Afraid that fashion gals are over the whole chunky dad sneaker thing [1] already? Guess what — they might be. But that doesn't mean you'll have to start sacrificing comfort when you step outside. Functional trainers are sticking around, we promise. In fact, we can already pinpoint the five styles that will reign supreme in the new year.
While some of these trends take us back to our childhood days (Velcro, anyone?), the modern hiking boot sneaker feels brand new, combining our love for streetwear with a fresh utilitarian influence that extends to our clothes [2] too. Ahead, read up on the silhouettes and colourways you're about to fall in love with, or jump ahead to the category you already know you want to shop.
- Metallic Flash [3]
- Flatform For Days [4]
- Hiking Boot Fusion [5]
- Sugar Sweet Shades [6]
- Voilà Velcro [7]
Metallic Flash
Make them stop and stare when you stop traffic at the sign of your flashy shoes in silver, gold, or even rose gold.
The Marc Jacobs Empire Multi Colour Sole Sneakers [8] ($225) have a rainbow sole, which takes them to the next level.
Zara Laminated Sneakers
We love the subtle touch of turquoise on these Zara Laminated Sneakers [9] ($70).
Roger Vivier Sneaky Viv Crystal Embellished Two Tone Satin Slip On Sneakers
These Roger Vivier Sneaky Viv Crystal Embellished Two Tone Satin Slip On Sneakers [10] ($1,325) also double as a holiday party shoe.
Rag & Bone Army Leather Trimmed Metallic Ripstop Sneakers
Work these Rag & Bone Army Leather Trimmed Metallic Ripstop Sneakers [11] ($225) with a pair of mom jeans and a white tee.
Isabel Marant Kindsay Sneaker
Flash them with a stripe of red in the Isabel Marant Kindsay Sneaker [12] ($417, originally $695).
Converse Chuck '70 Metallic Hi Sneakers in Silver
How could you go wrong with these classic Converse Chuck '70 Metallic Hi Sneakers in Silver [13] ($80)?
Boohoo Chunky Metallic Trainers
We love the rose gold tint of these Boohoo Chunky Metallic Trainers [14] ($18, originally $44).
ASOS DESIGN Dare Chunky Sneakers
We bet these ASOS DESIGN Dare Chunky Sneakers [15] ($64) make you feel like you're walking on water.
Topshop Ciara Chunky Trainers
The Topshop Ciara Chunky Trainers [16] ($65) provide your look with iridescent flair.
Flatform For Days
How high will you go? Rather than chunky, shapely, wavy soles that elevate, 2019 harks back to the '90s and conjures images of the Spice Girls in their flatform kicks.
Get in on a new collaboration with the Converse x MadeMe One Star Lift Platform Sneakers [17] ($110).
Gucci New Ace Platform Sneaker
Nothing draws attention to the sole more than the crystals on the Gucci New Ace Platform Sneaker [18] ($1,250).
Zara Platform Sneakers
We can easily see Sporty Spice working these Zara Platform Sneakers [19] ($60).
Alice + Olivia x Keith Haring Ezra Flatform Sneaker
How rad is the print on the Alice + Olivia x Keith Haring Ezra Flatform Sneaker [20] ($250)?
Superga 2790 Stripe Platform Sneaker
The Superga 2790 Stripe Platform Sneaker [21] ($85) just reminds us of candy.
Hogan Maxi H222 Sneakers
Hogan is a brand that's always been dedicated to a tall, flat platform. Shop the Maxi H222 Sneakers [22] ($605) for a sparkly touch.
Miu Miu Crystal Cap Toe Sneaker
Get playful with the Miu Miu Crystal Cap Toe Sneaker [23] ($850).
Keds x Kate Spade Triple Kick Sneakers
Put a bow on it when you shop the Keds x Kate Spade Triple Kick Sneakers [24] ($95).
Stella McCartney Eclypse Platform Sneaker
Soar to a new altitude in the Stella McCartney Eclypse Platform Sneaker [25] ($765).
Hiking Boot Fusion
These straddle the line between a boot and a comfy sneaker with rustic details. The popular Yeezy Desert Boot [26] is making its rounds and popularizing a silhouette that looks like this.
ASOS DESIGN Direction Chunky Sneakers [27] ($76)
YEEZY Season 6 Desert Rat Boots
Snag a popular pair and invest in the YEEZY Season 6 Desert Rat Boots [28] ($256).
Zara Monochrome Sneakers
Blend into nature with the Zara Monochrome Sneakers [29] ($100).
Boohoo Velcro Strap High Top Trainers
Try the trend in white with these Boohoo Velcro Strap High Top Trainers [30] ($28, originally $70).
Jeffrey Campbell Pyro Wedge Sneaker Boot
We love the mesh panels on the Jeffrey Campbell Pyro Wedge Sneaker Boot [31] ($155).
Steve Madden Stampede Sneaker Boot
Go for a contrast effect with the Steve Madden Stampede Sneaker Boot [32] ($150).
Vagabond Shoemakers Jessie Hiker Sneaker
Lace up the Vagabond Shoemakers Jessie Hiker Sneaker [33] ($112, originally $160) and stand tall.
Zara Flat Split Leather High Tops
The neutral, sand shade of these Zara Flat Split Leather High Tops [34] ($149) means they'll go with anything.
adidas Terrex Fast Mid Gore-Tex Hiking Boot
Give the trend a sporty update with the adidas Terrex Fast Mid Gore-Tex Hiking Boot [35] ($200).
Gucci Flashtreck Metallic Leather and Mesh Sneakers
The Gucci Flashtreck Metallic Leather and Mesh Sneakers [36] ($980) are without a doubt our favourite pair.
Sugar Sweet Shades
Ring in the season with a sneaker that's lovely on the eyes. Mint, pink, lavender, and icy blue come together to make a statement this season.
If you love a good low-top, shop the Vans Authentic Suede and Gum Pink Sneakers [37] ($66).
Nike Air Max 95 Suede Mesh and Leather Sneakers
How much do we love the Nike Air Max 95 Suede Mesh and Leather Sneakers [38] ($160)? Can you say "obsessed"?
Mango Contrast Appliqué Sneakers
Combine two trends in one with these Velcro Mango Contrast Appliqué Sneakers [39] ($100).
Zara Thick-Soled Sneakers
You'll get tons of compliments on these Zara Thick-Soled Sneakers [40] ($70, originally $100).
Adidas Originals I-5923 Pride Sneakers in Rainbow
These Adidas Originals I-5923 Pride Sneakers in Rainbow [41] ($110) are nothing short of neat.
Puma Thunder Desert Green Sneakers
If you're a pistachio gal, these Puma Thunder Desert Green Sneakers [42] ($120) are for you.
No. 21 Running Billy Sneakers
We were instantly attracted to these No. 21 Running Billy Sneakers [43] ($555).
Ash Addict Trainers
These Ash Addict Trainers [44] ($275) have made waves around the industry.
Stella McCartney Eclypse Faux Suede Leather and Neoprene Sneakers
Turn up the texture with these Stella McCartney Eclypse Faux Suede Leather and Neoprene Sneakers [45] ($343, originally $685).
Common Projects Original Achilles Leather Sneakers
The Common Projects Original Achilles Leather Sneakers [46] ($410) are some of the most comfortable you'll ever wear.
Velcro
The balance of a luxury logo like Fendi's "F" with a kid-like detail such as velcro is simply perfect to us. Velcro extends to Nike's sporty kicks though too this season, and it's used most simply as three straps across a simple low-top.
Give your outfit a designer touch with the Fendi Rockoko Logo-Jacquard Stretch Knit and Mesh Slip-On Sneakers [47] ($750).
Nike Air Force 1 Utility Pique Smooth and Textured Leather Sneakers
These Nike Air Force 1 Utility Pique Smooth and Textured Leather Sneakers [48] ($145) might be our favourite of the whole entire bunch.
ASOS DESIGN Wide Fit Vitamin Strap Sneakers
Keep it ladylike in the ASOS DESIGN Wide Fit Vitamin Strap Sneakers [49] ($40).
Prada Logo Sneakers
The Prada Logo Sneakers [50] ($750) are bursting with colour.
GREATS Royale Low Top Sneaker
Into polka-dots? Pick up the GREATS Royale Low Top Sneaker [51] ($289).
NA-KD Velcro Chunky Trainers
Wear these NA-KD Velcro Chunky Trainers [52] ($84) with a sleek trouser and chunky knit.
Nike Vandal 2K Sneaker
The Nike Vandal 2K Sneaker [53] ($120) practically makes the announcement, "I am here!" when you walk into the room.
Monki Velcro Sneakers
Keep it simple and go for a jet black shoe with the Monki Velcro Sneakers [54] ($30, originally $49).