Trainer Trends 2024: 7 Styles More Current Than Sambas Right Now

Let’s face it, the past 12 months have given us a lot to talk about in the way of shoe trends (and if last year wasn’t the year that you bought a pair of ballet pumps, mid-heel boots, Margiela Tabis, moto boots, or kitten-heel slingbacks, what exactly were you wearing?). But if there’s one shoe that we can guarantee will never go out of style, it’s the humble trainer, and although I’m a card-carrying shoe girl, trainers haven’t always been my go-to.

Forgive me, reader, as I must confess to being easily trend-led and distracted by the new and shiny styles that pop up on the runway, but this year was the year that I decided to make the sensible decision to invest in comfort as much as aesthetic, and trainers were the starting point. The pairs that I do own, I’ve been wearing for years; a testament to their enduring versatility, so for those on the hunt for a new shoe style to get behind, this one won’t require regular trips to the cobbler.

Knowing just how important trainer trends are to sneakerheads, I set about finding out which pairs would come through as the most popular for 2024 in the only way I knew how: scouring the runways, searching street style images and asking my esteemed colleagues which trainers they’re wearing. The results may surprise you.

Some styles you’ll recognise (and frankly, white trainers never date), whilst others you’ll find to be fashion Marmite (some of my personal faves), but either way, I’m confident that these are the next ‘It’ trainers. So, if you joined waiting lists to buy a pair of Adidas Sambas, know your New Balance 550s from your 530s, or have ever carried wipes to keep your trainers box-fresh, this is the list for you.

Keep scrolling to see the seven trainer trends that are already proving to be so popular in 2024.

1. THE NEW NEUTRALS

(Image credit: @emilisindlev; @francescasaffari; Miu Miu)

Style Notes: Anything Miu Miu touches, turns to gold—just look at the rise of the ultra micro mini or the polo shirt, for example. So when the latest New Balance collaboration set foot down the runway for spring/summer 2024, there was no doubt in our minds that muted tones of beige, brown and cream were set to be the next trainer trend. And of course we weren’t wrong, with the likes of Loewe, Salomon and The Row solidifying these earthy shades as the summer go-with-everything heroes.

SHOP NEUTRAL TRAINERS:

(Image credit: WHO WHAT WEAR UK/ Courtesy Ancuta Sarca, @threadsstyling, Estrop by Getty Images for Cormio)

Style Notes: After the first drop of the Grace Wales Bonner X Adidas trainer collaboration landed and sold out almost immediately, we knew we’d have to be shrewd to get our hands on the next buzzy release, but we couldn’t have predicted just how popular these uber-cool trainers would be. From the exaggerated tongue to the knee-high sock styling, the latest drop of Sambas is a loving homage to vintage football fashion. Take a look at the Ancuta Sarca and Cormio runways (pictured above) for a quite literal reinvention of the football boot that can be worn on and off the pitch.

3. NOT-SO-MELLOW YELLOW

Style Notes: Those with a real sneaker sensibility will have seen Onitsuka Tiger’s Mexico 66 trainers reappearing over the past year, brightening up street style pictures everywhere from London to Stockholm. Insiders at NET-A-PORTER have revealed that the brand will be dropping on-site from next year; conclusive proof that even luxury buyers are backing these instantly recognisable trainers, and if you’re wondering how to style them, minimalists will love Lucy Williams’ grey and denim pairing (pictured above), but maximalists—Marni’s head-to-yellow moment might be for you.

SHOP YELLOW TRAINERS:

4. RETRO GYM KICKS

Style Notes: In a move away from colour and focusing instead on silhouette, retro trainers are still head and shoulders above modern offerings, as the “dad trainer” has evolved into the It girl’s off-duty shoe of choice. Although they may be designed for activewear, it’s highly unlikely these trainers will see more action than airport outfits and brunch, but I can appreciate any trainer with a sole chunky enough to add a little lift.

SHOP RETRO TRAINERS:

5. MINIMALIST PLIMSOLLS

Style Notes: Looking for something a little bit more pared-back? If you’re in need of a style so discreet you’ll forget you’re even wearing anything at all, a super-simple plimsoll, tennis shoe or slip-on is the kind of shoe you can rely on to help the rest of your outfit stand out. These pairs are the embodiment of quiet luxury in an even quieter shoe.