I’m going to state the obvious: sneakers are having a moment. With everyone from Hailey Bieber to Kate Middleton calling themselves fans, it’s clear that sneakers are a true wardrobe essential for any and every aesthetic. Though plain white kicks are always in the fashion rotation — being mixed into tailored and casual looks alike — updated sneaker trends are constantly dropping. Got a pen? It’s time to take notes.
This season, a few newcomers are taking over the footwear game. For 2022, it’s all about being bold with your sneakers. Neons, color blocking, heavyweight platforms — they’re all in attendance and just waiting to join your athletic-inspired collection.
The most important thing to remember when it comes to how you style sneakers: there are no rules. Tracee Ellis Ross loves rocking neon kicks with polished suiting; Lizzo has worn hers on the red carpet multiple times; and Vanessa Hudgens loves the platform style you wore during the early aughts. Ahead, peruse these sneaker trends and more, along with inspiration from the coolest celebs.
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Neons
Pops of neon have infiltrated your 2022 wardrobe, from tips to toe. One of the easiest ways to integrate it into your look: a refreshing pop of color on your kicks.
A single neon tone, like slime green, layered with neutrals, like black and white, make for a more wearable color splash.
Skater
Take a page out of the sk8r boi handbook and opt for ultra-flat, low-top sneakers.
Even when it comes to low-key skate shoes, think out of the box with color, opting for contrasting tones in a colorblock pattern.
Dad Sneakers
Don’t worry, you don’t have to give up on your dad sneakers just yet. With a modest chunky sole and original ‘ugly’ design, choose from an array of retro styles from New Balance, Puma, Nike, and the like.
There’s a reason that New Balance once adapted the slogan, “worn by supermodels in London and dads in Ohio.”
Colorblock
When it comes to statement-making sneakers, the more color, the better. Opt for classic silhouettes with contrasting tones for the best presentation of the trend.
With their clean and structured shape, the Air Force 1 can take on a lot of color, without looking gaudy.
Monochromatic
Take a page from Bella Hadid’s playbook and mix saturated sneakers with everything from off-duty denim to tailored skirt sets.
Be it cherry red, rose pink, sky blue, or something else entirely, use your sneakers as a way to infuse some color into your look.
Skimmers
Per Kate Middleton, sometimes the best kind of sneakers are the most subtle. The Dutchess often reaches for white-bright low-tops with a thin sole and unassuming profile.
Shop Middleton’s forever favorite Superga sneakers for that classic, wear-with-anything type of look.
Platforms
The early-aughts are alive and well, even in the shoe world. Case in point: literally hundreds of chunky, flatform sneakers that are available to shop now.
Shop these wavy, moto-chic kicks that’ll make you look like a grade A badass.
Off-White Soles
Regardless of the color of your sneakers, it’s a likely bet that the soles are bright white. Sneakerheads everywhere are challenging that notion as of late, opting for contrasting ivory soles, instead of a Mr. Clean white white.
To make your off-white soles stand out even more, shop for a style that combines true white with cream-colored accents.
Embellished
Lizzo knows her way around a red carpet sneaker. Amp up the oomph to yours, by shopping for an eye-catching embellished style covered in all of the sparkly things.
The ultimate glitzy style, these babies could hit the club, the red carpet, or even walk down the aisle.
