The 8 biggest sneaker trends of 2024, according to a fashion stylist.

2024 has been a big year for sneakers. Huge.

(If you don't have a pair of Sambas, Gazelles and Onitsuka Tigers on rotation, what exactly have you been wearing!?).

But the amount of options can be a bit... intense. 

So we called in the big gun, AKA Leonie Barlow from The Style Insider, to share the biggest sneaker trends she's seeing this year, which ones are worth investing your money in and how to style the ones you already own. 

Watch Leonie Barlow break down the biggest sneaker trends of 2024 here. Post continues below.

So let's get into what she had to say about the top trends for 2024. 

1. The wrong shoe theory.

Image: Instagram @thestyleinsider.

"The wrong shoe theory is choosing an unexpected shoe to team with your outfit," Leonie told Mamamia. 

"Often when we feel like we have nothing to wear, it's simply because we've run out of inspiration or we just seem to be putting the same outfits together time and time again.

"That's why I love the wrong shoe theory because essentially it's opting for a shoe that you wouldn't traditionally choose to go with that outfit, and it creates a really interesting juxtaposition," she continued.

"When it comes to sneakers, I'm seeing a lot of sneakers being teamed with unexpected items. Like for instance an Adidas Samba teamed with a lace skirt. It's completely unexpected but for some reason, it works."

2. Scandi sneaker style.

Image: Instagram @qeti_imnadze.

"The Scandi sneaker style leans very heavily into the whole idea of the wrong shoe theory," Leonie said about the trend.

"It's very much a Scandi minimalist style of dressing where outfits are created with unexpected combinations, like chunky sneakers teamed back with feminine, floaty lace dresses and skirts. 

"But this whole trend also means that chunky sneakers are making a comeback, so if you own a pair of dad-style sneakers pair them back with an unexpected outfit."

3. New neutrals.

Image: Instagram @iamcharlotteolivia.

"Our stark white Adidas Sambas aren't going anywhere thankfully, but what we are seeing are trainers leaning into more of a neutral, beige colour," she said. 

"I'm seeing more earthy tones creeping in when it comes to sneakers, and the great thing about it is that they go with everything. 

"Sometimes, they're easier to style with outfits because they're not so stark."

4. Silver sneakers.

Image: Instagram @a.gram.of.sne.

"I'm still on the fence about this trend but I can see the appeal. I can see that a silver sneaker is a neutral, but it's a really fun neutral so it's an easy way to add a bit of personality and shine to an outfit," said Leonie. 

5. Tennis-core.

Image: Instagram @thestyleinsider.

"One of the biggest sneaker trends that is happening right now is tennis-core. So a great pair of comfy tennis sneakers being worn with everything like shorts or mini skirts. They're very much having a moment right now," she said.

6. Printed sneakers.

Image: Instagram @scarfandamug.

"There's been a lot of printed sneakers this season. Adidas did some leopard print sneakers, which I think are a lot of fun and they're a great way to stamp summer on your footwear," she said, before pointing out that gingham printed sneakers are also a great option for when the weather warms up. 

7. Slimline sneakers.

Image: Instagram @lena.sobalak.

"Slimline sneakers really started to take off last summer, and they haven't really gone anywhere. We've seen lots of different interpretations and lots of different brands coming on board, so if you invested in a pair last season, you're still very much on trend," said the stylist. 

8. Colourful sneakers.

Image: Instagram @francescasafarri.

"All the sneaker brands have great colourful options. But it seems at the moment that the most popular sneaker trend is to wear a pair of kicks that are colourful and fun to help add some personality to an outfit," said Leonie. 

"You can also team your sneakers with a baseball cap and a purse to create a cohesive outfit."

You can subscribe to Leonie Barlow's YouTube channel The Style Insider here and follow her on Instagram here.

Feature Image: The Style Insider.