It seems like there is a new “it” sneaker style every season now, whether it be a fresh take on a classic silhouette seen on the runway or the return of an old favorite among celebrities who set the fashion agenda on the streets. You can’t go wrong with any trainers you wear, but a pair of It sneakers catch the spirit of the times. The sneaker styles of 2023 are a perfect reflection of the fact that athletic shoes are inherently cool, functional, and comfy.
On the runways for Spring/Summer 2023, many shoe designers ditched sky-high stilettos in favor of stylish sneakers with plenty of padding. Designers didn’t shy away from sporty features, as evidenced by Sandy Liang’s downtown-approved Salomon sneakers and Coach’s ’80s-style high-tops. There were also several high-low collaborations, such as the retro runners at Keds and Altuzarra and Cecilie Bahnsen’s work with Asics, where she made one-of-a-kind customized sneakers, embroidered by hand, out of stock from the previous season.
When asked about the popularity of sneakers, Google Shopping’s editorial and creative lead Aya Kanai replied, “Comfort is king.” These days, people want to look their best without compromising on comfort, so they’re on the hunt for small ways to elevate their everyday attire. Never again will you find me in high heels! Highsnobiety’s vice president of creative and buying, Herbert Hofmann, agrees, telling TZR that shoes may no longer be considered a fashion trend. In his opinion, this subset of shoes is here to stay. However, it’s undeniable that some formats will always be more popular than others.
As Hofmann puts it, “It is very interesting to see how certain brands and designs are taking over because it seems to be the ‘outsiders’ who get the most attention.” He claims that outdoorsy brands like New Balance and The North Face are frequently adopted by hip young people before they become popular among older generations. “Consumers are the driving force behind trends, rather than brands and their marketing.”
According to Hofmann, athletic footwear has emerged as a potent means of self-expression. “Sneakers became the ultimate key piece to show to which brand world, vibe, and lifestyle you belong,” he says. The brand and type of sneakers you wear will disclose whether you are “in the know” and reveal something about your lifestyle and identity, even if the rest of your clothing is simple and classic. Although sneakers have always been a part of popular culture, they are more important than ever in establishing an individual’s sense of style.
There’s no shortage of information that confirms consumer enthusiasm: “New Balance 550 still has a lot of traction, up in search interest 350% on Google,” Kanai says. Other brands, including On Cloud sneakers (up 190% on our site) and Veja sneakers (a 160% increase), are also doing well. Customers are becoming more savvy about their sneaker purchasing decisions as the market expands.
However, Hofmann predicts a return to form for some tried-and-true trends. I don’t mean to be overly dramatic or philosophical about current events, but this is a really strange period to be alive. His suggestion: “Wear what you know; it may humble you or remind you of times when you felt more at ease,” he says. With the expectation that 2023 won’t be as challenging, I find myself longing to get out my old pairs of Stan Smiths, 990s, Air Force 1s, Asics Running Shoes, and Tom Sachs General Purpose Shoes. If you’re looking for the best sneaker trends of the year, keep scrolling.
1. Nostalgic Classics
Hofmann argues that this period of sentimental reflection will last for some time. The iconic Stan Smiths, 990s, and Air Force 1s you may have forgotten about are calling your name. If you’ve never tried these before but are interested in doing so before supply runs out, this is a fantastic time to do so. According to Google Trends, there has been a 2,900% increase in interest in the phrase “shop white sneakers” over the past year in the United States, suggesting that the traditional white tennis shoe is making a comeback.
2. Retro Soccer Shapes
Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber are just two of the A-listers who have been spotted wearing Adidas’ classic indoor soccer sneaker, the Samba, with everything from workout clothes to formal attire. Other sneaker manufacturers, such as Gola and Puma, also feature the retro-inspired ’70s silhouette as part of their staple collections, with each pair characterized by a rubber sole and suede upper. If you want something a little more “fashion-focused,” try out Toteme’s suede iteration of the sneakers.
3. Hiker Shapes
The hiker sneaker has become a popular streetwear item, seen in celebrities like Emily Ratajkowski and Bella Hadid. Sandy Liang wore black and white Salomon sneakers in her Spring/Summer 2023 collection, so clearly this fad isn’t going away anytime soon. “A hiking shape from Salomon, Merrell, or Keen will stay interesting too,” explains Hofmann. If you look through their selection, you’ll be able to locate some truly unique and high-quality footwear that offers safety, comfort, and good looks.
4. 80s High Tops
According to Google, high-top sneakers were the third most searched footwear style in the United States last month. We predict that the high-top design will make a significant comeback in the coming year. You can thank the last season of Stranger Things on Netflix for this, as it produced quite a bit of ’80s fashion hype, or you can look to Hadid’s recent street-style outfit inspired by the decade (see above). The shoe was worn with enormous leather coats and baby doll dresses at Coach’s Spring/Summer 2023 show, enhancing the brand’s trendy credibility.
5. Sporty Silver Runners
“We love and appreciate a good running silhouette from Asics, Hoka, or Mizuno,” Hofmann says. To complete the look, wear them with some nice pants and a white button-down or T-shirt. However, Bahnsen’s juxtaposition of the traditional Asics running shoe with her girly dresses made for a major talking point during Paris Fashion Week. “Getting this sporty vibe and having a little silver in the designs is the way to go,” Hoffman says. Silver was the most-searched shoe color in the United States in the previous month, according to Google Trends, so now is the time to buy into this trend before everyone else does.
