Retro style makes a comeback:
Unabated popularity of classic styles: Retro sneaker styles like Adidas’ Samba, Onitsuka Tiger’s Mexico 66, and Converse’s Chuck Taylor All Stars are still very popular. These classic shoe styles have profound historical background and unique designs. They are not only comfortable to wear but also can be easily matched with various clothing, showing unique fashion taste. Brands continuously launch reissued versions or styles innovatively improved on the basis of classics to meet consumers’ pursuit of retro style. For example, the collaborative Samba sneakers between Wales Bonner and Adidas, with their unique contrast stitching and mohair material, have become a hot item in the market.
Popularity of retro colors: In addition to the classic black, white, and gray, some colors with a retro feel such as wine red, dark green, and brown are increasingly applied on sneakers. These colors can better reflect the charm of retro style and also add more possibilities for sneaker matching.
Application of leather and suede materials:
Upgraded texture: Sneakers made of leather and suede materials continue to be favored in 2024. The application of this material not only enhances the texture of sneakers but also increases the durability and luxury feel of the shoes. Whether it’s all-leather or leather combined with other materials, they can all show unique fashion taste. For example, the suede 530 sneakers from the collaboration between Miu Miu and New Balance, which adopt high-quality camel suede material, reinterpret the classic style and attract much attention.
Rich colors: Sneakers made of leather and suede materials are also more diverse in colors. In addition to common basic colors like black and white, some bright colors such as red, blue, and yellow are also widely used, adding more highlights to the overall look.
Integration of technology and intelligent elements:
High-performance materials: Sneaker brands continuously explore and adopt new high-performance materials to improve the comfort, support, and durability of shoes. For example, using lighter and more elastic midsole materials can provide better energy return and shock absorption effects, making wearers more comfortable and at ease during exercise. Some brands also use upper materials with functions such as breathability, waterproofing, and antibacterial properties to meet consumers’ needs in different scenarios.
Intelligent connectivity: Smart sneakers with built-in sensor technology and data analysis algorithms become a trend. These sneakers can monitor key indicators such as users’ gait, exercise intensity, and heart rate, and through connection with devices like mobile phones, provide real-time feedback on exercise data and training suggestions to help users optimize exercise methods and prevent sports injuries. Smart sneakers can also achieve personalized settings and adjust the functions and performance of shoes according to users’ preferences and needs.
Color collision and bold color matching:
Contrasting color design: The design of sneakers is becoming bolder, and contrasting colors have become a popular trend. Through strongly contrasting color combinations such as red and green, blue and yellow, black and white, etc., a visual impact and fashion sense are created. This contrasting color design is not only reflected in the overall color matching of the shoe body but can also be embodied in details such as the sole, shoelaces, and logo, adding unique personality to sneakers.
Colorful gradients: The application of gradient colors on sneakers is also increasing. From the toe to the heel or from the sole to the upper, a soft color transition is presented, giving a novel and unique visual effect. The colorful gradient color matching can make sneakers more layered and artistic and also more easily attract consumers’ attention.
Integration of daily wear and sports functions:
Combination of fashionable appearance and comfortable performance: Consumers’ demand for sneakers is no longer limited to sports occasions. More and more people hope to wear comfortable and fashionable sneakers in daily life. Therefore, the design of sneakers pays more attention to the balance between fashion sense and comfort. It should not only have an attractive appearance design but also have good sports performance such as shock absorption, support, and breathability. For example, shoe models like Nike’s Dunk Low are suitable for daily wear and can also meet certain sports needs.
Diversification of styles: To meet the needs of different consumers, the styles of sneakers are also becoming more diverse. In addition to traditional running shoes, basketball shoes, etc., some styles such as casual sneakers, skateboard shoes, and dad shoes are also very popular. These styles pay more attention to fashion sense and personalization in design and can be matched with various daily clothing to show different styles.