It's Official: These 5 Trainer Styles Will Be Everywhere This Year
As a self-confessed comfort dresser, I gave in to the pull of trainers a long time ago. Nowadays, you’ll find me sporting my scuffed-up cream Converse Chuck 70s on a near-daily basis. I can happily wear these trusty soles all day long without them pinching my feet, but that’s not the only reason I love them. They also go with the majority of my wardrobe, infusing all my outfits with an ‘I just threw it on’ attitude.
This year, I’m determined to branch out from my well-worn Converse and try out some new trainer styles. And to make the task simpler, five key designs have emerged over the past couple of months that the fashion world has fallen head over heels for. If you keep up with celebrity style or spend your evenings scrolling Instagram, the chances are you’ve already spotted at least one of them. Presuming there are others like me who are seeking box-fresh to see them through 2024 (and beyond), I’ve rounded up these trending treads below.
From Adidas’ retro-style runners to Gola’s colourful kicks, head on down to see and shop 2024's defining sneaker styles.
1. Colourful Adidas
Style Notes: We know Adidas sneakers are having a moment, and have been for well over a year now. But vibrant iterations in particular are shaping up to be one of 2024's dominant trainer trends. If fashion people had to come together and save just one sneaker style, I’d place my money on it being either the Samba or Gazelle—both of which are refreshingly affordable at just under £100.
Shop Adidas:
Cobalt blue looks so good with light or dark wash denim.
The gum sole is classic, but this feels like a fresh take.
Red seems to be all the fashion set can wear right now.
2. New Balance 550s
Style Notes: If you’re looking for a starter sneaker, this is it. The chunky design is the perfect mix of sporty and sleek, especially if you opt for the plain white or black version. I know so many people who own these, and not one of them has a bad word to say.
Shop New Balance:
Looking to dip your toe into the New Balance trend? These are perfect.
3. Onitsuka Tiger Mexico
Style Notes: It seems like retro-style runners are gaining momentum rather than losing it to ultra-modern styles. Onitsuka Tiger hits the mark with its nostalgic Mexico trainer, an easy shape available in bold and toned-down colourways.
Shop Onitsuka Tiger:
4. Gola Classics
Style Notes: If Liv Purvis approves, so do I. Gola's sneakers are functional and fun, featuring bright hues and thick soles. The hard part is deciding which colour combination to go for…
Shop Gola:
This colourway is surprisingly versatile. Style with neutrals or pick out the bold shades. The choice is yours!
5. Any Brown Sneakers
Style Notes: Lindsey's Adidas x Wales Bonner sneakers are sadly sold out (for now), but there are plenty of other brown sneakers to try out. This colour choice makes the sporty footwear feel a lot more premium, especially suede iterations.
Shop brown sneakers:
I'm thinking these will look particularly good with white jeans and a cream knit.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
Next Up: The Only Spring/Summer 2024 Fashion Trends I'm Bothered About
Bébhinn Campbell is an Edinburgh-based fashion and lifestyle writer and editor. She started her first blog at age 14 and went on to intern at print and digital publications in Berlin and London, including Dazed & Confused and Indie magazine.
A job at a fashion startup took Bébhinn from Ireland to Scotland in 2019, where she now works as a freelance journalist and copywriter covering everything from travel and interiors to styling advice. As a contributor to Who What Wear, Bébhinn always keeps her eyes peeled for emerging trends and looks worth writing about. She prides herself on her ability to cut through the noise and identify solid investment buys, exciting new brands and fresh takes on classic design.
In her spare time, Bébhinn enjoys perusing Edinburgh’s best vintage shops, working through her out-of-control book collection and watching dog reels on Instagram.
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