What sneakers are we wearing in 2024? (2024)

One of the biggest questions posed in my comment section lately is “what sneakers are trending?” Sneakers or trainers are an essential part of any shoe wardrobe no matter your daily activities, so it makes sense that this is the question on the forefront of every fashion conscious person’s mind. At the end of the day, my ethos around sneakers is wear what is comfortable for your foot - that’s what sneakers are for after all! Personally I am still rocking the dad sneaker trend that peaked in 2023 and am obsessed with my Hokas, and probably won’t be straying from those anytime soon. But if you are interested in what the “it” sneakers of 2024 will be, I gathered some intel on what people are wearing & what’s being marketed in stores right now.

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Adidas Sambas were without a doubt the It Shoe of 2023. This sneaker style originated as footballer shoes in the 1950’s, but became an everyday sneaker worn by non-athletes starting in the 1970’s. Since then the Sambas have been a classic sneaker choice and have never really gone out of style, but after celebrities like Bella Hadid and Hailey Bieber were spotted wearing the shoe, they exploded in growth.

During the spring and summer of 2023, my street style everyday in NYC, as well as at fashion week,s were dominated by the Samba (and other similar Adidas styles like the Gazelle and Spezial). From the classic black & white to the Wales Bonner silver collab version, it seemed like every outfit was instantly elevated and given cool girl status with a pair of Sambas. The appeal made complete sense to me - they are gender neutral, comfortable, and a lower profile sneaker option to the chunky dad sneaker a lot of people just couldn’t get on board with in previous seasons. They are also an affordable buy at $100 a pair when bought new.

So… are Sambas out?

My answer: no.

I am still seeing Sambas on the streets everyday. At the end of 2023, Pinterest Predicts heavily featured Sambas and Gazelles in their Eclectic Grandpa trend prediction for 2024, and eclectic grandpa as an aesthetic has been manifesting before our eyes. However, I am also seeing very similar, low-profile, retro styles from different brands rising in popularity. While Sambas are still dominating the aesthetic, I think they will be sharing the limelight with some other styles as people are moving on and branching out.

The Samba alternatives I have been spotting:

Onitsuka Tiger

The Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 sneakers have a low-profile silhouette and the retro striping details very similar to Sambas. They’re sporty and casual, but still have a refinement to them, especially the silver chrome pairs I’ve been seeing around SoHo lately. However Onitsuka Tigers do have a higher price point than Sambas, averaging $200 a pair when purchased new.

It seems like Onitsuka Tigers are destined to be the it girl shoe of 2024 - the influencer Rita Montezuma said as much in a reel this week. I did some in person sneaker style scouting at the Bloomingdales in SoHo, and when I asked one of the shoe associates if they had Onitsuka Tigers and they replied I was the second person that day to ask (and that they were only on the floor at their 59th Street location).

New Balance

New Balance exploded in 2022 amongst the dad sneaker craze and collaborations with it brands like Aimé Leon Dore for their 550 style. However they also offer unisex low-profile styles like the 574 I have seen more and more in stores and on the street, especially their distressed and velvet corduroy versions created with Miu Miu.

Dolce Vita

Featuring a very similar suede toe detail and rubber sole to Sambas and Gazelles, the new Dolce Vita Notice Sneakers are another retro inspired style being sold right now. Dolce Vita is well known for duping popular shoe style so it’s no surprise they hopped on this bandwagon.

rag & bone

Do I need to explain?

Other sneaker styles I’ve spotted

If the retro, low-profile sneaker isn’t floating your boat, don’t worry! I have spotted a few other popular sneaker styles that might pique your interest.

Salomon XT-6

Another unisex style I’ve spotted everywhere from Copenhagen to NYC are the Salomon XT-6 sneakers. Designed for ultra-distance and trail running, these shoes are gorpcore meets high fashion. While I’ve seen many influencers and fashion week show-goers styling them, Salomons are also the choice sneaker for many street style photographers.

ASICS GT-2160 & Kayano 14

Speaking of ASICS, the Asics x Cecilie Bahnsen GT-2160 sneakers have been spotted frequently at fashion weeks this past year, and I am seeing the Kayano 14 recently on the streets of SoHo. If you’re still loyal to the dad sneaker trend, check these out.

Nike P-6000s

In case you haven’t picked up on the pattern, silver shoes (and accessories in general) are quite in for 2024. If you’re a Nike fan, check out their P-6000s.

Please let me know your thoughts on sneaker trends for 2024! I would love to know what people are wearing in your own city.

Best,

Karya