it’s a fun way to do the wrong shoe theory," she shares. "For those looking to give the viral theory a go, start with checkered Vans—I love the idea of these paired with workwear or suiting styles for a quirky spin."

Y2K Running Sneaker

Remember the dad sneaker? This year, it’s all about the Y2K track star silhouette. "The Y2K running sneaker is the ‘It’ sneaker for 2024," López says. "It’s the updated, [slightly] sleeker version of the chunky dad sneaker that was super popular a few years ago. This sneaker can easily replace your go-to white sneaker—the Nike Air Force One or Veja—it adds a little color to the outfit, and gives nods to Y2K and eclectic grandpa [aesthetics]."

Eclectic Grandpa

"Make way, 2024, the eclectic grandpa trend is here," Suzuki exclaims. "As one of this year’s first fashion trends, we’re seeing retro styles (think cardigans and vests) get an updated colorful, crafty twist. I love that this trend focuses on primary colors and collegiate elements—hello, varsity jackets!—invoking a quirky take on heritage styles." In terms of footwear, Suzuki says that gum sole and leather sneakers take precedence. "Look to styles like the Reebok Club Cs or Vans Sport Lows when giving this trend a try," she says. "Our favorite We The Free sneakers also work perfectly in this trend, as you can add charms, bows, or mix and match colored laces on these sneakers for a more personalized look. Thanks for the inspo, gramps."

Suzuki isn’t the only one fawning over the eclectic grandpa footwear trend. López looks forward to its rise, too: "Similar to the Y2K running sneaker, eclectic grandpa core is the newest version of coastal grandmother, and it involves more menswear-inspired pieces, color, mixing prints and patterns, and the ‘wrong shoe theory’ of adding a chunky, clunky dad/grandpa sneaker in the mix."

Textured Tennies

Another sneaker trend popping up everywhere in 2024? Textured designs. "2024 is not the year of understated minimalist sneakers," López says. "Texture will be huge this year, but we’re seeing denim, raw edge fringe, suede, leather, vinyl, and metallic [elements] in sneakers this year."

Slip-On/Velcro Styles

Hoping to get ahead of the top sneaker trends? "This is still very early, but I see velcro and slip-on sneakers really make their comeback over the next couple of years," López says. "We’re currently seeing it with the athletic sneakers from the Y2K area, but I see Vans slip-ons and velcro sneakers make their re-appearance since they were very popular in the 2010s."