Let’s face it, the last 12 months have given us a lot to talk about in the way of shoe trends (and if this year wasn’t the year that you bought a pair of ballet pumps, mid-heel boots, Margiela Tabis, moto boots, or kitten heeled slingbacks, what exactly were you wearing?). But if there is one shoe that we can guarantee will never go out of style, its 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 to 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 have been the starting point. The pairs that I do own, I have been wearing for a years, a testament to their long-wearing 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, and asking my esteemed colleagues “what are your predictions for the biggest trainer trends in 2024?”, and the results may surprise you.
Some styles you will recognise (and frankly, white trainers never date), others you will find to be fashion Marmite (some of my personal faves), but either way, I’m confident that these are the flat shoes about set the tone for the year ahead. 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 5 trainer trends that I know you’re going to want to get your hands on.
Style Notes: After the first drop of 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 the these uber-cool trainers would be. From the exaggerated tongue to the knee-high sock styling, the latest drop of Samba’s are a loving homage to vintage football fashion. And 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.
Act fast, you’ll be lucky to catch these before a restock.
I have a feeling I’m going to spot these during fashion week.
New Balance always know to make sporty sneakers feel 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.
Style Notes: Those with a real sneaker sensibility will have seen Onitsuka Tiger’s Mexico 66 trainers reappearing over the last 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 William’s grey and denim pairing (pictured above), but maximalists—Marni’s head-to-yellow moment might be one for you.
Easily one of the biggest cult shoe styles of the last 12 months.
These make me feel happier just by looking at them.
Just the pop of colour an all-black outfit needs.
Just add a fluffy black jumper and grey wide-leg trousers.
Let’s not forget high-tops too!
Style Notes: In a move away from colour and focusing on silhouette, retro trainers are still a 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 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 chunky enough sole to add a little lift.
By all accounts, these are cloud by name, cloud soft by nature.
It’s worth getting a shoe that you can wear for performance and fashion.
Asics have been popular for well over a decade.
Style Notes: Looking for something a little bit more pared-back? If you’re in need of 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. The embodiment of quiet luxury in an even quieter shoe.
Bottega don’t just make covetable bags, there’s shoes too.
Minimalist perfection? It could only be The Row.
These will go with everything in your wardrobe.
The wool texture is so good for winter.
Style Notes: Sorry white and grey Sambas, you still deserve a place in our wardrobes but judging by the incredibly low stock on just about every retailer I searched through, bold and bright Adidas Gazelles and Handball styles are being snapped up like hot cakes. Perhaps it’s their vintage charm, maybe the dopamine-inducing hues, but these rainbow brights are being styled up with everything from suits to summer dresses, and suddenly I find myself wanting a pair in every colour.
“Red and green should never be seen”, except for in this case.
These would look great with black denim.
Take tips from Francesca Saffari and try wearing these with long dresses.
These are similar to the pink pair in 2022’s Gucci X Adidas collab, but at a fraction of the cost.
