Trends move quickly, and sneakers are no exception.
In recent years, we’ve been in the fashionable grips of dozens of sneaker trends, from clean, white wear-with-anything styles, to chunky runners reminiscent of a dad in the ‘80s. But the latest style to fall in favour with it-girls the world over is brighter and bolder than we’ve seen before.
That’s right, according to trendsetters like Harry Styles, Bella Hadid, and Olivia Wilde, this is the season of colourful sneakers.
Adidas is leading the charge, with rainbow iterations of their most popular silhouettes, including Gazelles, Spezials and, of course, Sambas. But other brands are also catching onto the trend, with styles from Onitsuka Tiger, New Balance, and Adidas also gaining traction.
Not sure how to wear the trend?
If you’re more of a monochromatic girlie, dip your toes (literally) into colour by punctuating regular outfits with a bright sneaker. We’re taking cues from Sonia Lyson (below), whose casual cool grey ‘fit is instantly elevated by a pop of red at her feet.
Or, make like influencer Jaci Marie Smith and let a vibrantly hued shoe be the hero of your look. Denim and neutrals lay the perfect canvas for a pop of colour
Looking to step things up a notch? Look no further than Copenhagen’s cool girls and fully lean into the trend by pairing bold patterns and vibrant colours with a clashing sneaker.
Convinced? Below, our top picks for the best colourful sneakers to shop this season — before they sell out.
2024’s top colourful sneakers
- Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66, $200, The Iconic (here’s why)
- Oca Low Purple Gum Suede , $145, Cariuma (here’s why)
- SL72 OG, $150, adidas (here’s why)
The best colourful sneakers of 2024
01
Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66
$200 at The Iconic
The Mexico 66’s have become a cult favourite, in a bold sunshine yellow they add a statement pop to even the most basic outfits and they even have a cool retro vibe to the silhouette.
Sizes: US 4 to 14 | Colours: Over 10 colourways | Materials: Rubber outsole
Key features:
- Slim style
- Inspired by training shoes
Available at:
- $200 from Onitsuka Tiger
02
Oca Low Purple Gum Suede
$145 at Cariuma
For a classic and simple shoe that champions sustainability, Cariuma’s eco-friendly sneakers are top of the list. Made using LWG-certified suede, organic canvas and other sustainably and ethically sourced materials – you can rest assured that your sneakers will look good and do better.
Sizes: US 5 to 13 | Colours: Over 10 colourways | Materials: LWG-certified suede, natural rubber, organic cotton, cork and bio-based foam
Key features:
- Available in canvas, suede, leather or recycled outer materials
- Buy one pair and plant two trees
- Cushioned heel and soles for comfort
03
SL72 OG
$150 at adidas
The iconic adidas Sambas will always have a place in our hearts but if you’re after a new shape with that same vintage allure the newly rereleased SL72’s from the brand have certainly caught our eye. First launched in the 70s this sleek sneaker has been brought into the present in bold and trendy colourways.
Sizes: US 5 to 9 | Colours: Semi Green Spark, Night Indigo, Blue, Utility Yellow and Shadow Yellow | Materials: Nylon, suede and leather upper, Ecotex and EVA
Key features:
- Lace closure
- Regular slim fit
- Ecotex tongue adds texture
Available at:
- $150 from JD Sports
- $150 from Stylerunner
04
Tb. 490 Rife Sneakers
$320 at Alohas
If you love the look of those classic adidas’ but are after something less branded and a touch different, Alohas’ new sneaker launch are on its way to becoming a cult favourite. They’re also made using sustainable materials in Portugal and on a small batch/made to order system to reduce waste.
Sizes: EU 35 to 46 | Colours: Orange, Acid Green, Pink, Silver Shimmer, Forest Green, Burgundy, Cream and more | Materials: Sustainable cow leather, rubber and cotton
Key features:
- Contrast stitching and details
- Designed in Barcelona
- Unisex silhouette
05
Salomon XT-6 Mesh Sneakers
$422 at Net-A-Porter
The Salomon XT-6 has quickly become the latest It Shoe within the Gen Z style set, leaning into the Gorp-core aesthetic that centres technical outdoor clothing in every style. They offer a chunkier silhouette than other trending shoes and you can guarantee they’ll leave you in comfort.
Sizes: UK 3.5 to 9 | Colours: Sunny Lime and Beige | Materials: Leather and synthetic materials
Key features:
- Mud Contagrip sole
- Toggle fastening at front
06
adidas Originals Gazelle Bold
$190 at ASOS
Bring some brightness to your wardrobe with these canary yellow Gazelle Bold’s with sweet pink contrasting details. The Gazelle Bold silhouette adds some height with the platform sole and a more chunky shape.
Sizes: EU 36 to 43 1/3 | Colours: Yellow Multi| Materials: Suede, leather and textile upper
Key features:
- Padded cuff
- Textured grip tread
- Platform layered sole
07
Reebok Club C Grounds UK
$149.99 at Hype DC
The iconic Club C silhouette has long been a favourite sneaker of ours, and their new releases in fun and exciting colourways have certainly caught our eye. Another vintage style, the Club C has that uniquely 80s look to it whilst still feeling modern and fresh.
Sizes: US 5.5 to 15 | Colours: Kinetic Blue, Midnight Plum, Eacobl, Dark Matter, White, Black and Stucco | Materials: Leather and synthetic leather upper, textile lining, rubber midsole and outsole
Key features:
- Perforated details
- Contrasting leather detailing
- Debossed heel
08
550
$200 at New Balance
If you are still tied to your chunkier sneaker styles in the way of Air Forces and the like, these minty green New Balance 550s are one to watch. The colour is just subtle enough to slot seamlessly into your everyday wardrobe but they definitely add a spring to your step.
Sizes: US 5.5 to 14.5 | Colours: Deep Lichen Green and Slate Grey | Materials: Premium leathers
Key features:
- Rubber outsole
- Padded foam tongue
- Monochromatic design
Looking to save money on new shoes? Check out our coupon codes for Net-A-Porter, Stylerunner and more.
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- How To Clean White Sneakers So They Look (Almost) New Again