Like a cool autumn breeze, fall’s biggest sneaker trends are a breath of fresh air for your everyday wardrobe. The season’s vibe, as my colleagues and I have deduced from scouring the fall runways and spending countless hours walking around New York, is a return to elegant simplicity via slim, sporty, retro designs. Barely there outsoles elevate casual outfits; track-inspired silhouettes offer nostalgia and walkability; bright pops of color might just convince you to put your white sneakers to rest. These are the biggest sneaker trends we’ll be wearing this fall, from rich brown suede sneakers to Scandi-girl runners.
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1. Chocolate brown
You heard it here first: Fashion people are trading in their stark white kicks for earthy brown sneakers. The neutral is just as effortless to wear—it looks great with white socks, black pants, faded jeans, patterned dresses, and just about everything else—while offering a little more of a risk-taker’s point of view to any outfit. Chocolate brown looks best in suede, and the picks below (including the Jennifer Lawrence-loved Puma Speedcats) make the most of the color in easy-to-style silhouettes.
2. Post-Sambas Adidas
Sambas will never be over; if anything, they’ve ascended to the realm of the wardrobe staple. But for those of us who like to change things up with our footwear, it’s time to evolve. And thankfully, Adidas is up to the challenge, releasing so many archival silhouettes and sought-after collabs that it’s almost impossible to keep up. I’m betting on the Tokyo as the new It shape for the months ahead; invest now to stay well ahead of the curve. Alternatively, one of the brand’s buzzy Wales Bonner collaborations is still in stock, retro releases are readily available, and a next-gen take on Sambas has hit shelves. Take your pick.
3. Extra-slim soles
All of my favorite sneakers of the moment all feature the absolute thinnest soles possible, and my fellow fashion editors agree—chunky kicks are on the back burner for now. Ushered in late last year by Dries Van Noten’s streamlined sneakers, available below, the shape is now available from everyone from Reformation to Veronica Beard. I love this look because the loafer-like soles feel more elevated than those of regular sneakers; you can wear a pair with a suit to the office or with a dress on a dinner date without feeling underdressed.
4. Retro runners
Everyone needs a good pair of athletic sneakers in their closet, and one of fall’s hottest silhouettes is the ’70s track shoe. Defined by foam midsoles and grippy outsoles, these kicks combine the foot-friendly benefits of walking shoes with the retro charm of vintage sneakers. Heritage styles from Nike, Puma, and Reebok are enjoying a major moment, while Loewe and Tory Burch have released their own takes on the style, meaning we’re in for a lot more of these shoes in the coming months. Style your choice with crew socks for the full throwback effect.
5. Easy plimsolls
The sneaker of choice for both Jane Birkin and prep-school teens, lightweight plimsolls—perhaps the simplest kicks on the market—have charmed the fashion world as summer fades to fall. With sporty origins and svelte profiles, they fit right in with the rest of the moment’s minimal sneaker trends. Honor the classics with a pair from Keds, Tretorn, or Converse; go with $35 Feiyues to fit in with the growing number of Americans adopting the iconic Chinese-French brand, which is now readily available on Amazon.
6. High-tech running shoes
While you might associate the genre with your dad, you can thank Scandinavian girls and hiking’s growing influence on fashion for the recent explosion in technical sneakers. Equipped for backcountry runs and city treks alike, these pairs are unapologetically sporty: silver accents, bold colorways, thick soles, large logos. Channel gorpcore with a tank top, a nylon jacket, and track pants, or try your hand at Scandi styling with a cardigan, a full skirt, and an oversized scrunchie.
7. Sneakerinas
The most unique shoe trend to arrive on our editors’ radar has finally hit the big time. Following in the footsteps of labels like Miu Miu and Simone Rocha, which have long offered ballet flat-sneaker hybrids, brands like JW Pei and Jeffrey Campbell are now releasing their takes on the trend. It’s a nice in-between for anyone who love flats but need a more walking-friendly option. Pro tip: The ballerina sneakers look especially great with long skirts and baggy jeans.
