7 Sneaker and Trainer Trends to Shop For Autumn 2021
2021's Biggest Sneaker Trends Are Getting Us Super Excited For Autumn
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As autumn approaches, the time to update your sneaker collection does too, and it can be a pretty big task. A new season means new styles and trends, and it can be difficult to keep up with the ever-changing landscape of fashionable footwear, but that's where we come in. Whether it's chunky platforms, colourful collaborations, or statement sneakers, we have the definitive list of this year's most stylish trends so that you don't miss out.
One trend in particular that doesn't seem to be going anywhere fast is designer collaborations, mostly thanks to the New Balance and Casablanca partnerships and Nike Sacai silhouettes that we're loving right now, but that's not all. We're also seeing comebacks from tried-and-tested classics like Nike Air Force 1s and Adidas Stan Smiths (basically the unsung heroes of the British summer), and as expected, the ugly-cool trainer trend is still very much alive and kicking.
Read on to find out more about the biggest sneaker trends for this year, and to shop our favourite selections.
1 Neutral Colours
There's something so elevated about throwing on a pair of neutral-coloured sneakers. Whether you choose from grey, blush pink, beige, or a classic white, you can't go wrong with a pair of kicks in these calming colours.
2 New Balance 327 Trainers
These New Balance 327 Trainers (£80) are now available in a neutral ecru colourway, complete with suede panels and dark blue accents.
3 Puma Wild Rider Vintage
These Puma Wild Rider Vintage Sneakers (£90) are one of the newer colourways in the "Rider" range, and they're perfect for fans of crisp white sneakers and minimal looks.
4 Adidas Zentic Low Top Faux Leather Trainers
These Adidas Zentic Low Top Faux Leather Trainers (£75) come in a triple white colourway, with round toe and all-over tonal finish for a super sleek ensemble.
5 Ugly-Cool Trainers
The concept of "ugly trainers" has had a resurgence in the last few years, and as a trend, it's only getting cooler. Think brands like Asics, Axel Arigato, and New Balance, with striking colourways that were made to clash with whatever you're wearing.
6 Axel Arigato Marathon Runner Trainer
There's almost nothing ugly about this Axel Arigato Marathon Runner Trainer (£200), but somehow, its dad-trainer-like silhouette still allows it to fit the bill. Available in a number of bright and clashing colourways, it's easily the most fashionable way to wear this trend.
7 Nike Air Zoom
The Nike Air Zoom (£117) is a silhouette that's taken stans by storm since it first arrived. New colourways are being released pretty regularly, and this latest green, silver, and white iteration is one to watch out for.
8 FILA Grey Ray Tracer T2 Trainers
Fila is a brand that pretty much invented the ugly-cool trainer, and these new FILA Grey Ray Tracer T2 Trainers (£85) are the perfect way to wear the trend. Still relatively neutral, they can add a hint of edge to an otherwise toned down outfit.
9 High-Tops
With everyone's love of nostalgia still going strong, it's only natural that high-top kicks still reign supreme. Whether you like the classic Nike Jordan look or Converse's Chucks, there are plenty of new picks that feel fresh.
10 Converse Earthy Tones Platform Chuck Taylor All Star
The Converse Earthy Tones Platform Chuck Taylor All Star is a minimalist's dream. Featuring a chunky platform and subtle gold accents, the shoe boasts OrthoLite cushioning and a breathable lining for maximum comfort.
11 J.W. Anderson Coated High Top
J.W. Anderson designs are typically not for the faint-hearted (we see you, giant gold buckled loafers) but these J.W. Anderson Coated High Tops (£295) are pretty manageable. Complete with branded laces, exposed stitching, and an embossed logo on the heel, they're the perfect high top for cold winter nights.
12 Commes Des Garcons Large Heart Chuck Taylor
The Commes Des Garcons Large Heart Chuck Taylors (£130) are the latest iteration of the Play x Converse franchise, and they're only getting bigger and bolder.
13 Classics
Just like with tonal colourways, we've found ourselves returning to the classics. These sneakers are tried and true for a reason. Plus, rocking these out in public now has a cool factor attached to them, especially with many designers collaborating with brands like Reebok and New Balance to bring back an old-school style.
14 Nike Blazer Low
For a modern take on Nike's Blazer silhouette, try this Nike Blazer Low (£75), available in a number of bold colourways, and complete with a textured Nike swoosh.
15 Veja V-10
You can wear this Veja V-10 (£150) with literally anything in your wardrobe, and it comes in a number of different tonal colourways. Perfect for pairing with statement items without it being way too much.
16 RM Williams Surry Sneaker
There's nothing more classic than a clean leather sneaker, and these RM Williams Surry Sneakers (£175) are the best quality there is. Made of yearling leather, the sneaker is finished with a comfortable rubber outsole and side wall stitching for ultimate durability.
17 Designer Collaborations
Designer collaborations are a trend that'll only continue to grow as we become more inclined to purchase collectable pieces that'll last a lifetime. New Balance and Casablanca, Reebok and Maison Margiela, and Nike and Sacai are just a few of the collabs that we're currently obsessing over.
18 New Balance x Casablanca XC72
The Casablanca and New Balance partnership is quite honestly the gift that keeps on giving. The latest offering is the new XC72 (£130), which comes in a striking green and orange colourway.
19 Nike x Sacai VaporWaffle
The Nike and Sacai partnership has resulted in some seriously coveted sneakers over the years, and their latest collaboration is no different. The Nike x Sacai VaporWaffle (£340) comes in a funky tan and navy-blue colourway, complete with the iconic waffle sole.
20 Adidas and Stella McCartney Ultraboost
This Adidas and Stella McCartney Ultraboost (£200) is part of McCartney's latest "Stellashine" collection for the brand, bringing disco vibes and retro silhouettes to the forefront.
21 Primary Colours
The use of primary colours as a base layer for sneaker colourways has become increasingly popular, particularly blue and red. It's somewhat nostalgic, but with the emergence of dad trainers, chunky platforms, and collaborations, the colours are still used in a modern way.
22 Nike Air Force 1 Shadow
The Air Force 1 is a silhouette that's stood the test of time, and it's for good reason. Colourways are constantly being refreshed, and the style is forever being reinvented for new generations. This Nike Air Force 1 Shadow (£100) is proof of exactly that, tapping into a wider colour trend for everyone to enjoy.
23 New Balance 327
This New Balance 327 (£75) is perfect for seasoned wearers of the primary-colours trend, because it features a number of bold coloured accents along with the signature New Balance "N" in an edgy black.
24 Puma RS-Z College Trainers
The Puma RS silhouette has had a few upgrades, most recently in the form of the RS-Z. The new Puma RS-Z College Trainers (£90) come in a red, blue, and white colourway and feature suede overlays and a mesh and textile upper.
25 Statement Sneakers
The power of a statement sneaker is undeniable, especially when it comes to elevating a minimal outfit. Chunky designer shoes like Balenciaga's Triple S silhouette will always reign supreme, but brands like Off White, Nike and Adidas by Stella McCartney have their place, too.
26 Off White Vulcanised Low Leather Trainers
The Off White Vulcanised Low Leather Trainers (£280) is a statement sneaker like no other. Available in a striking black, white, and red colourway, the distinguishable design will take any outfit from 0 to 100 in seconds.
27 Nike Air Force 1 Fontanka
These bright pink Nike Air Force 1 Fontanka Trainers (£105) are the perfect way to make an outfit pop. Taking statement to the next level, they're available in a striking red and pink colourway, inspired by rave culture in St.Petersburg.
28 Balenciaga Triple S Trainers
These chunky Balenciaga Triple S Trainers (£695) aren't going anywhere, and that's a good thing because we still really love them. Now available in an all-over lilac colourway, they'll look great paired with an all black ensemble.
