The rise of athleisure has seen sneakers becoming a staple in our wardrobes. No longer just a functional shoe for the gym or commuting, the sporty silhouette is now a lot cooler, with iconic sneaker brands upping their game each season.
“Sneakers are continuing to be the focal point for global fashion trends. They are an investment piece in our wardrobe with high versatility and repeatable wear opportunities,” explains Romy Hengeveld, senior footwear buyer at Stylerunner.
We also sat down with renowned ‘sneaker atelier’, Chase Shiel, to ask about the biggest sneaker trend at the minute: retro styles. Cultural icons Alexa Chung, Kendall Jenner, and Charli XCX are fuelling the trend by donning their Chucks, proving classic kicks are back at the centre of the cultural zeitgeist.
“I’ve noticed with retros, supply and demand makes certain styles scarce, which drives their comeback… the retro side of things is definitely here for a while,” Chase explains. “Retro styles are more simplistic, something wearable with a lot of outfits rather than something really specific.”
From chunky silhouettes to luxe minimalist styles, there’s a pair of kicks for every type of sneaker fan. We’ve put together the firm favourites of celebs and fashionistas across the globe.
Celebrity favourites
- As seen on Hailey Bieber: New Balance 530s
- As seen on Rita Ora: Onitsuka Tiger Serrano
- As seen on Kendall Jenner: Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars
Seven trending sneaker styles to add to your cart
The up-and-comer
adidas is a strong player when it comes to trending sneaker styles.
“The terrace low-profile trend continues with adidas being the dominant player in this space. The SL 72 is the next IT sneaker coming off the back of the Samba success,” says Romy.
Thanks to their mid-chunky sole, they are the perfect everyday pair to wear with jeans.
adidas SL 72 RS
$90 $150
adidas SL 72 OG
$90 $150
The wild one
Speaking of adidas, the brand is leaning all the way into the current animal print craze with the release of a new shoe range that blends its signature sporty silhouettes with eye-catching animal prints.
Pair them with your classic denim-and-tee combo to instantly elevate a casual fit, or lean all the way in with clashing prints for an edgy street-style look.
adidas Samba OG
$200
adidas Samba OG
$200
The cult classic
Mixing sport and style, New Balance 530s are the ideal everyday sneaker.
Take them for a spin when you head to the gym, then switch out leggings for wide-leg pants to make your outfit more office-appropriate.
New Balance 530
$160
New Balance 530
$160
The IT girl
Reminiscent of the Y2K era, this old-school Asics sneaker has made the ultimate comeback with its gel design and cool colourways.
Pair yours with a maxi skirt, socks and chunky knits this winter.
ASICS Gel-NYC
$154 $220
ASICS Gel-NYC
$220
The colour burst
It’s no secret that Rita Ora loves these Japanese-founded sneakers. Available in an array of bright colours and neutral shades, they are surprisingly wearable and add a sporty touch to any outfit.
Wondering how to wear? Take inspo from the star herself and team yours with loose parachute pants.
Onitsuka Tiger Serrano
$170
Onitsuka Tiger Serrano
$170
The All-Star
It’s no surprise that Alexa Chung and Kendall Jenner are often spotted in Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars. With their timeless silhouette and endless colour options, they’re effortlessly versatile and a staple for any wardrobe.
Take a cue from the stars and pair yours with relaxed jeans or a casual mini dress for a cool, street-style edge.
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star
$130
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star
$130
The everyday staple
If you ever needed proof that a shoe is celeb-approved, this is it. Vans has just announced a multi-year creative partnership with the one and only SZA.
In her own words, “In Vans, I feel free!…I’ve been wearing Knu Skools and other styles for years, they’ve always had an ethos I connect with”.
Vans Knu Skool
$149.99
Vans Knu Skool
$149.99
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