In 2021, we're seeing plenty of fresh sneaker trends [1] 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 [2], like a gray pair of New Balance or a sleek Veja. Ahead, take a look at the biggest sneaker trends [3]. And you can shop our favorite selections by category, too.
- Neutrals [4]
- Retro Sport [5]
- High-Tops [6]
- Classics [7]
- Chunky Platforms [8]
— Additional reporting by Sarah Wasilak
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.
Everlane The ReLeather Court Sneaker
Everlane The ReLeather Court Sneaker [10] ($110)
Madewell Trainer Neutral Sneakers
Madewell Trainer Neutral Sneakers1 [11] ($98)
Charles & Keith Cream Cotton Low-Top Sneakers
Charles & Keith Cream Cotton Low-Top Sneakers [12] ($56)
Haven x Vans Vault OG Lampin VLT LX in Marshmallow
Haven x Vans Vault OG Lampin VLT LX in Marshmallow [13] ($125)
Fendi Match Sneakers
Fendi Match Sneakers [14] ($930)
UGG CA805 Zip Mesh
UGG CA805 Zip Mesh [15] ($120)
Lanvin Curb Lace-Up Sneakers
Lanvin Curb Lace-Up Sneakers [16] ($998)
Chelsea Paris Neka Sneaker in White Croc
Chelsea Paris Neka Sneaker in White Croc [17] ($225, originally $250)
Rothy's The Lace-Up in Beige Hemp
Rothy's The Lace-Up in Beige Hemp [18] ($175)
Allbirds Wool Runner Up Mizzles in Ginseng
Allbirds Wool Runner Up Mizzles in Ginseng [19] ($135)
On Cloud Hi Monochrome Sneakers
On Cloud Hi Monochrome Sneakers [20] ($170)
Dior D-Wander Sneaker in White Calfskin
Dior D-Wander Sneaker in White Calfskin [21] ($1,150)
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.
New Balance x Casablanca XC-72
New Balance x Casablanca XC-72 [22] ($150)
New Balance x Staud 5740 Sneaker
New Balance x Staud 5740 Sneaker [23] ($150)
By Far Rodina White And Red Grained Leather
By Far Rodina White And Red Grained Leather [24] ($355)
Thousand Fell Court Shoe
Thousand Fell Court Shoe [25] ($130)
Loeffler Randall Keira Rainbow Low Top Sneaker
Loeffler Randall Keira Rainbow Low Top Sneaker [26] ($250)
Woden Ydn Suede Mesh Sneaker in Golden Harvest
Woden Ydn Suede Mesh Sneaker in Golden Harvest [27] ($99)
LØCI Nine All White Vegan Sneakers
LØCI Nine All White Vegan Sneakers [28] ($160)
Ganni Sporty Retro Sneaker
Ganni Sporty Retro Sneaker [29] ($345)
Cariuma Catiba Pro
Cariuma Catiba Pro [30] ($89)
Adidas by Stella McCartney Orange Outdoorboost 2.0 COLD.RDY Trainers
Adidas by Stella McCartney Orange Outdoorboost 2.0 COLD.RDY Trainers [31] ($209)
Puma Nitefox Highway Sneakers
Puma Nitefox Highway Sneakers [32] ($108, originally $178)
RE/DONE 70s Runner Shoe in Brown Suede
RE/DONE 70s Runner Shoe in Brown Suede [33] ($395)
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.
Converse Court Reimagined Chuck Taylor All Star Unisex High Top Shoe
Converse Court Reimagined Chuck Taylor All Star Unisex High Top Shoe [34] ($65)
Awake NY x Vans Sk8-Hi
Awake NY x Vans Sk8-Hi [35] ($90)
Stuart Weitzman Wova High Top Sneaker
Stuart Weitzman Wova High Top Sneaker [36] ($495)
Keds Unisex Royal Hi Seasonal
Keds Unisex Royal Hi Seasonal [37] ($65)
Zara Combination High Top Sneakers
Zara Combination High Top Sneakers [38] ($60)
Gucci Tennis 1977 High Top Sneakers
Gucci Tennis 1977 High Top Sneakers [39] ($690)
Rag & Bone Retro Hiker Sneakers
Rag & Bone Retro Hiker Sneakers [40] ($295)
Isabel Marant Bresse Suede-Paneled Sneakers
Isabel Marant Bresse Suede-Paneled Sneakers [41] ($595)
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.
New Balance Lace Up Sneakers
New Balance Lace Up Sneakers [42] ($337)
Nike Air Force 1 Low Shadow SE Sneakers
Nike Air Force 1 Low Shadow SE Sneakers [43] ($272)
Adidas Stan Smith Sneaker
Adidas Stan Smith Sneaker [44] ($80-$90)
Superga Cotu Classic Lace Up Sneakers
Superga Cotu Classic Lace Up Sneakers [45] ($65)
Kenneth Cole Kam Leather Sneaker
Kenneth Cole Kam Leather Sneaker [46] ($99)
Saucony Jazz 81 Megabyte
Saucony Jazz 81 Megabyte [47] ($90)
Golden Goose Sneakers Superstar Classic
Golden Goose Sneakers Superstar Classic [48] ($469)
Common Projects Original Achilles Leather Low-Top Sneakers
Common Projects Original Achilles Leather Low-Top Sneakers [49] ($440)
Veja Campo Nubuck Sneakers
Veja Campo Nubuck Sneakers [50] ($145)
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.
Brandblack Saga 130 Sneaker
Brandblack Saga 130 Sneaker [51] ($225)
Gola Orchid Platform Rainbow
Gola Orchid Platform Rainbow [52] ($80)
FILA Disruptor II Iridescent Sneakers
FILA Disruptor II Iridescent Sneakers [53] ($75)
H&M Chunky Sneakers
H&M Chunky Sneakers [54] ($35)
Reebok x Collina Strada Classic Leather Sneaker
Reebok x Collina Strada Classic Leather Sneaker [55] ($100)
R13 Platform High Top Sneakers
R13 Platform High Top Sneakers [56] ($1,135)
Vince Warren Slip On Sneakers
Vince Warren Slip On Sneakers [57] ($225)
La Canadienne Pristine Leather Shoe
La Canadienne Pristine Leather Shoe [58] ($395)