With spring and summer [1] approaching, it's time to update your sneaker collection — and that can be a pretty big task. A new season means new styles and trends, and it's often difficult to keep up with the ever-changing landscape of fashionable footwear.
That's where we come in. Whether it's dopamine dressing [2], designer collaborations, or dead-stock chic, we have the definitive list of this year's most stylish trends. One in particular that doesn't seem to be going anywhere soon is designer collaborations, mostly thanks to ongoing partnerships like Adidas/Stella McCartney and Nike/Sacai, which continue to add new colourways and textures to their collections each season. We're also seeing comebacks from tried-and-tested classics, such as Nike Dunks and Jordans — two silhouettes which seemingly have the potential to rival the Nike Air Force One (the unsung hero of British summertime) and become a staple in every trainer-lover's wardrobe.
After what can only be described as a bleak and grey winter, we're back to bold and bright colours for the spring/summer season — in more ways than one. Increasingly, we're seeing a rise in multidimensional colourways, whether that's through colours or materials. Mixing clashing colours, prints, and textures to amp up a look has never been more appropriate.
Read on to learn more about the biggest sneaker trends so far this year and to shop our favourite selections.
Designer and Retailer Collaborations
Previously, fashion trainer collaborations consisted of a designer and a brand coming together to re-create a silhouette for a new audience. Nowadays, collaborations are much less linear and can take multiple forms and include multiple collaborators. Whether it's New Balance partnering with retailers like END Clothing for a capsule collection or Gucci and Adidas's latest offering, there's one for every kind of trainer wearer.
PUMA x AMI Suede Mayu Deconstruct Women's Trainers
The latest offering from Puma comes in the form of the new PUMA x AMI Suede Mayu Deconstruct Women's Trainers [3] (£110). Part of the all-new AMI Paris and Puma collaboration, the reimagined Mayu silhouette features the classic AMI branding on the tongue.
Veja and Marni V-10 Marsala Sneaker
The new Veja and Marni V-10 Marsala Sneaker [4] (£220) from Veja and Marni is for those unafraid of bold colours and self-expression. Developed in celebration of individuality and creativity, the collaboration sees the classic V-10 silhouette reimagined with colourful doodles and a free-spirited design.
Rick Owens DRKSHDW x Converse Drkstar Sneakers
A Rick Owens collaboration is typically one of the most sought after, no matter which brand he ties himself to. The newly released Rick Owens DRKSHDW x Converse Drkstar Sneakers [5] (£115) are no different, and they're sure to be a worthy addition to your footwear wardrobe.
Nike Dunks and Jordans
Two silhouettes that will always be on trend are the Nike Dunk and Nike Jordan. No matter what colourway, and no matter how low or high, a pair of either of these trainers will instantly elevate any outfit.
Womens Air Jordan 1 LV8D Elevated Trainer
The subtle new Womens Air Jordan 1 LV8D Elevated Trainer [6] (£115) is one of the easiest Jordans to slip into if you're new to the silhouette. The clean white upper is paired with a toned-down pastel peach, making it a simple addition to any look.
Nike Dunk High
These vivid yellow Nike Dunk High trainers [7] (£105) are reserved for seasoned dunk-wearers. Paying homage to the iconic silhouette — which forever changed the college basketball game back in 1985 — the dunk high is made up of an all-leather upper, a padded ankle, and the signature swoosh.
Nike Dunk High 1985 Women's
The Nike Dunk High 1985 Women's [8] (£115) are a statement like no other. Available in two iterations of the standout Acid Wash colourway, the silhouette is complete with coloured overlays, a leather upper, and a synthetic sole.
Dopamine Dressing
The spring/summer season is all about newness, optimism, and bright colours — so it makes sense that dopamine dressing [9] is one of the current trends, with neon oranges and pinks being a key colour combination for statement footwear.
Adidas Originals ZX 5K Boost
The Adidas Originals ZX 5K Boost [10] (£130) is a more futuristic version of the original ZX Boost, complete with Adidas's signature boost-cushioning technology along with a mix of mesh, suede, and rubber.
Converse Chuck 70 Hi Utility Women's
Perfect for adding a (bright-orange) spring to your step, the new Converse Chuck 70 Hi Utility Women's [11] (£120) will add the ultimate pop of colour to any spring look.
New Balance 327 Women's
For a more toned-down way to wear the bright-colours trend, opt for the New Balance 327 Women's [12] (£100). A soft mix of pastel-pink hues, the textile-and-leather upper is fused with a synthetic sole for maximum comfort.
Patchwork Colourways
This season, one-dimensional colourways are becoming a thing of the past. More and more brands and designers are developing deadstock materials into new fabrics and products, resulting in clashing colourways and mismatched overlays fused with classic and well-known silhouettes.
Nike Air Force 1 Fontanka Women's
Fans of Nike's previous suede Air Force 1s will love the new Nike Air Force 1 Fontanka Women's [13] (£110). It's a slightly funkier iteration of the classic suede colourways but still keeps a muted colour palette.
New Balance 237
These funky New Balance 237 [14] (£75) trainers are a subtle way to try the multicoloured trend. One for fans of muted colours, the silhouette boasts a mix of dark blue, green, and red, with light-pink accents that brighten up the look and feel.
Nike Waffle One Low
Following the successful release of the Nike x Sacai collaboration, the original Nike Waffle One Low [15] (£128) silhouette has only grown in popularity.