The One Sneaker Style Everyone Will Be Wearing This Year (2024)

“Nike Dunks continue to rank among the best-selling sneakers on StockX,” Lee says. “This style has become one of the most recognizable sneakers, and it has really cemented itself as a wardrobe staple for Gen Z and millennial consumers.”

It’s not fading away any time soon, Lee adds. “With a wide range of women’s exclusive colorways released over the last year and more on the way, this sneaker will remain a top pick in 2023.”

Sizes: 5–12

Pay homage to boating’s most iconic race with an equally notable pair of sneakers. Prada first combined luxury and performance footwear in 1999 with its inaugural America’s Cup sneaker; nearly 30 years later, it’s reissuing the sailing world’s most covetable sneaker with the same materials (leather and breathable mesh), plus a commemorative tag highlighting the original collection.

Sizes: 5–11

You’ll feel like you’re walking on air in these tall Chloé sneakers, but the uppers are the real draw. They riff on the brand’s best knitwear with intricate contrast stitching in 10 different combinations.

Sizes: 5–12

Simple leather sneakers are eternal. This no-nonsense pair by Common Projects is the leader of the pack, with white leather and a supportive sole. Reviewers on several sites say they own multiple pairs in different colors—the shoes are that good.

Sizes: 5–12

Nike and Jacquemus were the pairing the sneaker world didn’t know it wanted, but absolutely needed. The first drops in 2022 sold out almost instantly. I managed to track down the reimagined Humara sneaker—designer Simon Porte Jacquemus’s favorite Nike silhouette—with ribbon trim and a gold-tone swoosh on Farfetch.

Sizes: 8–14

Sneakers wallpapered in an envy-inducing motif? Say less. This Gucci pair may look casual relative to a shiny Jackie bag or an off-the-runway dress, but you’ll get just as many compliments.

Sizes: 4–12

The team behind Veja’s sneakers put years of research and testing into creating leather sneakers with a lower environmental impact. They’re not just a thoughtfully produced shoe; the design is also versatile enough to wear daily (which I do).

Sizes: 35–43 EU

Customer review: “These are comfy and the mint logo is perfect for spring and summer! The contrasting sole is a nice color and easy to clean.”

If you’re the type who wears sneakers more than any other shoe, why not indulge in the most decadent chunky sneaker? This Chanel pair’s mixed textures cleverly nods to the house’s signature tweed.

Sizes: Upon request

Lee of StockX says the New Balance 530 silhouette, first released in 1992, is a perfect example of footwear’s obsession with all things retro right now. This is one of the few color combos in which several sizes are still available, but if you want to follow in the most avid shoppers’ footsteps, she tells us: “We’ve seen the classic white and navy colorway do particularly well—it’s one of the top three best-selling New Balance sneakers on StockX right now.”

Sizes: 5½–11½

From Rihanna to Gigi Hadid, celebrities love these understated skate shoes for leisurely walks and errand runs. They’re an oldie but a goodie: Vans has had them in circulation since 1977. Today, you can find them in 24 colors with an option to customize.

Sizes: 5–17½

Customer review: “I’ve had a pair of these for ~8 years. They are by far the most durable pair of shoes I have ever owned. My pair is ready for retirement and I will definitely be ordering another any day! I absolutely love these shoes. They’re simple, durable and I always feel like a bad-*** wearing them.”

At a time when brands are backing away from logos in favor of “quiet luxury,” these sneakers caught my eye because of their logo. Loewe’s cursive L is so artfully applied to this satin-suede shoe, it hardly looks like a loud brand signifier.

Sizes: 35–41 IT

I have worn Tretorn’s sneakers for miles (and miles). The textured soles are a lifesaver on rainy days when grippy shoes are a must. They’re a little country-club tennis with a pleated skirt and a slouchy sweater, a little ’90s retro revival with single-pleat pants and a button-up.

Sizes: 7–9

Chuck Taylors are the definitive high-top sneaker, and the sweet embroidery along the back seam looks like a whimsical doodle you might have scribbled on your shoes mid-daydream.

Sizes: 5–12

Like Julia Fox and quiet quitting, Adidas Sambas were absolutely everywhere in 2022. Their sudden comeback has a staying power longtime fans can vouch for, starting with those signature three stripes. Prefer even the most popular sneakers with an IYKYK edge? Hard-to-find pairs from collaborations with Wales Bonner and Gucci reinterpret the same design with updated colors and special materials.

Sizes: 5–15

Customer review: “Comfortable shoe. Love how simple the Samba OG Shoe design is. Don’t want anything flashy but these look great.”

Hoka makes some of the best running shoes (as anyone who’s trained for a 5k knows), with extra cushioning and support. The Clifton, one of the brand’s best-rated sneakers, is also a comfortable option if you’re looking for a chunky sneaker even if you’re not training. You can choose from a wide range of bright color combinations and more subdued neutrals; personally, I spend all summer in a pair of white Hokas with a revolving rack of flowy dresses.

Sizes: 6–11

Customer review: “Worth the money. Fit is better than any other workout shoe. Ultimate shoe comfort. If on the fence go for it.”

The name can’t adequately prepare you for the bounce and lightweight feel of these On running sneakers. They’re cushioned to a degree athletes of all levels can appreciate. With a fit this easygoing, you’ll be tempted to wear them beyond the gym or the track.

Sizes: 5–11

Customer review: “I always buy the same rotation of running shoes and wanted to try something different. This sneaker is light, fluffy, and feels great running outside or on the treadmill. It does run a tad on the small side, but I stick with my usual 8.5 and it’s comfortable. Would consider sizing up depending on how you like a sneaker to fit. Will buy again!!”

Nike’s Air Force 1s are as much of a cultural touchstone as they are an everyday sneaker with endless styling potential. Dedicated fans, like model Adut Akech, buy a new pair at least once a year. “It’s just such a clean, classic shoe that goes with anything and everything,” she told Bazaar.

Sizes: 5–12

Customer review: “I’m not a huge sneaker person so I was a bit worried these wouldn’t be my style but I love them. They are very clean looking and are super versatile. You can wear them with literally anything. They are also super comfortable and you can definitely wear them all day. I like the height of the heel but I wish they were a bit more narrow. Overall, I recommend!”

A little distressed, a little sparkly: These sneakers are the best of two very different aesthetics. They also have the slightest platform, so your baggy jeans and oversize trousers gently skim the ground.

Sizes: 4–12

Customer review: “I finally caved and bought a pair of my own after my daughter raved about it so much. Perfect fit, super cute and I love this one especially because of the neutral colors but pop of sparkle. I justified my purchase by being able to wear these babies over 100 times. Beautiful sneakers and they do last long as my daughter has had hers for so long and they are in great shape!”

At the same time that New Balance’s archival styles began making a comeback, the brand invited an impressive group of collaborators to reinvent its classic sneakers. (A sample: Miu Miu, Staud, Ganni—the list goes on.) Most sell out before editors can test them, but this recent drop with Aimé Leon Dore is still in stock. Whether you’re a regular at Aimé Leon Dore’s downtown store-slash-cafe or you’re only just getting acquainted with the label, these pumped-up sneakers with a reimagined logo and suede detailing will take any outfit with menswear trousers to another level.

Sizes: 6½–13

Here’s another sneaker that’s been known and loved for decades, for good reason. First, they’ve been a court-to-street mainstay since they were introduced by Reebok in the ’80s. Second, the modern versions have seven colors to choose between.

Sizes: 5½–11

Customer review: “I bought my second pair. I have one pair specifically for work and my other pair for daily use. They are super easy to clean and they have excellent arch support.”