The 5 Biggest Sneaker Trends to Shop This Fall and Winter
In 2021, we're seeing plenty of fresh sneaker trends that are not only cute but also, most importantly, super wearable. One such trend is platform sneakers. While the last iterations were more clunky and not necessarily designed for functionality, these newer styles are pretty darn close to perfect. We're also seeing a comeback of our tried-and-true classics, like a gray pair of New Balance or a sleek Veja. Ahead, take a look at the biggest sneaker trends. And you can shop our favorite selections by category, too.
— Additional reporting by Sarah Wasilak
:upscale()/2021/08/16/878/n/1922564/a54abcc7611ac4f3606d43.39886666_GettyImages-.jpg)
Neutrals
There's something so elevated about throwing on a pair of neutral sneakers. Whether you choose gray, blush pink, beige, or white, you can't go wrong with a pair of kicks in these calming colors.
:upscale()/2021/10/19/863/n/1922564/8558c8b0a4fdd9bd_netimggCkI8l.jpg)
Everlane The ReLeather Court Sneaker
:upscale()/2021/10/19/863/n/1922564/b81d890bca973367_netimggBPTNE.jpg)
Madewell Trainer Neutral Sneakers
:upscale()/2021/10/19/863/n/1922564/3f76fd934248829a_netimgiYk3Lm.jpg)
Charles & Keith Cream Cotton Low-Top Sneakers
:upscale()/2021/10/25/743/n/1922564/a74bf1f6bc599b2d_HAVEN-HVN-VV-05-LAMPIN-LX-VANS-Vault-Off-White-2_d6bdd40a-064d-4c69-97df-0e1293b2e269_2048x2048.jpeg)
Haven x Vans Vault OG Lampin VLT LX in Marshmallow
:upscale()/2021/10/19/863/n/1922564/e2893987907ab5aa_netimgGrLlGj.webp)
Chelsea Paris Neka Sneaker in White Croc
Chelsea Paris Neka Sneaker in White Croc ($225, originally $250)
:upscale()/2021/10/19/863/n/1922564/3f21de707a40a886_netimgW8r1Tj.webp)
Rothy's The Lace-Up in Beige Hemp
:upscale()/2021/10/19/863/n/1922564/8f68b7fb033360be_WU1MGIN_SHOE_ANGLE_GLOBAL_MENS_WOOL_RUNNER_UP_MIZZLE_GINSENG_CREAM_072c55ce-f39c-40b1-a8a6-71794f3359f9.jpg)
Allbirds Wool Runner Up Mizzles in Ginseng
:upscale()/2021/10/19/863/n/1922564/056fc92206bda69a_netimgOtk7Rw.jpg)
On Cloud Hi Monochrome Sneakers
:upscale()/2021/10/19/864/n/1922564/6a9b4d253682fcbc_1621350213_KCK311VEA_S10W_E02_ZH.jpg)
Dior D-Wander Sneaker in White Calfskin
:upscale()/2021/08/16/878/n/1922564/38102715611ac4f422abf8.05650541_GettyImages-.jpg)
Retro Sport
We're obsessed with the new iteration of retro sneakers we've been seeing on the runways. The '70s are making a comeback with brands like Loewe and RE/DONE showing us how it's done.
:upscale()/2021/10/19/864/n/1922564/886b21e1c98ac9a4_netimgdgiF87.webp)
New Balance x Casablanca XC-72
:upscale()/2021/10/26/592/n/1922564/f46ee7e48598b4df_STAUD_NEW_BALANCE_SNEAKERS_WHITE_SPRING_22_ECOM_1_2048x.progressive.jpg)
New Balance x Staud 5740 Sneaker
:upscale()/2021/10/19/864/n/1922564/750d570ded32b749_netimgfBIIZ7.webp)
By Far Rodina White And Red Grained Leather
:upscale()/2021/10/19/864/n/1922564/8cd831bd2ebfef41_netimgvOAlvb.webp)
Loeffler Randall Keira Rainbow Low Top Sneaker
:upscale()/2021/10/19/864/n/1922564/80d1e9904db824f5_netimg3lgTZl.webp)
Woden Ydn Suede Mesh Sneaker in Golden Harvest
:upscale()/2021/12/01/085/n/1922564/b7096e3bf196afb6_LOCINineWhiteOrangeBlue_8e22c6f7-cd2f-4500-b512-36f69f2ae5e6_1800x1800.jpeg)
LØCI Nine All White Vegan Sneakers
:upscale()/2021/10/19/864/n/1922564/03b27f5ad5188b67_netimgBmateY.webp)
Adidas by Stella McCartney Orange Outdoorboost 2.0 COLD.RDY Trainers
:upscale()/2021/10/19/864/n/1922564/129d069c7fb26cab_netimgTqDLI3.webp)
RE/DONE 70s Runner Shoe in Brown Suede
:upscale()/2021/08/16/877/n/1922564/208b1afd611ac4b72dffa2.16058613_GettyImages-.jpg)
High-Tops
With everyone's love of nostalgia 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.
:upscale()/2021/10/19/865/n/1922564/bf613b61968949e5_171689C_A_107X1.jpeg)
Converse Court Reimagined Chuck Taylor All Star Unisex High Top Shoe
:upscale()/2021/10/19/864/n/1922564/ea3dff87879e9fa9_netimg8gKCMt.webp)
Stuart Weitzman Wova High Top Sneaker
:upscale()/2021/10/19/864/n/1922564/d58edac2972259f8_netimgqiS8MN.jpg)
Keds Unisex Royal Hi Seasonal
:upscale()/2021/10/19/864/n/1922564/d173e5c6d33508d0_netimg6fQnMi.webp)
Zara Combination High Top Sneakers
:upscale()/2021/10/19/864/n/1922564/c2d36dffc7eb2ec5_netimgcpR1u7.webp)
Gucci Tennis 1977 High Top Sneakers
:upscale()/2021/10/19/888/n/1922564/65ff741a616f28302c20a4.93885661_ragbo4567516.jpeg)
Rag & Bone Retro Hiker Sneakers
:upscale()/2021/10/19/864/n/1922564/2a14df1c8f77fab0_netimg01lE0Z.webp)
Isabel Marant Bresse Suede-Paneled Sneakers
:upscale()/2021/08/16/877/n/1922564/579df597611ac4b7bcef06.54100888_GettyImages-.jpg)
Classics
Just like neutrals, 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 Nike and New Balance to bring back a classic style.
:upscale()/2021/10/19/865/n/1922564/5b97efca8704a954_netimgOS97bh.webp)
Nike Air Force 1 Low Shadow SE Sneakers
:upscale()/2021/10/19/865/n/1922564/34e48db9462b772b_netimgiTiGB6.jpg)
Superga Cotu Classic Lace Up Sneakers
:upscale()/2021/10/19/865/n/1922564/5d73ce20cf9a74b4_netimgqp5Qvs.webp)
Kenneth Cole Kam Leather Sneaker
:upscale()/2021/10/19/865/n/1922564/4c82070bc67ee528_netimg2B53SV.webp)
Golden Goose Sneakers Superstar Classic
:upscale()/2021/10/19/865/n/1922564/f066b48dd13c4f69_netimgITxLPy.webp)
Common Projects Original Achilles Leather Low-Top Sneakers
:upscale()/2021/06/14/798/n/1922564/32a4fdce60c79b56e90ef7.27595923_GettyImages-.jpg)
Chunky Platforms
While the chunky platform trend started in 2020, it's trucked along well into 2021, with brands like Dior and R13 continuing to reinvent the wheel. The newer iterations are definitely more wearable.
:upscale()/2021/10/19/866/n/1922564/f89ecf3dd39ffab0_netimgSInpNs.jpg)
Gola Orchid Platform Rainbow
:upscale()/2021/10/19/866/n/1922564/dcc85beb27a71677_netimgOcHii9.webp)
FILA Disruptor II Iridescent Sneakers
:upscale()/2021/10/19/866/n/1922564/4a73913e7a7fb78b_netimgk7RYgE.webp)
Reebok x Collina Strada Classic Leather Sneaker
:upscale()/2021/10/19/868/n/1922564/fab79869d9d85082_netimg2hOcb3.jpg)
Vince Warren Slip On Sneakers
:upscale()/2021/10/19/866/n/1922564/15d82c4b71b9b06b_netimgcb525u.jpg)