The Coolest Sneakers to Wear in 2024, Recommended by Sneakerheads

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There’s no denying that stylish footwear—particularly trendy, cool sneakers—can either elevate or detract from an outfit. These kicks effortlessly inject a unique factor into your ensembles in the most laid-back manner, often making a bold statement in the process. Given the ever-changing landscape of the sneaker market and the rapid turnover of popular styles, venturing into the world of sneakers might seem overwhelming at first. That said, whether you’re partial to white sneakers or comfort is your priority, there’s undoubtedly a style or silhouette that will pique your interest.

While taking the plunge into the sneaker scene, a bit of research on the latest and greatest kicks can be beneficial before fully embracing sneakerhead status. To discover which styles dominated 2023 as well as the exciting 2024 releases on the horizon, we consulted with Cynthia Lee, the vice president of merchandising at StockX for her expertise. A leader at a company deeply rooted in the sneaker industry, there’s no doubt she’s well-versed and knowledgeable in the field of the need-to-know kicks. Read on to find Lee’s insights and top picks along with some of our personal favorites for the coolest sneakers of 2024, below.

Samba OG shoes

The legendary Adidas Samba isn’t just a shoe; it’s a powerhouse of history and style with a design that screams effortless agility and control. From its roots on the indoor football pitch to the concrete jungle of fashion, this sneaker has been dominating the scene, becoming a must-have in everyone’s collection. Rest assured, the Adidas Samba is here to stay, continuing its reign as the ultimate street style icon.

Sizes: US 5-15

Colors: 17 options

Material: Leather, rubber

9060

The 9060 offers a feminine and futuristic twist on the Dad shoe trend, representing another stylish evolution from the past year. According to Lee, a ‘cool’ shoe “elevates your outfit and pays homage to sneaker culture while taking it to the next level.” The New Balance 9060s embody just that.

Sizes: US 5.5-15.5

Colors: Rain Cloud

Material: Suede, mesh

Made to be Remade Shoes

Hot off the press for 2024: Comfort is in! According to Lee, the best shoes are versatile enough to transition seamlessly “from work to the gym to going out with your friends” while maintaining a consistent look and feel with different outfits. The Adidas x Stella McCartney collaboration not only satisfies your designer cravings but also effortlessly elevates your athleisure game from day to night.

Sizes: US 5-13.5

Colors: Cloud White

Material: Synthetic

Gel-NYC Sneakers

When asked what brand could go the distance into the new year, Lee didn’t hesitate to name Asics. According to Lee, Asics is making a significant impact by embracing sports style and is a brand to watch. She notes that the brand is rapidly expanding, consistently releasing exciting styles, colors, and diverse silhouettes. If you haven’t already, treat yourself to a pair to stay on trend this year!

Sizes: US 6-11

Colors: Cream/Oatmeal, White/Dolphin, Cream/Grey Floss

Material: Leather, textile, rubber

Mexico 66

If you’ve ever wanted to play with vibrant colors or bold patterns on your feet, now is the perfect time. Cynthia Lee tells ELLE.com, “[Customers] are looking for identity and differentiation, looking for a twist on the norm.” A fantastic way to achieve that is by shopping this popular sneaker silhouette in a striking pop of color to showcase your unique style.

Sizes: US 7.5-9

Colors: Yellow

Material: Suede, rubber

Dunk Low ‘Vintage Green’ Sneakers

The Nike Panda Dunks serve as a gateway to sneaker culture. If you’re not ready to dive into funkier styles just yet, this is a great place to start. The ‘Vintage Green’ iteration showcases a distressed appearance to the classic ’80s basketball shoe, featuring a midsole crafted from pre-yellowed rubber.

Sizes: US 6.5-13

Colors: Dark Green

Material: Leather, rubber

Zoom Vromero 5 “Triple Pink” Sneakers

Offered in various fabrications and colors, the Nike Zoom Vomero 5, a heritage style, has recently gained traction on both social channels and StockX. Lee is particularly fond of this style for 2024, noting, “It resembles a technical running shoe, allowing the wearer to express their individual style and vibe.” Notably, pink is one of the sneaker trends to keep an eye on in the new year.

Sizes: US 5-9.5

Colors: Pink

Material: Mesh, rubber

Rx Moc 3.0 mesh slip-on sneakers

Here’s an example of how comfort, technicality, and femininity intersect to craft a sneaker that enables personal style expression. Designed to minimize physical stress on the foot, the RX MOC 3.0 is a lightweight and breathable shoe that prioritizes recovery and complete coziness.

Sizes: UK 3.5-9

Colors: Gray

Material: Rubber, Mesh

Cloudeclipse

Consider On’s latest Cloudeclipse for your next running shoe—an ideal choice for long runs with maximum cushioning. With a double layer of CloudTec Phase®, it ensures a soft and smooth ride. Beyond its eye-catching design, it’s also eco-friendly! The workout shoe’s yarn undergoes dope dyeing, a process that consumes 90 percent less water compared to standard dyeing techniques. Save your feet and contribute to a greener planet with a single purchase.

Sizes: US 5-11

Colors: Flame/Ivory, Black/Frost, White/Sand

Material: Polyester

Ms Rise low-top Sneakers

We love this lifestyle sneaker for its blend of textured textiles. Elevate your sneaker collection with Marine Serre’s Ms Rise low-top design. Crafted from lightweight fabric with sleek suede trims, these sneakers showcase the brand’s Moon logo embossed on the rubber soles.

Sizes: US 6-11

Colors: Grey

Material: Leather, rubber

CONS One Star Pro

In the 1970s, Converse made a mark with the introduction of the low-top, suede rendition of the iconic Chuck Taylor All-Star, distinguished by a lone star on the exterior. Rapidly embraced by skateboard culture, it remains a favored style for both skaters and non-skaters alike. The One Star Pro, featuring brushed suede and a vibrant star logo, is a classic statement piece and has since been upgraded with impact protection cushioning and rubber-backed suede for heightened durability.

Sizes: US 4.5-14.5

Colors: Eternal Earth Brown/White/Red, Trolled Green/White/Black, Legend Berry/White/Black, Secret Pines Green/Black/Black, Violet/Phantom Violet

Material: Suede, rubber

Creeper Fatty Sneakers

Brace yourselves! Riri returns, bigger and badder than ever, presenting the ideal platform suede creeper style in three striking combinations. The Creeper Fatty pushes the boundaries of the classic Creeper, featuring an extra-padded design, a stacked crepe gum sole, and lively pops of color.

Sizes: US 5.5-11

Colors: PUMA Black-Warm White-Gum, Speed Blue-Lime Pow-Gum, Lavender Alert-Burnt Red-Gum

Material: Suede

Beth Suede Low-Top sneakers

Who needs laces, right? This Isabel Marant pair is effortlessly slip-on, complementing everything in your wardrobe. Experience the lightweight sensation coupled with the sophistication of luxurious tonal suede and a timeless gum sole.

Sizes: US 5-11

Colors: Taupe

Material: Leather, rubber

Tabi Low-Top Sneakers

“Sneakers are more of a fashion statement than they used to be,” Lee explains. That’s precisely why now is the perfect moment to indulge in some Margiela Tabis! Despite their unassuming side profile, the split toe design serves as a unique conversation starter and boldly declares you as a ‘trendsetter.’

Sizes: EU 35-41

Colors: 5 options

Material: Canvas, rubber

Flow Runner

Here’s another recommendation for the luxury enthusiasts out there—the Loewe Flow Runner. Highlighting a stunning brushed suede texture with the subtle ‘L’ monogram, this style offers diversity and selection with three color combinations. It brings a touch of textural intrigue to a classic silhouette, ideal for those pursuing a distinctive look.

Sizes: EU 35-41

Colors: Palermo/ Soft White, Khaki Green/Soft White, Canvas/Soft White

Material: Nylon, brushed suede

Owen Sneakers

Leave it to The Row to design my dream sneaker for everyday occasions, a low-top blend of mesh and suede. It combines style, comfort, and functionality seamlessly, featuring a lace-up closure, padded collar, suede and mesh lining, foam rubber midsole, and treaded rubber outsole.

Sizes: IT 35-42

Colors: Ivory/Green

Material: Suede, mesh

Gel-Kayano 14

If there’s one style that Cynthia Lee identifies as the coolest and most versatile sneaker for the new year, it’s the Asics Kayano-14. And for her, there’s a personal connection. “I used to run in these, so for me, it’s nice to see them come back as a fashion piece,” she says, adding that the sneaker is “one of our fastest growing sneakers for both men and women and comes in so many great colors so you’re not limited.” Need we say more?

Sizes: US 5-12

Colors: 26 options

Material: Mesh, rubber

Yellow Performance Velcro Mary Jane Ballerinas

Ballet flats have seamlessly entered the sneaker market, emerging as a major shoe trend in 2024. The popularity of these styles can be attributed to the unique combination of style and comfort without overtly resembling traditional sneakers. Lee highlights this trend, sharing, “I like it when a lot of brands start thinking about femininity in a different way and making it more modern.” This particular pair captures that essence successfully.

Sizes: US 5-12

Colors: Black/Yellow

Material: Recycled Polyester

Phoenix Sneakers

Introducing: These effortlessly cool court sneakers. They feature a combination of buttery soft leather and suede, a durable rubber outsole, organic cotton laces, and an easy pull tab at the back. Oncept delivers your beloved sneaker silhouettes in a flexible and durable design, allowing you to sport these retro favorites every day, all without an immediately recognizable logo.

Sizes: US 6-10

Colors: White Cloud, Green

Material: Leather, rubber

Slider Platform Sneaker

Every woman deserves a pair of comfortable platforms in her sneaker collection, whether it’s for making a bold statement, ensuring comfort, or adding a few inches to your height. (Literally) elevate your sneaker game with a pair from Naked Wolfe, and enjoy the view from up there!

Sizes: US 5-10

Colors: Black

Material: Leather, textile, rubber

Nama Mixed Media Platform Sneakers

As Lee states, texture and vibrant patterns will dominate sneaker purchases this year. Embrace the texture trend and channel your inner cool French girl with Chloé’s mixed media platform sneaker. This stylish pair boasts contrast blanket stitching, a heat-stamped back logo detail, and a chunky ridged sole.

Sizes: US 5-10

Colors: 13 options

Material: Leather, rubber

Air Footscape Woven

Texture and pattern, particularly calf hair and animal prints, offer compelling ways to infuse personal style and expression into your look. The Nike Air Footscape, with its distinctive cow print and woven texture, is a prime example of this concept, personally recommended by Lee. She emphasizes, “It’s a really great example of fashion details that are now being brought into a sneaker.”

Sizes: US 5-14.5

Colors: 16 options

Material: Calf Hair, rubber

Leather & Suede Slip-on Sneakers

Known for its unparalleled Italian craftsmanship and casual luxury, Brunello Cucinelli exemplifies understated elegance, and these sneakers are no exception. Made with buttery leather, these slip-on sneakers feature suede trim, a round toe, and a chunky rubber sole.

Sizes: US 5-11

Colors: White

Material: Leather, suede, rubber

Screener Leather Sneakers

The coolest shoe brands to shop now blend “couture and fashion elements and apply them to a sneaker,” Lee says. Gucci perfectly embodies this approach with its Screener Leather sneakers, drawing inspiration from old-school silhouettes and incorporating materials reminiscent of vintage sportswear. The pre-distressed aesthetic in new sneakers is another one of 2024’s hottest sneaker trends, so don’t miss out.

Sizes: US 4-12

Colors: Red, Green

Material: Leather, rubber

XT-6 Expanse

Finally, I’ve saved the best for last. I wholeheartedly agree with Lee when she expresses, “My favorite Salomon shoe that came out this year is the collaboration with Sandy Liang. The pastel pink and pop of green is feminine, yet the design remains technical.” She also emphasizes Salomons’s remarkable comfort, noting, “A lot of women associate fashion with not necessarily being comfortable, and this year, it’s all about comfort.” Cheers to that!

Sizes: US 5-14

Colors: Pink

Material: Mesh, rubber

Why Trust ELLE

Every product featured on ELLE.com is independently researched, tested, or editor-approved. We only recommend products that we stand behind, and the merchandise featured on our site is always driven by editorial and product testing standards, not by affiliate deals or advertising relationships. Any content created in partnership with advertisers is marked as such.

Meet the Experts

Cynthia Lee is the Vice President of Merchandising at StockX.

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