Not to call anyone out, but it’s time to purge crusty sneakers caked with dirt from our closets. Fortunately, we’ve predicted the best fall sneaker trends of 2024 for shopping inspo. Our list is here to save you from endless scrolling, whether you’re teetering on trying the ballet sneaker trend, are interested in new neutrals (aside from classic white sneakers), or finally want a pair of sporty kicks.
This season’s must-haves should, of course, be fashionable and elevate fall outfits, but they should also prioritize comfort. And we think some silhouettes like Mary Jane sneakers and platform sneakers are unexpectedly comfortable styles that you’ll want to try. Shoe trends from last fall, like retro-sporty styles and metallic materials are also staying strong, but with new twists and new brand options. So find your next pair of back-to-school season sneakers, ahead. Because as the saying goes, “good shoes take you to good places.”
Sporty-Meets-Retro Sneakers
We’ve been on a sporty sneaker kick for a while (with iconic retro styles like Adidas Sambas and Nike Cortez’s top of our list), and you’ll continue seeing them throughout the fall. Vintage-inspired basketball shoes, tenniscore court styles, and soccer cleat sneakers have been in the spotlight for a while, but there’s always a twist on the sneaker trend.
On the chance that you haven’t already purchased a sporty pair, we’ve rounded up some crowd-pleasing sneakers, especially in fresh, new colorways. Whether you go for a ‘70s-style Nike sneaker, or an ‘80s-style New Balance sneaker, you’ll have a pair of classic dunks in your shoe arsenal to slip on and complete your trendy, street style looks.
Coquette Sneakers
The coquette aesthetic has become mainstream — perhaps more than expected — which has (luckily) made the whimsical style more attainable and wearable. This is especially true for footwear when brands like Gola collaborate with Anthropologie on satin ribbon-lace sneakers and when viral brands like JW Pei create “ballerina sneakers.” You’ll continue to see these fashionable-yet-functional sneakers, especially from designer brands like Rombaut and Jeffrey Campbell.
If a ballet sneaker is a bit too kitsch for you, consider cherry-picking other (more subtle) coquette details like vintage floral prints or lace materials, which you can start wearing now. Retailers like Nordstrom and Converse have unique sneakers that’ll do the job without hurting your wallet.
Autumnal Neutral Sneakers
A neutral sneaker will always be in style, but recently we’ve been seeing browns, beiges, creams, and khakis combined all in one pair. And the trend is even celebrity-approved. But the best part is that you can find these earthy shades in a range of styles via slim retro sneakers, chunky dad sneakers, and futuristic running sneakers.
While this will continue to be popular in the fall, keep a lookout for more unexpected neutrals from autumnal color palettes. We’ll transition from summer butter yellow to mustard, Brat green to forest, and bright red to burgundy.
All-Over Metallic Sneakers
Metallics like silver and gold have also solidified themselves as new neutrals that genuinely go with everything. Silver is one of the electrifying shades of 2024, and you’d be surprised to know that this year’s party shoes aren’t heels but, rather, shiny metallic sneakers. The glossy, lustrous shoe has been everywhere, from “elevated athleisure” standing out at NYFW runways (and recently at a Wales Bonner runway show where models wore silver-sequined Adidas sneakers) to being a concert must-have style.
All-over metallic (as opposed to shiny accents) will especially trend this fall, according to a viral TikTok video. We’ve also been seeing more options for metallic gold sneakers, that are thankfully more on-trend than the cringe styles from the aughts. Onitsuka Tiger’s yellow-and-black Kill Bill sneakers have been the comeback sneaker of summer 2024, but the brand also offers a gold iteration, which you should slip into this fall.
Mary Jane Sneakers
Whether they’re in the form of ballet flats, pumps, or sky-high platform heels, Mary Janes have been the standout shoe trend of 2024. And now, Mary Jane sneakers are a thing… astounding, we know! The strappy sneakers we’ve been seeing look more elevated than strap-on shoes and many offer some extra height, through chunky heels or flatform soles. Shoppers who don’t like dealing with fiddly shoelaces will also be delighted by the typical velcro straps.
While certain styles and colorways can certainly find themselves in the coquette sneaker category, there are also ones that look closer to chunky school-girl-type Mary Jane shoes. They’re basically the optimal work shoe since they look more professional than casual, and especially since you just know they’ll be more comfortable than a heel. Just pair your sneakers with a dress or equally comfy work pants, and take on the day.
Wedge & Platform Sneakers
Another height-boosting sneaker you’ll be seeing more of are platform sneakers. Platform shoes never really seem to go out of style, but they’re a contrast to the ultra-slim and streamlined sporty sneaker trend. However, brands are now offering their signature sneakers in chunkier platform iterations. This gives you the option to go classic or platform, while staying on-trend no matter what.
A more divisive sneaker trend you may also start seeing is the return of the mid-2010s wedge sneakers… and don’t hate on them just yet! A wedge is elevated in silhouette and will literally elevate your height, too, all while being ultra comfortable. Date-driven Instagram account @style.analytics noted that Isabel Marant’s wedge sneakers and wedge boots in particular are starting to reappear, so keep an eye out for these designer sneakers in chic leathers and suedes.
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