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.
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.
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.
For a double pop of colour…
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.
You can’t go wrong with monochrome.
A lilac hue is perfect for spring.
This green and white pair is one of the hardest to find.
Looking to dip your toe into the New Balance trend? These are perfect.
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.
Pair these with a midi dress and cardigan as it gets warmer.
A very ’70s colourway.
This pair has a super luxe feel.
Understated yet cool, the beige style is right at the top of my list.
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…
How fun are those orange accents?
Imagine these with leggings and a sweatshirt at the weekend.
This colourway is surprisingly versatile. Style with neutrals or pick out the bold shades. The choice is yours!
Made even better by the fact they’re part-recycled.
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.
I’m thinking these will look particularly good with white jeans and a cream knit.
Fashion girls love these classic trainers, and for good reason.
A brown and cream combo is so dreamy.
There’s nothing The Row can’t do.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
Next Up: It’s Official: These 5 Trainer Trends Are Set to Replace White Sambas in 2024