5 sneaker trends that are in right now and 4 that are out, according to designers
Amena Ahmed
- Business Insider spoke to two designers about sneaker trends that are in and out right now.
- Old-school sneakers are making their way back into the trend rotation.
Even if you're not a bonified sneakerhead, odds are you have at least a pair or two in your closet. The shoes are practical, come in a wide range of styles, and are, in most people's eyes, perfectly acceptable for the office.
Moreover, the sneaker industry is worth over $70 billion, and things only seem to be looking up over the next decade.
With trends seemingly endlessly changing, Business Insider spoke with two fashion designers about which sneakers are hot right now and which styles are out.
Here's what the experts said.
Hiking trainers aren’t just for climbing anymore.
The fashion designer Jarrah Webster said hiking trainers and wilderness-styled shoes are rising in popularity for day-to-day wear.
"They offer a lot of versatility when it comes to color, material, and innovation — like waterproofing and comfort," he told BI.
Sneakers traditionally used for indoor soccer are at the forefront.
Sneakers originally designed for indoor soccer, like Adidas Sambas, are becoming widely appreciated for their basic and versatile look.
Fashion designer Jazmin Monét told BI, "Styles like the Samba have been around for ages, and they're making a statement again right now because of their timelessness and durability."
Innovative shoe-making is all the hype.
Webster said many brands, especially Puma, now use 3D printing to innovate basic shoe designs.
"Whether it's 3D printed sneakers or even boots, this is definitely a concept that's beginning to evolve more and more," he told BI.
Y2K trends with large tongues and velcro straps are a blast from the past.
Reminiscent of early-2000s fashion, high-top sneakers with big tongues or velcro straps are back in the loop.
"Shoes like the Maison Margiela Futures are iconic, and you either hate or love them because they're very loud, but they're definitely coming back in," Webster told BI.
Old-school, vintage designs are back in full force.
Classic sneaker designs from brands like New Balance and Asics seem to be everywhere right now.
"Millennials and Gen Z are bringing back old styles, like the New Balance 990s and ASIC Gel-Lytes, in new ways," Monét said.
On the other hand, simple basketball shoes are a little outdated.
Simple basketball or athletic sneakers that only feature one color aren't as popular these days.
Monét told BI, "People are just gravitating toward sneakers with a pop of color incorporated in them instead of plain basketball shoes."
The designer specifically said they think the hype around the black and white Nike Panda Dunks is dying.
All-white shoes aren’t as popular, either.
All-white sneakers are quickly getting replaced by shoes with more vibrant and unique colorways.
"I've noticed that a lot of people and designers are just expanding their color palette, so basic white shoes are barely seen anymore," Webster said.
“Dad shoes” aren’t as popular as other vintage-inspired designs.
Although some old-school designs are in, the chunky "dad shoe" trend seems to be on its last leg.
"In general, the trend has died down unless it's a truly retro design with unique textiles or colors," Webster told BI. "But most, if not all, of the sneakers classified as 'dad shoes' aren't seen as much."
Chunky sneakers are being replaced with sleek and slim styles.
Chunky and platform sneakers used to be a hot trend, especially with popular designs by brands like New Rock and Balenciaga.
But nowadays, people seem to be leaning toward skinnier silhouettes for a chic and comfortable look.
"I've seen so many people start to opt for a more slim, classic-looking sneaker from any type of designer because platforms are just outdated," Monét said.
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